Compositions are disclosed as nucleic acid sequences that may be used as amplification oligomers, including primers, capture probes for sample preparation, and detection probes specific for Candida albicans 26S rRNA sequences or DNA encoding 26S rRNA. Methods are disclosed for detecting the presence of C. albicans in samples by using the disclosed compositions in methods that include in vitro nucleic acid amplification of a 26S rRNA sequence or DNA encoding the 26S rRNA sequence to produce a detectable amplification product.