FREE ONLINE CNA CLASSES – FLORIDA
There are several ways to get started with CNA classes at no cost at all. In this article, we’ll walk through the best truly free resources (YouTube videos, practice tests, library materials), plus the smartest way to begin if your goal is to pass the Florida CNA state exam on the first try: start with a free preview of a full online CNA course and then upgrade when you’re ready for complete exam prep and support.
YOUR BEST FREE START (FOR FLORIDA STUDENTS)
Free preview of a full CNA course (Florida-specific)
The first modules of our course are 100% free, so you can try real training videos and study materials without paying. It’s the same curriculum hundreds of Florida students use to pass the Prometric exam—simply begin with the free preview and upgrade only if it’s a fit. Start your free preview here.
- Florida-specific lessons aligned to the Prometric exam
- Structured path (no guesswork or scattered videos)
- Easy upgrade when you want full support and all modules
Note: Our course is designed for Florida. If you’re outside Florida, see the alternatives below or review our guidance on classes outside Florida.
OTHER FREE WAYS TO STUDY
Free CNA videos on YouTube
YouTube has thousands of skill demos and day-in-the-life videos.
- Pros: Completely free; visual demos; English and Spanish options.
- Cons: Quality varies; content may not match Florida’s Prometric checklist; no support or structure.
- Best use: Get familiar with skills, then move into a structured course.
Self-study with library resources & low-cost Amazon books
Local libraries often have CNA textbooks and study guides you can borrow for free. If you prefer to own a book, many are inexpensive online.
- Pros: Low or no cost; good for reading learners; helpful for the written (knowledge) test.
- Cons: Books don’t teach hands-on clinical skills well; not tailored to Florida’s exact exam flow.
Free CNA practice tests online
Many sites offer free multiple-choice practice questions for the knowledge test.
- Pros: Quick checks of your understanding; helps find weak areas.
- Cons: Usually not Florida-specific; does not cover clinical skills.
Community resources & workforce programs
Some county workforce centers, nonprofits, or employer programs may sponsor training or reimburse costs. Availability varies by location and season.
- Tip: Ask potential employers about tuition assistance or “hire-then-train” pathways.
WHEN FREE ISN’T ENOUGH
Why most students upgrade after a free start
Free videos and practice tests are helpful, but they rarely provide everything you need to pass on the first attempt—especially the clinical skills portion. Florida’s Prometric exam requires you to perform randomly selected skills plus handwashing and indirect care. A structured course ensures you’re ready for any skill that appears on test day.
- Step-by-step clinical skill videos aligned to Florida’s checklist
- Written (knowledge) prep in English or Spanish
- Exam logistics: registration, scheduling, and test-day strategy
- Support when you have questions
How the Florida “Challenger” path works
Florida uniquely allows you to prepare with any course (including online), then register with Prometric as a Challenger. If you pass both the clinical and knowledge exams, you receive the same CNA license as someone who completed a state-approved in-person program.
- No required clinical hours for Challengers
- Same license at the end
- Lower overall cost vs. traditional programs
Learn more in our guide: CNA Exam & Job Information – Florida.
INTENSIVE & IN-PERSON OPTIONS
Weekend “intensive” bootcamps
Short, hands-on workshops can be useful if you want practice with equipment and supervised run-throughs. They are usually more expensive than online courses but cheaper than full in-person programs.
Full in-person CNA programs
Accredited programs are a good fit if you prefer classroom time and supervised clinicals. They’re typically the most expensive option and take longer, but some students want that extra structure. If you prefer in-person learning, search programs in your area using our tool:
COST, TIMELINE & EXAM BASICS (FLORIDA)
Typical Florida timeline when you start now
- Complete free preview (today) → decide to upgrade
- Finish full course: ~1–3 weeks depending on your pace
- Register with Prometric as an “E3 Challenger”
- Sit for the exam at a regional test site
- Get licensed a few days after passing both parts
Where to test: see Prometric’s current Florida list of regional testing sites here.
Exam format & fees (overview)
- Clinical Skills: $120 (random skills + handwashing + indirect care)
- Knowledge (written or audio): $35 (English or Spanish; 60 multiple-choice)
You only retake (and pay for) the section you don’t pass.
Total cost when you choose the online Challenger path
The online Challenger route is generally the most affordable. With our course, students typically budget for the course + Prometric exam ($155) + background check (often around $80). Many students complete the whole process for a few hundred dollars total—far less than full in-person programs.
WHO IS THE FREE PREVIEW RIGHT FOR?
Great fit
- You live in Florida (or will have a Florida address to register)
- You want a no-cost start with real training videos
- You plan to upgrade for complete skills prep and support
Not a fit
- You live outside Florida and won’t qualify for Florida’s exam
- You require a state-approved classroom program with clinical hours
FAQ – FREE CNA CLASSES & THE FLORIDA EXAM
Are there truly free CNA classes?
Fully comprehensive, state-aligned training is rarely 100% free. However, you can begin for free with our Florida-specific course preview, then upgrade later for the full curriculum and support. You can also supplement your prep with free YouTube videos, library books, and free online practice tests.
Can I become a CNA in Florida using only free resources?
It’s possible but not common. Most students pass sooner—and with fewer retakes—by using a structured Florida-aligned course for the clinical skills portion.
Do I need clinical hours if I challenge the exam?
No. Florida allows Challengers to test without clinical hours. Employers may prefer experience, but the license itself does not require clinical hours when you pass via the Challenger path.
Is the license different if I challenge the exam?
No. Once you pass both parts of the exam, your Florida CNA license is the same as someone who attended a state-approved in-person program.
NEXT STEP
Start free today
Take the first modules of our Florida CNA course for free, then upgrade whenever you’re ready for full exam prep and support.