CNA Classes in West Virginia

To enroll in a CNA program in West Virginia, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Pass a fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check through the WV CARES system
• Complete a TB test and a general medical exam
• Have no disqualifying criminal convictions that would prevent you from working in healthcare
• Be able to provide proof of immunizations (requirements may vary by program)
• Meet any language proficiency requirements set by your training provider

West Virginia requires all CNA candidates to complete a comprehensive, state-approved training program that includes:

• 120 total training hours
  • 65 hours of classroom instruction
  • 55 hours of supervised clinical training in a long-term care facility under RN supervision
• At least 55 hours of training must be completed before any direct resident contact
• Curriculum covers:
  • Infection control
  • Basic nursing and personal care skills
  • Dementia care
  • Resident rights and communication
  • Restorative services and social interaction
• Most programs last 6–8 weeks and are offered at high schools, community colleges, technical centers, and healthcare facilities
• Blended online programs are available, but all clinical hours must be completed in person

You must complete a program approved by the Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification (OHFLAC). Approved programs are offered at:

• Community colleges
• Technical and career centers
• High schools
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities

To verify a program’s approval, check the OHFLAC website or ask your provider directly.

Typical program costs:

• Tuition: $1,800–$2,000 (may include books, uniform, immunizations, background check, and one exam attempt)
• Financial aid options:
  • Scholarships and grants up to $2,000 for eligible students
  • Free or paid training at select employers and apprenticeship programs
  • Federal aid through FAFSA for qualifying programs
  • Some employers offer tuition reimbursement or guaranteed job placement after training

After training, you must pass the West Virginia CNA exam, administered by Professional Healthcare Development:

• The exam has two parts:
  • Written test: Multiple-choice questions covering core nursing assistant knowledge
  • Skills evaluation: Demonstrate 5 randomly selected nursing tasks in 30 minutes in front of an evaluator
• Exam fee: $100–$125
• You have three attempts to pass each section; after three failures, you must retrain
• Bring to the exam:
  • Photo ID
  • Proof of training completion
  • Appropriate attire (scrubs are recommended)
• Automatic failure may result from skipping critical safety or hygiene steps during the skills demonstration

Once you pass both exam sections, you will be automatically placed on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, managed by the Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification. Employers use this registry to verify your credentials before hiring.

To keep your certification active:

• Work at least 8 hours as a CNA every two years
• Renewal is every two years and can be completed online
• No continuing education is required, but employers may require annual in-service training
• If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a refresher course and retake the exam
• Out-of-state CNAs can apply for free reciprocity if they hold an active license in another state

For more information, contact the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry at (304) 558-0688 or visit the OHFLAC website. With your certification, you’ll be ready to work in a variety of healthcare settings, with strong job prospects and opportunities for advancement across the state.

• Registry Name: West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry (Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification, OHFLAC)
• Website: ohflac.wvdhhr.org/Programs/NA.html
• Phone: (304) 558-0050
• Email: [email protected]
• Mailing Address: 408 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston, WV 25301-1713

Services Provided:

• Verifying CNA certification status
• Processing renewal and reciprocity applications
• Handling reinstatement and lapsed certification cases
• Investigating complaints and maintaining compliance records
• Maintaining a searchable database for employers and CNAs

Certification Lookup:
To check your active status or search the registry, visit the https://ohflac.wvdhhr.org/Apps/Lookup/NALookup 

Keeping your CNA certification active in West 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 at least 8 paid hours as a nurse aide in an approved healthcare facility within the previous two years.
• Submit your renewal application online or by mail. You’ll receive a renewal notice a few months before expiration.
• Your employer must complete and sign the employment verification section of the renewal form.
• The renewal fee is $60.
• There are no continuing education requirements for CNAs in West Virginia.
• If your certification lapses, you may need to complete a refresher course and retest, especially if expired for more than a year.

For renewal forms and instructions, visit https://ohflac.wvdhhr.org/Apps/Forms/NARenewal

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

• You must hold an active CNA certification in another state.
• Complete the online West Virginia CNA Reciprocity Application.
• Provide your personal and employment information, list all states where you are registered, and answer questions on abuse and neglect.
• No employer or current state input is required for the application.
• There is no fee for the reciprocity application.
• No fingerprinting or additional skills/written test is required if your certification is current and in good standing.
• The process is completed online and usually takes a few weeks to process.

For support, call (304) 558-0050 or visit https://ohflac.wvdhhr.org/Apps/Forms/NAReciprocity 

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

• West Virginia Community and Technical College System: Offers healthcare courses and workshops statewide.
  Website: wvctcs.org
• American Red Cross – West Virginia Region: Delivers healthcare training and skill-building courses.
  Website: redcross.org/local/west-virginia.html