CNA Classes in Washington

• Must be at least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED is not required, but many employers prefer it
• Must pass a state and federal criminal background check
• Must be in good physical health and able to perform CNA duties
• Up-to-date immunization records are required, including a TB test and other vaccines (requirements may vary by program)
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English
• Cannot be on light or restricted duty for medical reasons when taking the skills exam; medical clearance for full duty is needed if previously restricted
• Proof of legal presence in the U.S. may be requested
• Military medics, nursing students, and out-of-state CNAs may qualify for alternative eligibility routes

• Minimum of 85 hours required (most programs provide 115 hours)
  • 35 hours of classroom/theory instruction
  • 33 hours of skills lab practice
  • 40 hours of supervised clinical training in a healthcare facility
  • 7 hours of AIDS/HIV education (state-mandated)
• Curriculum includes CPR, infection control, patient rights, basic nursing skills, and dementia care
• Programs can be completed in as little as 3–8 weeks, with full-time, part-time, evening, and weekend options
• Hybrid and online formats are allowed for classroom portions, but clinical hours must be completed in person

• Programs are offered by:
  • Community and technical colleges
  • Private vocational schools
  • Hospitals and healthcare facilities
  • High schools and adult education centers
• Verify program approval on the Washington State Department of Health website
• Typical costs:
  • Tuition: $1,200–$1,700
  • Registration: $100
  • Books: $55
  • Supplies and uniforms: varies
  • Exam fees: $155
• Financial aid options:
  • Washington Health Corps scholarships and loan repayment
  • WIOA grants
  • Washington College Grant
  • Employer tuition reimbursement or free training for new hires at Medicaid-certified facilities
  • Federal Pell Grants and FAFSA for eligible programs
  • Scholarships through the Washington State Nurses Foundation

• Exam: National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), administered by Credentia
• Format:
  • Skills test: Demonstrate 5 randomly selected CNA tasks in 30 minutes (must pass this first)
  • Written (or oral) test: 70 multiple-choice questions (2-hour limit); oral test includes 60 questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions
• Fees:
  • $100 for the skills test
  • $55 for the written/oral test
  • Total: $155
• Retake policy: Up to 3 retakes per section (4 total attempts). Both sections must be passed within 24 months of training completion
• Bring government-issued photo ID, scrubs or clinical attire, and Social Security card (if requested)
• Automatic failure for skipping critical hygiene or safety steps, such as handwashing

After passing the exam, apply for certification as a Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC) through the Washington State Department of Health:

• Submit application online and pay the certification fee
• Provide proof of training completion and background check
• Certification is confirmed through the online registry; no physical license card is issued
• Status appears as “active” in the registry within 2–4 weeks of passing the exam
• Renew certification annually by your birthday

• Registry Name: Washington Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Social and Health Services & Department of Health)
• Website: Nurse Aide Registry – DSHS
• Phone: (360) 725-2597
• Email: [email protected]

Services Provided:

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

Certification Lookup:
To verify your active status, use the Washington Provider Credential Search.

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

• Certification validity: 12 months (renewed annually by your birthday)
• Renewal frequency: Every year
• Employment requirement: No minimum work hours required for renewal
• Renewal process:
  • Renew online through the Washington State Department of Health portal (SecureAccess Washington account required)
  • Update your contact information before renewing
  • Pay the renewal fee ($95)
  • If expired, pay a $50 late penalty; if expired over a year, submit a reactivation application; if expired over three years, retraining and retesting are required unless you are active on another state’s OBRA registry
• Continuing education: Most CNAs must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually after the second year of certification. Approved providers include CareLearn Washington, Northwest NAC Training, and Elite Learning.
• Lapsed certification: If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a reactivation application or, after three years, retrain and retest.

For detailed renewal instructions, visit the Washington State Department of Health renewal page.

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

• Eligibility: Must hold an active CNA certification in another state
• No additional skills or written test required if your certification is current and in good standing
• Required documentation:
  • Completed Nursing Assistant Certification Endorsement Application (download from the DOH website)
  • Proof of current out-of-state certification
  • Out-of-State Verification Form (sent directly from your state’s registry to the Washington DOH)
  • State-issued photo ID and Social Security card
  • Pay the $25 reciprocity application fee
• Background check: Required for candidates with out-of-state residency or a criminal record
• Processing time: Typically 2–4 weeks

For the application and full instructions, visit the Washington DOH CNA Endorsement page.

Washington requires most CNAs to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually after the second year of licensure. These hours can be fulfilled through a variety of approved providers and courses:

• CareLearn Washington: CareLearn Washington offers DSHS-approved online CE courses for long-term care professionals.
• Northwest NAC Training: NW NAC Training provides in-person and online CE courses, including Nurse Delegation Core Training and specialty topics like diabetes care.
• Elite Learning: Elite Learning Washington offers a wide range of online CE courses designed to meet state requirements.
• Local community colleges and technical schools: Many offer CNA-specific CE courses and skill refreshers.

By using these resources and staying informed about Washington’s CNA requirements, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed and advance in your healthcare career. For the latest updates, always check the Washington Nurse Aide Registry and Department of Health websites.