How to become a NA-C in Washington.
Washington requires 108 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.
- 108
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 172
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Washington certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
State background check as part of credentialing; fingerprint based check may be required for out of state applicants and some with WA criminal history (per WABON). Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Washington requires 108 training hours, including 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 172 approved programs in Washington - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Credentia. 4 attempts to pass the skills test and 4 attempts to pass the online knowledge test, then retrain. OBRA reactivation route: only 1 attempt.
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the WA Provider Credential Search (NAC credential); OBRA Registry operated by DSHS. Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the WA registry - 5
Keep your certification active
NAC credential renews annually on birthday; WABON states no continuing education requirement. OBRA registry status expires after a break of more than 24 months in nursing assistant work. Expired more than 3 years without active license elsewhere = retrain and retest.
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 graduate route (E4) via Authorization to Test; holders of an active out of state CNA may endorse, with verification and possible background check.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Washington.
CNA funding in Washington →Washington CNA requirements
- Credential
- Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C)
- Training hours
- 108 hours
- Clinical hours
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Credentia
- Fee details
- Knowledge (or oral) test $55. Skills test fee is set by each training program. Separate NAC credential application fee $85 first time; $197 if expired over a year. Nursing homes must reimburse testing for employees, including retests.
- Retakes
- 4 attempts to pass the skills test and 4 attempts to pass the online knowledge test, then retrain. OBRA reactivation route: only 1 attempt.
- Background check
- State background check as part of credentialing; fingerprint based check may be required for out of state applicants and some with WA criminal history (per WABON).
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Washington State Board of Nursing
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: app.leg.wa.gov, lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov, nursing.wa.gov. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Washington, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Washington?
Washington requires 108 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?
Credentia runs the Washington nurse aide competency exam.
Can you take CNA classes online in Washington?
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 Washington?
Out of state graduate route (E4) via Authorization to Test; holders of an active out of state CNA may endorse, with verification and possible background check.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Washington?
NAC credential renews annually on birthday; WABON states no continuing education requirement. OBRA registry status expires after a break of more than 24 months in nursing assistant work. Expired more than 3 years without active license elsewhere = retrain and retest.
How do I pay for CNA training in Washington?
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.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.