— State Requirements / California

California CNA continuing education requirements

California CNAs must complete 48 hours of continuing education every two years — and up to 24 of those hours can be earned online. Here is exactly how the CDPH rules work and which CE Vault courses count.
CE hours required

48 hours

Every 2-year renewal cycle
Allowed online

24 hours

The remaining 24 must be in a live setting
Daily limit

12 hours

The CA board does not allow more per day
Renewal cycle

Every 2 years

Due on your certification expiration date
— Renewal process

How to renew your California CNA license

Four clear steps, from tracking your hours to filing with the California Department of Public Health.

01

Track your 48 hours

Count everything earned since your last renewal. Up to 24 hours may be completed online with the CE Vault; the balance must be earned in a live, in-person setting.

02

Finish your online CEs

Work through self-paced courses on any device. Certificates are issued the moment you pass, with your name, hours, and completion date printed on them.

03

Submit CDPH form 283C

File the Renewal Application (CDPH 283C) with the Aide and Technician Certification Section before your certificate expires.

04

Keep your records 4 years

Store every certificate in case CDPH audits your file. Your CE Vault account keeps a permanent copy you can re-download any time.
  • Important: the California board does not allow more than 12 hours of continuing education training per day. Spread your online hours across multiple days so every certificate is accepted.
— California FAQ

California renewal questions, answered

The questions California CNAs ask our support team most often about certificates, deadlines, and reactivation.

How long does it take to process a CNA renewal in California?

CDPH processes applications in the order received. Electronic submissions generally take up to 30 days, and mailed submissions up to 45 days — so file well before your expiration date.

What happens if my California CNA certificate expires?

If it has been expired for less than 2 years, you may reactivate by passing the Competency Evaluation examination. Submit the Renewal Application (CDPH 283C) and check “yes” for question 6 in the Reactivation section.

My certificate has been expired more than 2 years. What now?

You must re-train through a CDPH-approved CNA training program, submit an Initial Application (CDPH 283B) plus the Request for Live Scan Service (BCIA 8016), and then pass the Competency Evaluation.

What if I can't complete my renewal requirements in time?

As long as your certificate has not been expired more than 2 years, you can reactivate it by taking the Competency Evaluation and filing the completed CDPH 283C with the reactivation box checked.

Can I complete all 48 hours online?

No. California caps online continuing education at 24 of the 48 required hours. The other 24 must be earned in a live setting such as an in-service at your facility.
— Official contacts

California board contact information

Always confirm current requirements directly with the state before you submit your renewal.

Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS)

  • P.O. Box 997416, MS 3301, Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
  • Voicemail: (916) 552-8811 · Fax: (916) 552-8785
  • cna@cdph.ca.gov

Aide and Technician Certification Section (ATCS)

  • 1615 Capitol Ave, P.O. Box 997416, Sacramento, CA 95899
  • (916) 327-2445
  • cdph.ca.gov
— Ready when you are

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