How to become a CNA in North Carolina.
The federal floor is 75 hours, but North Carolina will not approve a program at only 75 hours. New programs are guided toward about 120 hours, with about 32 in clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- Varies
- Training hours
- Varies
- Clinical hours
- $140
- Exam fee
- 235
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your North Carolina certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
The federal floor is 75 hours, but North Carolina will not approve a program at only 75 hours. New programs are guided toward about 120 hours, with about 32 in clinical practice. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 235 approved programs in North Carolina - 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 $140. Pass both parts within 2 years of finishing a state approved training program 3 attempts or 2 years from training completion, whichever comes first, then retrain
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry. Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the NC registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 24 months; must have worked at least 8 hours for pay doing Nurse Aide I duties delegated and supervised by an RN. Renew online at ncnar.ncdhhs.gov up to 3 months before expiration.
Online classes
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Ask each program how its classroom hours are delivered. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
Moving from another state
Out-of-state aides who are active and in good standing submit a Reciprocity Application to DHSR (up to 10 business days to process). Listed without more training or testing.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in North Carolina.
CNA funding in North Carolina →North Carolina CNA requirements
- Credential
- Nurse Aide I
- Training hours
- Set by each approved program
- Clinical hours
- Set by each approved program
- Exam provider
- Credentia
- Exam fee
- $140 ($40 knowledge, $100 skills)
- Fee details
- Written (or oral, English or Spanish) + Skills is $140. Retakes: written or oral only $40, skills only $100. Employers at Medicare/Medicaid nursing homes must pay; you may be reimbursed if hired by one within 12 months. The ncnar.ncdhhs.gov examination page says 'The examination fee is $25', which conflicts with the Credentia KB and the DHSR slide deck (both $140). The $25 is likely outdated or a separate charge; not resolved.
- Deadline to test
- Pass both parts within 2 years of finishing a state approved training program
- Retakes
- 3 attempts or 2 years from training completion, whichever comes first, then retrain
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- NC DHHS Division of Health Service Regulation
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: info.ncdhhs.gov, reports.oah.state.nc.us. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in North Carolina, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in North Carolina?
The federal floor is 75 hours, but North Carolina will not approve a program at only 75 hours. New programs are guided toward about 120 hours, with about 32 in clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in North Carolina?
Credentia runs the North Carolina nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $140.
Can you take CNA classes online in North Carolina?
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in North Carolina?
Out-of-state aides who are active and in good standing submit a Reciprocity Application to DHSR (up to 10 business days to process). Listed without more training or testing.
How do you renew a CNA certification in North Carolina?
Every 24 months; must have worked at least 8 hours for pay doing Nurse Aide I duties delegated and supervised by an RN. Renew online at ncnar.ncdhhs.gov up to 3 months before expiration.
How do I pay for CNA training in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.