How to Become a CNA in Tennessee

2026 Step-by-Step Guide — Career Academy Memphis

Last updated: June 2026

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 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

Tennessee requires a minimum of 75 hours of training (federal minimum), but most approved programs run 120+ hours. Training includes classroom instruction and supervised clinical skills practice.

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 — must work at least 8 hours as a paid CNA during that period
Out-of-state CNAs: Tennessee accepts certifications from other states via endorsement (reciprocity) — no need to retake the exam if your certification is active and unencumbered

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 endorsement (reciprocity) — you apply to the Tennessee Nurse Aide Registry, submit verification from your current state, and clear a background check, with no need to retake the state exam. Most transfers process in 4–8 weeks.

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 typically range from $650 to $3,000 depending on the school. Career Academy charges $1,350 all-inclusive — 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.

How many clinical hours are required for CNA in Tennessee?

Tennessee requires a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training as part of your CNA program. The federal minimum is also 16 clinical hours out of a 75-hour minimum program. Most state-approved programs, including Career Academy, exceed these minimums — Career Academy's 120-hour program includes significant hands-on clinical skills practice.

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