How to become a CNA in West Virginia.
West Virginia requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, including 55 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Professional HealthCare Development and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 120
- Training hours
- 55
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 116
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your West Virginia certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Minimum age: No minimum stated (under 18 students allowed, but cannot operate mechanical lifts per child labor law). Employers use the WV CARES fingerprint based state and federal criminal background check program; not described as a certification step. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
West Virginia requires 120 training hours, including 55 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 116 approved programs in West Virginia - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Professional HealthCare Development. Within 24 months of graduation (6 months for RN/LPN challenge candidates) 3 attempts, then complete another full training program (which grants 3 more attempts)
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry (OHFLAC Nurse Aide Verification). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the WV registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 2 years; at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work under RN supervision within the previous 2 years. Facilities must provide 12 hours of in-service per year.
Moving from another state
Application by Reciprocity to OHFLAC-NAP; must be in good standing and the other state's education and competency requirements must be substantially the same as WV's.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in West Virginia.
CNA funding in West Virginia →West Virginia CNA requirements
- Credential
- Nurse Aide
- Training hours
- 120 hours
- Clinical hours
- 55 hours
- Exam provider
- Professional HealthCare Development
- Fee details
- Fees not published on OHFLAC or PHD web pages that could be read. Aggregators conflict ($125 vs $140 written+skills; $180 oral+skills), so left null.
- Deadline to test
- Within 24 months of graduation (6 months for RN/LPN challenge candidates)
- Retakes
- 3 attempts, then complete another full training program (which grants 3 more attempts)
- Minimum age
- No minimum stated (under 18 students allowed, but cannot operate mechanical lifts per child labor law)
- Background check
- Employers use the WV CARES fingerprint based state and federal criminal background check program; not described as a certification step.
- Regulator
- Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: ohflac.wvdhhr.org, apps.sos.wv.gov, wvhca.org, profhd.com. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in West Virginia, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, including 55 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Professional HealthCare Development and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in West Virginia?
Professional HealthCare Development runs the West Virginia nurse aide competency exam.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in West Virginia?
Application by Reciprocity to OHFLAC-NAP; must be in good standing and the other state's education and competency requirements must be substantially the same as WV's.
How do you renew a CNA certification in West Virginia?
Every 2 years; at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work under RN supervision within the previous 2 years. Facilities must provide 12 hours of in-service per year.
How do I pay for CNA training in West 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 West Virginia.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.