Key Points

• Texas requires 100 hours minimum (60 lecture / 40 clinical)
• The CNA exam is provided by Prometric
• Registry & certification handled through TULIP
• Texas CNA salary: $37,010 per year / $17.79 per hour
• Training costs typically range $500–$1,500
• Most programs finish in 4–12 weeks

Steps to Become a CNA in Texas

1. Meet the CNA requirements.

Schools generally require:

• Social Security card
• State ID or driver’s license
• Immunization records and TB test
• CPR certification (depending on provider)

Is a high school diploma required?
Texas does not require a diploma to become a CNA, though some schools may require an 8th-grade reading/math assessment or their own placement test.

2. Complete a state-approved CNA program in Texas.

Texas requires 100 hours of CNA training:

• 60 hours of theory (often hybrid/online-friendly)
• 40 hours of clinical practice at approved sites

Here are two Texas-approved programs available on Dreambound:

Uncharted Territory Solutions – Texas

• Hybrid learning available
• Hands-on clinical training
• $200 to start, $700 total

Southern Careers Institute – Brownsville Campus

• Online pre-nursing pathway
• Can be completed in as little as 15 weeks
• Financial aid may be available

3. Pass the Texas CNA exam.

Texas uses the Prometric CNA exam, which includes:

• A multiple-choice knowledge test (English, oral version, or Spanish)
• A skills evaluation where you demonstrate assigned procedures

Exam cost ranges from $120–$135, depending on test version.

Your school must endorse you before you can register.

4. Get listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (TULIP).

After you pass the exam:

• Prometric sends your results to TULIP
• Your CNA certificate becomes active in the registry
• Certification remains valid for two years

To stay active, you must verify paid CNA employment during the renewal period.

5. Apply for CNA jobs.

Once listed on the registry, you can apply for CNA roles in:

• Nursing homes
• Hospitals
• Assisted living
• Home health agencies
• Travel CNA agencies (premium pay)

You may also receive job leads from your school or clinical site.

CNA Salary in Texas

According to the BLS, the average CNA salary in Texas is $37,010 per year ($17.79 per hour).

Pay varies by experience, city, and employer type. Hospitals and travel CNA assignments often pay higher than long-term care settings.

How Long Does It Take to Become a CNA in Texas?

Training time varies:

• Accelerated programs: 2.5 weeks
• Standard programs: 4–6 weeks
• Part-time options: 8–12 weeks

CNA Programs in Texas

Here are CNA programs across major Texas cities:

• CNA classes in Houston
• CNA classes in Austin
• CNA classes in Dallas/Fort Worth
• CNA classes in San Antonio
• CNA classes in El Paso

CNA Certification and Licensing Requirements in Texas

To work legally as a CNA in Texas:

• Complete a state-approved CNA program
• Pass the Prometric CNA exam
• Get listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry (TULIP)

Your certificate must be renewed every two years.