CNA Classes in Virginia

To enroll in a CNA program in Virginia, you must meet these requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Have a high school diploma or GED (required by most programs).
• Pass a criminal background check (no convictions that would bar you from certification; background checks include review for abuse, neglect, or theft).
• Have no disciplinary actions or pending investigations in Virginia or any other state.
• Complete required health screenings (TB test, physical exam, and up-to-date immunizations; requirements may vary by program).
• Be able to perform all required CNA skills (no light duty or activity restrictions at the time of the skills exam).
• Foreign-trained nurses and nursing students may be eligible for alternative pathways with transcript review.

Virginia’s CNA training programs are among the most comprehensive in the country:

• 120 hours of total training required (increased to 140 hours for programs starting after May 12, 2023).
  • At least 40 hours must be clinical training providing direct client care.
  • At least 20 hours must be in a skills lab setting.
  • At least 24 hours of classroom instruction must be completed before any direct client contact.
  • Up to 5 clinical hours may be completed in non-geriatric settings.
  • Observation and orientation hours do not count toward required training.
• Curriculum covers communication, safety, personal care, infection control, and observational skills.
• Most programs last 6–12 weeks and are offered in-person; hybrid formats may be available for classroom instruction, but clinical hours must be in-person.

To qualify for the exam, you must complete a program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing:

• Approved providers include community colleges, technical schools, hospitals, high schools, and long-term care facilities.
• Verify program approval on the Virginia Board of Nursing website.
• Typical program costs: $800–$1,800 (includes tuition, textbooks, uniforms, background check, and medical expenses).
• Financial aid options:
  • Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
  • Pell Grants (for eligible programs)
  • Employer tuition reimbursement or free training for work commitment
  • Scholarships for military veterans and through the MMAC program
• Some healthcare employers offer free or subsidized CNA training for future employees.

After training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Credentia:

• Format:
  • Written (or oral) test: 70 multiple-choice questions (English or Spanish), 2-hour time limit.
  • Skills evaluation: Perform 5 randomly selected CNA skills, including mandatory handwashing, within 30 minutes.
• Passing score: 75% or higher on each section.
• Exam fees: $120–$150 (varies by test site and format).
• Retake policy: Up to 3 attempts per section within 24 months of completing training; after 3 failed attempts, you must retrain.
• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and your Social Security card to the test center; wear clinical attire (scrubs and closed-toe shoes).
• Automatic failure for skipping critical safety or hygiene steps during the skills exam.

After passing both exam sections, your name is submitted to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry:

• Registry managed by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
• Your certification is active for 2 years.
• Employers can verify your status using the Department of Health Professions’ License Verification tool.

• Registry Name: Virginia Nurse Aide Registry (Virginia Board of Nursing)
• Website: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/
• Phone: (804) 367-4515
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233-1463

Services Provided:

• Verifying CNA certification status
• Processing renewal applications and reinstatements
• Handling license transfers and reciprocity requests
• Investigating complaints and maintaining compliance records
• Providing a searchable database for employers and CNAs

Certification Lookup:
To verify your active status, use the Virginia License Lookup tool: https://dhp.virginiainteractive.org/Lookup/Index

Keeping your CNA certification active in Virginia is essential for continued employment in healthcare settings.

• CNA certification is valid for 24 months.
• Renewal is required every 2 years.
• You must have worked for pay as a nurse aide during the previous 24 months to be eligible for renewal.
• Renewal is completed online through the Virginia Board of Nursing portal.
• If you do not meet the work requirement or miss your renewal, you must apply for reinstatement. This may involve submitting a reinstatement application and fee, and possibly retesting if your certification has lapsed for more than 90 days.
• There is no continuing education requirement for CNAs in Virginia.
• No renewal fee is required for active CNAs.

For renewal and reinstatement instructions, visit: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/PractitionerResources/RenewOnline/ 

If you are a CNA certified in another state and want to work in Virginia, you can apply for reciprocity by following these steps:

• You must hold an active CNA certification in another state.
• Complete the online application for CNA by Endorsement on the Virginia Board of Nursing website.
• Submit the following documentation:
  • Proof of your current CNA certification from your original state
  • State-issued photo ID or driver’s license
  • Social Security card
• No fingerprinting or jurisprudence exam is required.
• There is no fee for reciprocity applications.
• Most applications are processed within a few weeks.

For the online application and detailed instructions, visit: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/NurseAide/

While Virginia does not require continuing education for CNA renewal, ongoing learning can help you advance your skills and career:

• Virginia Community College System: Offers healthcare courses and workshops across the state.
  Website: https://www.vccs.edu/
• Virginia Health Care Association: Provides professional development, webinars, and in-person events for CNAs.
  Website: https://www.vhca.org/
• Virginia Nurses Association: Offers continuing education opportunities for all nursing professionals.
  Website: https://www.virginianurses.com/
• American Red Cross – Virginia Region: Delivers healthcare training and skill-building courses.
  Website: https://www.redcross.org/local/virginia.html

By using these resources and staying informed about Virginia’s CNA requirements, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed and grow in your healthcare career. For the latest updates, always check the Virginia Board of Nursing website.