How to become a CNA in Virginia.
Virginia requires 140 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 140
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- $140
- Exam fee
- 225
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Virginia certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Not addressed in Board nurse aide regulations (18VAC90-25); no state background check requirement for certification confirmed. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Virginia requires 140 training hours, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 225 approved programs in Virginia - 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. Must take (and pass) both parts within 2 years of training completion, or reenroll in another approved program 3 attempts; after failing 3 times must complete another approved nurse aide training program
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Virginia Board of Nursing Nurse Aide Registry (DHP License Lookup). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the VA registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Initial certificate valid 2 years, then renewed annually; attest to nursing related activities for compensation within the 2 years before expiration. No CE requirement.
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
Endorsement application: graduate of a state approved program meeting federal standards, completed competency evaluation, currently registered in another state with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Virginia.
CNA funding in Virginia →Virginia CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Training hours
- 140 hours
- Clinical hours
- At least 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Credentia
- Exam fee
- $140 ($45 knowledge, $95 skills)
- Fee details
- Written $45, oral $45, skills $95. Both parts must be paid the first time; fees not refundable. Retakes pay the per part fee.
- Deadline to test
- Must take (and pass) both parts within 2 years of training completion, or reenroll in another approved program
- Retakes
- 3 attempts; after failing 3 times must complete another approved nurse aide training program
- Background check
- Not addressed in Board nurse aide regulations (18VAC90-25); no state background check requirement for certification confirmed.
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Virginia Board of Nursing
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: law.lis.virginia.gov, dhp.virginia.gov. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Virginia, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Virginia?
Virginia requires 140 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 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 Virginia?
Credentia runs the Virginia nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $140.
Can you take CNA classes online in Virginia?
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 Virginia?
Endorsement application: graduate of a state approved program meeting federal standards, completed competency evaluation, currently registered in another state with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Virginia?
Initial certificate valid 2 years, then renewed annually; attest to nursing related activities for compensation within the 2 years before expiration. No CE requirement.
How do I pay for CNA training in Virginia?
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 Virginia.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.