California CNA CE Courses (2026)
To renew your CNA license in California you need to satisfy the California Department of Public Health — Licensing and Certification Program's in-service / continuing-education training requirement — about 48 hours per 2-year cycle. Below is what the board requires and a comparison of course providers that offer qualifying training. This is an unofficial guide — confirm any course is board-approved before you buy.
What California requires for CNA renewal
| In-service / CE required | 48 hours per cycle |
|---|---|
| Renewal cycle | 24 months |
| Governing body | California Department of Public Health — Licensing and Certification Program |
Renewal requires documenting (form CDPH 283A) 48 hours of in-service training / CE completed during the two-year period, with at least 12 hours in each year; up to 24 of the 48 may be from a CDPH-approved online program. The renewal application also asks you to list CNA/health-care employment held during the period.
Full CNA renewal guide for California (deadlines, fees & CE) →
California CNA CE course providers
- Medline University
Free and low-cost in-service training modules for nurse aides.
- CEUfast — Nurse Aide
In-service and continuing-education courses for nursing assistants.
- Elite Learning — CNA In-Service
CNA in-service training packages covering federally required topics.
- Relias
Employer-oriented in-service and competency training widely used in long-term care.
California CNA CE courses: frequently asked questions
How many CE hours do I need to renew my CNA license in California?
California requires about 48 in-service hours per renewal cycle. Renewal requires documenting (form CDPH 283A) 48 hours of in-service training / CE completed during the two-year period, with at least 12 hours in each year; up to 24 of the 48 may be from a CDPH-approved online program. The renewal application also asks you to list CNA/health-care employment held during the period.
Do online CNA CE courses count in California?
Online courses generally count when the provider is approved by or recognized by the California Department of Public Health — Licensing and Certification Program. Always confirm a course is accepted before you buy it.
Where do I report my California CNA CE?
California generally has you attest to CE at renewal and keep your own documentation in case of an audit. Confirm the current process with the California Department of Public Health — Licensing and Certification Program.
Requirement last verified 2026-06-01 from the California Department of Public Health — Licensing and Certification Program. Always confirm current rules with the board before relying on this.
Official California Department of Public Health — Licensing and Certification Program site →