How to become a CNA in Washington DC.
Washington DC requires 125 hours of nurse aide training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 125
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- $165
- Exam fee
- 10
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Washington DC certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Minimum age: 18. Fingerprint criminal background check required before initial certification and again at renewal; paid via DC Health CBC portal and fingerprinted through Fieldprint. Board reviews positive results. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Washington DC requires 125 training hours, including 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 10 approved programs in Washington DC - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Credentia. The exam fee is $165. Must pass both parts within 24 months of completing training. Aides already employed must be certified within 4 months of hire. 3 attempts; after a third failure must complete another nurse aide training program and reapply (Credentia DC eligibility criteria).
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the DC Nurse Aide Registry (DC Board of Nursing; administered by Credentia on CNA365). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the DC registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Certificates expire October 31 of each odd-numbered year. Renewal requires at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in prior 24 months, 24 hours in-service/CE over 2 years (12 per year; 2 h LGBTQ cultural competency; 10% public health priority topics), and criminal background check clearance. Renewal processed through Credentia; no Credentia payment required to submit.
Moving from another state
Endorsement: current unencumbered CNA registration/certification in another jurisdiction plus general requirements of 9604 (age 18, CBC, passed a Board approved or CMS-recognized exam). Employer training and competence form required; $100 application + CBC fee.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Washington DC.
CNA funding in Washington DC →Washington DC CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Training hours
- 125 hours
- Clinical hours
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Credentia
- Exam fee
- $165 ($55 knowledge, $110 skills)
- Fee details
- Credentia DC NNAAP handbook knowledge base: Skills Evaluation $110; Written $55; Oral (English or Spanish) $55. Nursing homes must pay NNAAP fees for their nurse aide employees under federal/DC law. Separate DC Health application + criminal background check fee of $100 (CNA checklist, Rev. 7/25).
- Deadline to test
- Must pass both parts within 24 months of completing training. Aides already employed must be certified within 4 months of hire.
- Retakes
- 3 attempts; after a third failure must complete another nurse aide training program and reapply (Credentia DC eligibility criteria).
- Minimum age
- 18
- Background check
- Fingerprint criminal background check required before initial certification and again at renewal; paid via DC Health CBC portal and fingerprinted through Fieldprint. Board reviews positive results.
- Regulator
- DC Board of Nursing
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: dchealth.dc.gov, credentia.com. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Washington DC, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Washington DC?
Washington DC requires 125 hours of nurse aide training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Washington DC?
Credentia runs the Washington DC nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $165.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in Washington DC?
Endorsement: current unencumbered CNA registration/certification in another jurisdiction plus general requirements of 9604 (age 18, CBC, passed a Board approved or CMS-recognized exam). Employer training and competence form required; $100 application + CBC fee.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Washington DC?
Certificates expire October 31 of each odd-numbered year. Renewal requires at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in prior 24 months, 24 hours in-service/CE over 2 years (12 per year; 2 h LGBTQ cultural competency; 10% public health priority topics), and criminal background check clearance. Renewal processed through Credentia; no Credentia payment required to submit.
How do I pay for CNA training in Washington DC?
Workforce vouchers, employer sponsorship, state grants, and scholarships all pay for nurse aide training. A nursing home that hires you within a year of certification must reimburse your training costs under federal rules.
Start your training in Washington DC.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.