How to Become a CNA in Colorado (2025)

By Pia CabardoUpdated Jun 11, 2026

See if you qualify for Certified Nursing Assistant programs

Answer a few questions in 2 minutes. Free, no commitment.

Colorado needs CNAs, and there are many job openings in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. As a CNA, you will work closely with patients to provide daily care, assist with activities of daily living, and help watch their health status.

Key Points:

To become a CNA in Colorado, you must enroll in a state-approved training program, which includes 75 hours of comprehensive healthcare education.
The training consists of engaging lectures, hands-on lab work, and practical clinical experience in a recognized healthcare setting.
Colorado's CNA courses can vary in length, ranging from a quick-paced 3 weeks to a more in-depth full semester. CNA training programs in Colorado cost between $500 and $1,500, not including expenses like textbooks and uniforms.
After training, a CNA in Colorado can earn an average salary of $30,570 per year or $16 per hour. This is around $587 per week or $2,547 per month.

Programs for you

Southern New Hampshire University

BA Psychology with concentration in Mental Health

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Stautzenberger College - Online

Diploma Medical Office Billing and Coding

Online

Complete your diploma in 10 months through 100% online format
Master ICD and CPT coding systems for insurance claims and medical records

Financial aid (may be available)

Southern New Hampshire University

BS Healthcare Administration

Online

Complete your degree at your own pace
24/7 online accessibility

Financial aid (may be available)

Walden University

BS in Psychology

Online

Online program from an HLC- accredited institution.
Develop creative thinking skills to address behavioral & mental processes.

Financial aid (may be available)

What are the requirements to be a CNA in Colorado?

Complete state-recognized training - To become a CNA, you need to complete a training program that lasts for 75 hours. The program includes lectures, labs, and clinical experience in an approved setting. Colorado nurse aide classes range from 3 weeks to a full semester in duration.
Pass a background check - Federal and state agencies do not mandate educational requirements for nurse aides. Although a clean background is necessary. If you want to work as a CNA in Colorado, the Board of Nursing will check your criminal records first.
Have the required documents to submit - To get the certification, you must first have the prerequisites for training. First, you must be at least 18 years of age or 16 with consent from a legal guardian. Have proof of citizenship or residency like a Social Security Card and have a High School Diploma (or equal).
Be up to date on immunizations - You need to submit your immunization documents as well. To show that you can work as a CNA, you may need to take a TB test and have proof that you got the COVID vaccine.
Pass the examination - Pearson Vue handles the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam and the management of Colorado's Nurse Aide Registry. To get certified, complete the Certification by Examination application and pass both exam parts within two years of applying.

The exam has two segments, both of which you must pass to qualify for the nurse aide registry. You must complete the 70-question multiple-choice written test of the CNA exam within 90 minutes. The skills evaluation part requires demonstrating five different skills within 30 minutes. The current cost for first-time exam takers is $50 for the written part and $85 for the skill part.
Important points to know about the Pearson VUE exam and its scoring - You can make payments for the exam using a credit card, pre-paid debit card, ACH/ electronic check, or electronic voucher. Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. You must make exam reservations at least 10 calendar days before the test date on your computer.

Score reports are available online, so they can be printed and downloaded. If an applicant fails either section of the exam, they may retest up to three times within 24 months by paying an extra fee and submitting the official score report to Pearson Vue. Passing both sections is required for inclusion in the Nurse Aide Registry

How do I register for the CNA exam?

Once you finish a training course approved by the state of Colorado, you will be required to set up an online account using Credentia's CNA365 system. You can find a detailed step-by-step reference guide on how to create a CNA365 account and register for the exams. By using the Credentia CNA365 system, you can conveniently register for your examination online in an easier way.

Upon qualification to take the CNA state examination, you can now start your countdown to becoming a CNA! Passing the exam is essential to becoming certified, and we want to help you ace it by providing a manual on how you can prepare for your CNA examination.

Where can I find CNA classes in Colorado?

Dreambound did the hard work of compiling schools for you already. A list of schools in Denver, Colorado Springs, Cañon City, Glenwood Springs, Pueblo, and Fort Collins is up on Dreambound’s website and is ready for applications! You can also view upcoming CNA class schedules via those links by clicking on the nearby metro areas.

Once you decide on the school and class you want to attend, you can now prepare the things you need to buy for your class.

What can I do after becoming a CNA?

As a CNA, you have the option to pursue different career paths in healthcare. You may also get extra training in other fields. Like becoming a medication aide, medical assistant, phlebotomy technician, or patient care technician. If you want to go to nursing school or a program to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN), a reference letter from your CNA instructor is helpful.

Once you're certified, you can find CNA jobs in many different places. If you're not sure where you'd like to work, don't worry. We've put together a list of different types of CNA jobs that you can explore to learn more about what each one entails.

The growing demand for CNAs in Colorado presents a bright and exciting future. With the anticipated surge in CNA applications, there is ample opportunity to begin working at the entry level and gain valuable experience. Although obtaining certification may appear challenging, maintaining a positive attitude, being prepared, and undergoing proper training will help you succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The cost to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Colorado ranges from $500 to $1,500 for the training program, excluding additional expenses like textbooks and uniforms.

How long does it take to be a CNA in Colorado?

Becoming a CNA in Colorado typically takes between 3 weeks to a full semester, depending on the pace and structure of the state-approved training program you choose. This includes 75 hours of comprehensive healthcare education.

How much does a CNA make in Colorado?

A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Colorado earns a mean annual salary of $43,580, translating to a mean hourly wage of $20.95, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics as of May 2023.

Does Colorado require a CNA license?

Yes! Colorado requires CNAs to have a CNA license. To obtain it, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass a background check, submit necessary documents, be up-to-date on immunizations, and successfully pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam.

What does CNA stand for?

CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant, a healthcare professional who provides direct patient care in various medical settings, including hospitals and nursing homes. They assist patients with basic daily tasks and monitor their health status under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse.

Final Thoughts

Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:

Contemplating a transition in your career or exploring various professional paths? Dreambound has written many guides to help you in making informed decisions. Here are a few: