How to Become a CNA in Tennessee

2026 Step-by-Step Guide — Career Academy Memphis

Last updated: September 2026

To become a CNA in Tennessee you complete a state-approved nurse aide training program, pass the two-part Credentia competency exam (written and skills), and get listed on the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry. There is no separate license application — your registry listing is your CNA certification. Most people finish in 4–6 weeks of training plus 2–4 weeks to test, and no high school diploma or GED is required to start.

Tennessee has approximately 27,000 CNA positions statewide, with 5–8% projected growth through 2032 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Memphis alone employs nearly 3,830 CNAs across hospitals, nursing facilities, and home health agencies.

Quick Overview

Timeline

4–6 weeks training + exam

Cost

$1,350 (2026) / $1,900 (2027) at Career Academy (assistance available)

Requirements

18+, SSN or ITIN, background check, no diploma required

Career Outlook

High demand, $28K–$38K/yr

Step 1: Tennessee CNA Requirements

✓Must be at least 18 years old
✓Pass a background check — no felony convictions for abuse
✓Must have a Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN
✓No high school diploma or GED required — Career Academy offers the Ability to Benefit (ATB) assessment as an alternative pathway (score 70+)
✓No prior healthcare experience needed

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Federal rules require at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Career Academy's program is 120 hours: 102 classroom and skills-lab hours plus 18 clinical hours in our on-campus clinical site.

Career Academy — 120 Hours Total

Day class: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM (~4 weeks)
Evening class: Mon–Fri, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (~6 weeks)
Location: 3355 Poplar Avenue, Suite 100G, Memphis, TN

What you learn: patient care skills, vital signs, infection control, communication, hygiene, mobility assistance, and 24 clinical skills required for the state exam.

Comparing programs? See our guide to CNA classes in Memphis.

Step 3: Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training, you register through Credentia (Tennessee's nurse aide testing vendor since June 1, 2026, replacing TMU) to schedule your state competency exam.

The exam has two parts:

Written/oral knowledge test — covers patient care concepts, safety, infection control, and communication
Clinical skills evaluation — you demonstrate 5 of the 24 required skills (randomly selected) on a mannequin or volunteer

Career Academy is a registered state exam testing site — students test where they train, in a familiar environment. Learn more about the Tennessee CNA state exam.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Registry and Start Working

After passing both parts of the exam, your name is added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry — this is your official CNA certification. Employers verify your credentials through the registry before hiring.

Renewal: Every 24 months, online through your Credentia account — you need at least 8 hours worked in a licensed health care facility in the previous 24 months
Out-of-state CNAs: Tennessee accepts certifications from other states through reciprocity — no testing if your certification is active and in good standing (Florida certifications aren't accepted)

Step 5: Start Your Career

CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and clinics. Major Memphis employers include Baptist Memorial Health Care, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, Regional One Health, St. Francis Hospital, and the Memphis VA Medical Center. Memphis typically has 200–500+ open CNA positions at any given time.

Starting Pay

$13.50 – $16/hour

Experienced Pay

$16 – $19/hour

Many CNAs use their certification as a stepping stone to LPN or RN. See detailed salary data for CNAs in Memphis.

Career Academy is a registered testing site — test where you train.

Take the First Step

Already a CNA from another state? Transfer to Tennessee

If you're already certified elsewhere, you don't have to start over. Tennessee accepts active, good-standing CNA credentials through reciprocity — you submit the E3 reciprocity application through Credentia, which verifies your certification in each state you list and checks those states' abuse registries. No testing is required. Tennessee does not accept Florida certifications for reciprocity.

If your certification has been lapsed for 24+ months or has a finding against it, reciprocity won't apply — the fastest path is a fresh CNA course. Career Academy's 4–6 week program qualifies as full recertification training and includes the state exam at no extra cost. Apply to start fresh →

Full reciprocity steps, fees, and forms — including bordering-state rules for Mississippi, Arkansas, and Kentucky — are in our Tennessee CNA Registry guide. Unsure whether you qualify or whether starting fresh is faster? Call (901) 761-4500 and we'll help you weigh the options.

