Are There Extra Fees After CNA Class? Exam, Scrubs, CPR, Supplies

You've found a CNA training program that fits your budget. You're ready to sign up. Then you start wondering: what else will I need to pay for?

It's a smart question. Many students get surprised by hidden costs after they enroll. Understanding all the fees upfront helps you budget properly and avoid stress during your training.

Here's everything you need to know about extra costs beyond your CNA class tuition, including what's actually required and what you can skip.

The Texas State Exam Fee: $117

The state exam is not optional. Every CNA student in Texas must pass this exam to get certified.

The fee is $117, paid directly to Pearson VUE when you schedule your test. This covers both the written portion and the skills demonstration.

This fee is separate from your tuition because you're paying the testing company, not your training school. Your school prepares you for the exam, but Pearson VUE administers it.

If you don't pass on your first attempt, you'll pay the same fee again for each retake. That's why good test preparation during your class matters.

At CNA Training Institute, we include intensive exam prep in our program. Our students consistently score above state averages because we focus on both knowledge and test-taking skills.

CPR Certification: Often Required

Most healthcare employers require current CPR certification before you start working. Some CNA programs include it, others charge extra.

If you pay separately, expect to spend $60 to $100 for American Heart Association CPR/BLS certification. The certification lasts two years.

We offer CPR certification for $100 as a standalone course, or you can get it included in our Full Training Package for $1,550 (which saves you money compared to buying everything separately).

Getting your CPR card during training makes sense. You'll be ready to start working immediately after passing your state exam instead of scrambling to get certified later.

Scrubs and Uniforms: $50 to $150

You'll need scrubs for your clinical training. These are the medical uniforms you wear when working with patients in nursing homes or hospitals.

Some schools include scrubs in tuition. Others require you to buy your own.

Budget $50 to $150 depending on whether you buy one set or multiple sets. You can find affordable scrubs at uniform stores, Walmart, or online retailers.

You'll also need closed-toe, non-slip shoes for clinical days. These typically cost $30 to $80. Regular sneakers often work fine as long as they meet safety requirements.

Our program does not include one set of scrubs in your tuition, so you will need to purchase a set of white scrubs before the start of your clinicals.

Background Check and Drug Screening: $40 to $100

Clinical sites require background checks and drug tests before allowing students to train with their patients. This protects vulnerable populations.

The combined cost usually runs $40 to $100. Some schools build this into tuition, others charge it separately.

The background check looks for criminal history. A drug screen tests for illegal substances. Both are standard healthcare requirements, not just for students.

These fees go directly to the screening companies, not your school. Results typically come back within a week.

Textbooks and Study Materials: Sometimes Included

CNA programs use textbooks and workbooks to teach patient care skills, infection control, and other essential topics.

When charged separately, nursing assistant textbooks cost $40 to $120. Workbooks add another $20 to $40.

Many programs now include these materials in tuition. Always ask before enrolling so you know what to expect.

At our school, all textbooks and materials are included. You don't need to buy anything extra to succeed in class.

Basic Supplies: $20 to $50

You'll need a few basic medical supplies for training:

• Watch with a second hand (for counting pulse and respirations)
• Small notebook for taking notes
• Pens (black or blue ink)

A basic stethoscope costs $15 to $30. You don't need an expensive model for CNA work. Entry-level brands work perfectly fine.

Many dollar stores sell watches with second hands for under $10. You probably already own appropriate pens and a notebook.

Total cost for these items: $20 to $50 at most.

Transportation to Clinical Sites: Variable Cost

Your CNA training includes hands-on clinical experience at nursing homes or hospitals. You'll need to get yourself there.

If the site is close to home, this might cost nothing extra. If it's farther away, budget for gas or public transportation.

Clinical rotations typically last 1 to 3 weeks depending on your program schedule. Calculate round-trip costs for each clinical day.

We work with clinical sites throughout the Sugar Land and Fort Bend County area, which helps keep travel distances reasonable for most students.

