Key Points

• What is a Certified Medication Aide? A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) who completes specialized training to administer medications to residents in specific healthcare settings under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
• Is there a CMA program in California? California Senate Bill 668 legally requires the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to establish a CMA certification program. However, as of early 2026, the CDPH has not yet published an official list of approved training programs, exam details, or fee schedules.
• How to become a Medication Aide in California? Once the state program is launched, you will need to hold an active California CNA certification, complete a CDPH-approved training program, and pass a state certification exam.
• How long is Medication Aide training? The law specifies a training program of 40 to 80 hours, including classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
• How much does a Medication Aide make in California? The average salary for a CMA in California is approximately $42,071 to $43,700 per year, or about $20 to $21 per hour.

What is Medication Aide?

A Certified Medication Aide is a CNA who has completed advanced training to safely administer medications. While the official statewide certification pathway is still pending full implementation by the CDPH, the role has been legally defined by the state legislature.

This is different from existing facility-based medication training. For example, staff in Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) may receive training to assist with self-administration of medication, but this does not authorize them to directly administer it. The new CMA certification will create a formal, statewide credential for direct administration in approved settings.

What Will a CMA Do?

• Administer oral, topical, and inhaled medications
• Monitor residents for side effects or reactions
• Document medication administration accurately
• Follow state and facility medication protocols
• Work under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse

Where Will Medication Aides Work?

Once certified, CMAs in California will likely work in settings such as:

• Nursing Homes – Support elderly residents
• Assisted Living Facilities – Help residents manage prescriptions
• Long-Term Care Centers – Provide ongoing medication support
• State Homes & Correctional Facilities – Administer meds in structured settings

Step 1: Meet the Prerequisites for CMA Training

Before you can enroll in a future CMA training program, you must meet several foundational requirements. Preparing now will ensure you are ready as soon as programs become available.

To be eligible, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Have an active, unrestricted California CNA license
• Possess a valid government-issued photo ID and Social Security card
• Pass a criminal background check via Live Scan fingerprinting

Start by ensuring your CNA certification is active and in good standing. If you need to become a CNA first, you can find state-approved CNA training programs near you.

Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

The next step is to complete a training program approved by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

California law mandates that these programs include 40 to 80 hours of instruction, broken down into:

• Classroom Instruction: Covering pharmacology, medication administration procedures, and safety regulations.
• Skills Lab: At least 10 hours of hands-on practice in a laboratory setting.
• Clinical Experience: At least 10 hours of supervised clinical practice in a long-term care facility.

As of early 2026, the CDPH has not yet published an official list of approved CMA training providers. You should monitor the official CDPH website for announcements and a list of schools.

Step 3: Pass the California CMA Certification Exam

After completing your training, you must pass a state-approved competency exam. The legislation requires a passing score of 80% or higher.

Specific details about the exam, such as the number of questions, time limit, and retake policies, have not yet been released by the CDPH. Your approved training program will provide you with the necessary information to apply for and take the exam once it is established.

Step 4: Maintain Your CMA Certification

Once you earn your CMA certification, you must renew it to keep it active. While the CDPH has not yet published an official renewal schedule, third-party industry sources report that renewal will be required annually.

The reported renewal requirements are:

• First renewal: $20 (No CE hours required)
• Second renewal & subsequent renewals: $20 (7 CE hours required)
• Late renewal (less than 90 days past expiration): $30
• Late renewal (91-365 days past expiration): $50
• Expired for over a year? You must retrain and retest.

These details are subject to change. Always refer to the official CDPH website for confirmed renewal procedures and fees once the program is active.