Already certified? Renewals & registry lookups

Looking up a CNA license, checking your certification status, or renewing your Tennessee CNA certification (including the June 2026 move from TMU to Credentia) is covered step by step on our dedicated reference: Tennessee CNA Registry — lookup, renewal & reciprocity →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a CNA in Tennessee?

Training takes 4–6 weeks depending on the schedule you choose. After training, you schedule your state competency exam through Credentia, Tennessee's nurse aide testing vendor (which replaced TMU on June 1, 2026). Most students complete the exam within 2–4 weeks of finishing their program, so the full process is typically 6–10 weeks from start to certified.

Do you need a high school diploma to become a CNA in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee does not require a high school diploma or GED to enroll in a CNA training program. Career Academy offers an Ability to Benefit (ATB) assessment as an alternative pathway — score 70 or higher and you're eligible to enroll. No diploma required.

How much does it cost to become a CNA in Tennessee?

CNA program costs in Tennessee vary widely by school, and many private schools don't publish prices. Career Academy charges $1,350 for 2026 classes, $1,900 for 2027 classes — tuition, supplies, and state exam fee. Payment plans are available, and AJC/SNAP sponsorships may cover the full cost for eligible students. See our tuition assistance page for details.

What is on the Tennessee CNA state exam?

The Tennessee CNA competency exam has two parts: (1) a written or oral knowledge test covering patient care concepts, safety, infection control, and communication, and (2) a clinical skills evaluation where you are randomly selected to demonstrate 5 of the 24 required skills on a mannequin or volunteer. You must pass both parts to earn your certification.

Can I become a CNA in Tennessee with a felony?

Career Academy runs a FOIL (Finding Offenders in Locations) registry check. Felony convictions for abuse will disqualify you. Other convictions do not automatically prevent enrollment. Contact us at (901) 761-4500 if you have questions about your specific situation.

What are the requirements to become a CNA in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires you to complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (federal minimum 75 hours; Career Academy's program is 120 hours), pass a background check with no abuse-related convictions, and pass the Credentia written and skills exam. You do not need a high school diploma or GED — Career Academy admits students through the Ability to Benefit assessment. You must be at least 18 to enroll at Career Academy, and you need a Social Security Number or ITIN for the registry.

How do I get my CNA license in Tennessee?

Tennessee does not issue a separate CNA license. Once you finish an approved training program and pass both parts of the Credentia competency exam, your name is added to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, and that listing is your certification. Employers verify it on the registry. It stays active as long as you work at least 8 paid hours as a CNA every 24 months.

How many clinical hours are required for CNA in Tennessee?

Federal rules require at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training within a program of at least 75 hours. Career Academy's 120-hour program exceeds both: 102 classroom and skills-lab hours plus 18 clinical hours in our on-campus clinical site.

Have more questions? Browse our complete CNA FAQ for answers about eligibility, costs, scheduling, and more.

Keep planning your path

CNA training without a GED → The Ability-to-Benefit (ATB) pathway, explained.
How to pay for CNA school → WIOA, SNAP E&T, GI Bill, MyCAA, payment plans.
Funded CNA training in Memphis → Funded programs that can cover 100% of tuition.
Evening CNA classes → Keep your day job while you train.
How to choose a CNA school in Memphis → 8 factors that separate legit programs from time-wasters.
Healthcare careers without a degree → Where CNA fits in the bigger picture.

Ready to get started?

New classes start monthly. Apply online in 15 minutes.

Take the First Step — Apply Now

Written by Career Academy staff — CNA educators with 10+ years of experience training nursing assistants in Memphis, TN.

Apply Now — It Takes 15 Minutes

More guides on CNA training in Memphis.

See all CNA training resources