Hepatitis B Vaccine: Sometimes Required

Some clinical facilities require proof of Hepatitis B vaccination. This vaccine protects healthcare workers from bloodborne infections.

If you already have it, there's no cost. If you need the series, it costs $150 to $300 without insurance.

Check with your insurance first. Many plans cover the Hep B vaccine at no cost since it's a standard preventive measure for healthcare workers.

Community health clinics often provide it for free or on a sliding scale if you're uninsured.

Not all programs require this vaccine, so ask your school before getting it.

What's Actually Included at CNA Training Institute

Our $1,450 CNA Certification Course includes:

• 100 hours of instruction (classroom and clinical)
• All textbooks and study materials
• Skills lab supplies
• State exam preparation

You'll still need to pay separately for:

• State exam fee ($117 to Pearson VUE)
• CPR certification (unless you choose our Full Package)
• Non-slip shoes
• Transportation to clinical sites

Our Full Training Package ($1,550) includes everything above plus CPR/BLS certification, saving you $125 compared to buying courses separately.

How to Avoid Surprise Costs

Before signing up for any CNA program, ask these specific questions:

• What exactly is included in tuition?
• Are textbooks and scrubs provided or extra?
• Do you charge for background checks and drug screens?
• Is CPR certification included in the program?
• What supplies do I need to purchase on my own?
• Are there any other fees beyond tuition?

Get the answers in writing if possible. This protects you from unexpected charges later.

Also ask if they offer payment plans. Spreading costs over several months makes budgeting easier.

The Real Total Cost of Getting Certified

Let's add it all up for a typical student in Texas:

• CNA training program: $800 to $1,500
• State exam: $117
• CPR certification: $100 (if not included)
• Scrubs and shoes: $80 to $150 (if not included)
• Supplies: $30
• Background/drug screen: $40 to $100 (if not included)

Total realistic cost: $1,100 to $2,000 depending on what your program includes.

At CNA Training Institute, with our Full Package at $1,550 plus the $117 state exam fee, your all-in cost is $1,667. You get everything you need without scheduling CPR classes separately.

Is the Investment Worth It?

Even at $2,000 total, CNA certification delivers fast returns.

CNAs in Texas earn $28,000 to $35,000 per year on average. In the Houston metro area, many CNAs make $30,000 to $38,000 annually.

With a 3-week training program, you could be working and earning within a month. Compare that to most career training programs that take months or years.

The demand is strong too. Texas healthcare facilities actively hire CNAs. We provide job placement assistance to all our graduates because employers contact us regularly looking for qualified candidates.

Questions to Ask Before You Enroll

Don't let surprise fees catch you off guard. Here are the key questions that protect your budget:

What's included in tuition? Get specifics about textbooks, materials, scrubs, and any certifications.

What will I pay separately? Make them list every additional cost you'll face.

Do you offer payment plans? Many schools let you split tuition into installments.

Can I get financial aid? Some programs accept workforce grants or offer scholarships.

What happens if I need to retake the state exam? You'll pay the $117 fee again, but does the school offer free review sessions?

Schools that answer these questions clearly and completely are usually the ones with nothing to hide.

Start Your CNA Career With Full Transparency

You deserve to know exactly what you're paying for. No hidden fees. No surprises halfway through your training.

At CNA Training Institute, we're upfront about costs because we want you to succeed without financial stress. Our $1,450 course includes nearly everything you need. Our $1,550 Full Package includes absolutely everything except the scrubs and the state exam fee.

You'll train at the only State Accredited Exam Center in Fort Bend County, which means you can take your certification test right here without traveling to Houston.

Over 2,000 students have started their healthcare careers with us. Our 4.8-star Google rating from 858+ reviews reflects our commitment to quality training and honest communication.

Ready to start your CNA career with a school that values transparency? Call us at (346) 633-4628 or visit cnatraininginstitute.org to learn more about our upcoming classes.

Stop by our campus at 140 Eldridge Road #G in Sugar Land for a free tour. See our classrooms, meet our instructors, and get all your questions answered in person.

Your new career is closer than you think. And now you know exactly what it will cost to get there.