How to Become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in Oregon

Checked against Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN), CNA Registry · Verified 2026-10-14

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $106 for certification by examination (includes the first exam), plus a $61 fingerprinting fee, both paid to OSBN.
Certified by: Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN), CNA Registry

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Who can apply

You must complete a nursing assistant training program approved by OSBN (or, for out-of-state programs, by that state's agency).
You must pass the Board-approved competency exam (knowledge test and manual skills test).
You must complete a national fingerprint-based criminal background check (OAR 851-001-0115).
You must submit the OSBN initial application and pay the fees. Military medics/corpsmen (Joint Services transcript), RNs/LPNs, and currently enrolled nursing students have other ways to qualify.

Step by step

Complete an OSBN-approved nursing assistant training program of at least 105 hours.
Create an account in the OSBN online licensing system and submit the CNA exam application. The $106 fee includes your first exam.
After you apply, register for fingerprints with Fieldprint at fieldprintoregon.com using code FPORBoardNursingDAS. Do not do fingerprints before you apply.
When OSBN releases you to test, sign in to D&SDT-Headmaster's TMU system (or.tmutest.com) and pick a test date and site.
Pass both the knowledge test and the manual skills test.
Watch your OSBN Message Center. OSBN sends a message when your CNA certificate is granted.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Since July 1, 2025, an Oregon nursing assistant program must be at least 105 hours: at least 37 hours of classroom instruction (may be live virtual), at least 28 hours of supervised lab with return demonstrations, and at least 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in a hospital, nursing facility, residential care or assisted living facility with an RN on duty. OSBN approves programs. This is 30 hours above the 75-hour federal minimum.

Exam: D&SDT-Headmaster gives the Oregon exam for OSBN: a knowledge test (written, or oral/audio) and a manual skills test, usually on the same day at a regional or in-facility test site. The knowledge test can also be taken with a remote proctor. Your first exam is included in the $106 application fee. To retake, you pay OSBN again: $45 for manual skills and $25 for the written test (oral administration of the written test, non-ADA, is $35). Headmaster's current handbook (Version 20.0, Feb. 2026) says there is no set timeframe to pass and no limit on attempts after training; OSBN applications expire after one year, but you can re-apply and keep testing. If your certificate has been expired more than two years, you get one attempt to pass both tests before you must retrain.

Practice for the CNA written exam free — physical care skills, safety & infection control, and the nurse aide role →

What it costs in Oregon

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

NA training program tuition$
OSBN certification by examination (includes first exam)$106
OSBN fingerprinting fee$61

Estimated total in Oregon$167Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Retakes paid to OSBN: manual skills $45; written $25; oral administration of the written test (non-ADA) $35.
Fingerprinting fee: $61 (OAR 851-002-0055, temporary rule effective Oct. 1, 2026 through March 29, 2027). OSBN does not state any separate Fieldprint collection charge.
Training tuition is set by each program; OSBN does not set it. Federal rule: if a nursing home employs you or has offered you a job when you start training, you cannot be charged for training or testing, and a nursing home that hires you within 12 months after training must reimburse you (42 CFR 483.152(c)).

Help while you start out in Oregon

Starting out on an entry-level wage? Check the SNAP income limits in Oregon by household size.

How long it takes

OSBN says exam results can take up to 7 business days to reach OSBN, and FBI fingerprint results can take up to 4 weeks.

What other sites get wrong about Oregon

Myth: To renew an Oregon CNA certificate you need at least 400 hours of paid CNA work in the last two years.

Fact: Under OSBN's renewal rule effective Sept. 1, 2026 (OAR 851-062-0070), renewal requires the application, the fee, and two hours of cultural competency CE every 48 months. No work-hour minimum is listed. source

Myth: An Oregon nursing assistant training program must be at least 155 hours (80 classroom/lab plus 75 clinical).

Fact: Since July 1, 2025, OAR 851-061-0090 requires at least 105 hours: 37 classroom, 28 lab and 40 supervised clinical. source

Myth: You can have your Oregon CNA fingerprints taken at a law enforcement agency of your choosing.

Fact: OSBN contracts with Fieldprint. You register at fieldprintoregon.com with code FPORBoardNursingDAS and are fingerprinted by appointment at a Fieldprint site, after you apply. source

Staying on the registry

Renewal: A CNA certificate is valid for two years from the date it is issued. Renew online no more than 90 days before it expires and by 11:59 p.m. on the expiration date. Fee: $60 plus an $8 workforce data surcharge. Every 48 months (every other renewal) you must attest to two hours of cultural competency continuing education. After 90 days expired you must apply for reinstatement ($60, new fingerprint check, two hours of cultural competency CE); after more than two years expired you must pass the competency exam again, and you get only one attempt to pass both the knowledge and skills tests before you must retrain.

Online options: The classroom portion (at least 37 hours) may be taught by live virtual platform or as an OSBN-approved online program, but the 28 lab hours and 40 clinical hours are in person. Headmaster offers a remotely proctored knowledge test; the skills test is in person.

Good to know in Oregon

Transferring from another state: Apply for CNA by endorsement ($60). An active certification in another state can count as proof of passing the competency exam. You also need the national fingerprint check. OSBN's endorsement directions (dated 12-31-25) also list one hour of pain management training from the Oregon Pain Management Commission within the last 36 months.

Military spouses: Spouses or domestic partners of active-duty service members stationed in Oregon who hold a current CNA certificate in another state can get a temporary, non-renewable certificate for $50. It lasts up to two years.

Nurses, nursing students and medics: RNs and LPNs can be certified as CNAs for $60. Currently enrolled nursing students and military medics or naval corpsmen with a Joint Services transcript can also qualify, but must still pass the competency exam.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Oregon State Board of Nursing (OSBN), CNA Registry before you apply.