To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in North Carolina, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry. This guide explains how to get certified, renew or reinstate your license, verify your status, and transfer an out-of-state certification—based on current regulations from the Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) under the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS).
How to Get Your CNA License in North Carolina
To earn your CNA license in North Carolina, you must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide I training program and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, administered by Credentia through the CNA365® platform.
Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Nurse Aide I Training Program
The program must be approved by DHSR and include at least 75 total hours of instruction, with a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training before any direct resident contact.
Curriculum Topics
- Infection prevention and hand hygiene
- Vital signs and documentation
- Nutrition and fluid intake
- Body systems and restorative care
- Resident rights, dignity, and ethics
- Safety, communication, and critical thinking
- Dementia care and mental health
- End-of-life care and pain management
Threads of Care: Required Skills
- Hand hygiene and PPE use
- Bed baths and perineal care
- Dressing, oral care, and occupied bed making
- Vital signs, height, weight, and fluid output
- Specimen collection and catheter care
- Feeding, intake measurement, and mobility assistance
- ROM exercises, ambulation, and restraint care
Step 2: Apply for the NNAAP Exam
After completing training, your provider will submit eligibility to Credentia. Create a CNA365® account, complete your application, and pay the required fee. All scheduling and communication are managed through CNA365®.
| Exam Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Written Exam + Skills Evaluation | $140 |
| Oral Exam + Skills Evaluation | $140 |
| Written Exam Only (Retest) | $50 |
| Oral Exam Only (Retest) | $50 |
| Skills Evaluation Only (Retest) | $90 |
Fees are non-refundable and must be paid through CNA365® before scheduling.
Step 3: Pass the NNAAP Exam
The NNAAP exam includes two parts:
- Knowledge Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions, 2-hour limit.
- Skills Exam: Perform 5 randomly assigned skills, 30-minute limit. Hand hygiene and at least one measurement task are mandatory.
You have three attempts per component. If unsuccessful after three tries, you must repeat training before reapplying.
Step 4: Get Listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry
After passing both exam parts, Credentia reports your results to DHSR. You will then be added to the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry, authorizing you to work in approved facilities.
Need assistance? Call the Nurse Aide I Registry at (919) 855-3969 or Credentia at (888) 204-6249.
State-Approved CNA Programs in North Carolina
The following Nurse Aide training programs are approved by NCDHHS. When comparing options, consider tuition, location, schedule, clinical training, and job placement support.
- 1075 E Cornelius Harnett Blvd, Lillington, NC 27546(910) 893-9101
- 297 Davidson Community College Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360(336) 249-8186
How to Verify Your CNA License in North Carolina
Use the official Nurse Aide I Registry to verify your CNA license, confirm work eligibility, and check for findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.
Step 1: Access the Registry
Visit the Verify Registry Listings page.
Step 2: Enter Search Information
For each nurse aide (up to four per request), enter:
- Last four digits of SSN
- First name
- Last name
Step 3: Submit Your Search
Click Submit Request and review the results to confirm name matches and status.
Step 4: Review Certification Details
The results display:
- Full legal name
- Registry listing number
- Status: Must show Active for work eligibility
- Expiration date
- Findings: Abuse, neglect, or misappropriation (if any)
Phone Verification: Call (919) 855-3969, Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET.
How to Renew Your CNA License in North Carolina
You must renew your CNA license every 24 months to stay active on the Nurse Aide I Registry. Renewal is managed by DHSR.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You qualify for renewal if, within your current 24-month listing period:
- You worked at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide duties
- Your duties were delegated and supervised by an RN
- You have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
Note: Private duty work does not qualify unless through a licensed facility or agency. CAP/DA or CAP/C services require documentation.
Step 2: Submit the Online Renewal Form
Complete the Online Renewal Form up to 90 days before expiration. There is no fee.
- Enter your name as listed in the Registry
- Avoid apostrophes or commas
- Provide birth date, last four of SSN, and six-digit listing number
Step 3: Request RN Employment Verification
An RN must submit the Employment Verification Form within 7 days of your renewal submission.
- RN must confirm duties were supervised and met renewal standards
- Verification must be supported by employment records or direct supervision
Step 4: Verify Your Listing
After RN submission, the Registry updates within 3–5 business days. Check your status on the verification page.
Important: If ineligible for renewal, you must complete training and retest to regain certification.
How to Reinstate Your CNA License in North Carolina
If your certification has expired, you must complete training and pass the exam again to be relisted.
Step 1: Confirm Your Status
Use the registry page to confirm inactive status.
Step 2: Complete a Training Program
Enroll in a DHSR-approved Nurse Aide I program with at least 75 hours.
Step 3: Wait for Exam Eligibility Approval
Your provider submits eligibility to Credentia, and you’ll receive an email once added to CNA365.
Step 4: Access Your CNA365™ Account
Log in to CNA365™, update your profile, and ensure your legal name matches your ID and SSN.
Step 5: Schedule and Pay for the Exam
Schedule your exam in CNA365. Testing is available at regional sites, facilities, or online (Knowledge Exam only).
Step 6: Pass Both Exam Components
You must pass both Knowledge and Skills exams. After three failed attempts, you must retrain before reapplying.
Step 7: Verify Certification
Once passed, your registry status updates within 3–5 business days.
Need help? Call (919) 855-3969 or Credentia at (888) 204-6249.
How to Transfer Your CNA License to North Carolina
You may transfer your CNA license through reciprocity if you hold an active Nurse Aide certificate in another state.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
You must:
- Hold an active certificate in good standing
- Have no disqualifying findings
- Have worked 8+ hours under RN supervision in the past 24 months or completed a state-approved exam
- Have a signed Social Security card and valid photo ID
Note: Private duty and temporary aide work are not eligible.
Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application
Download the Reciprocity Application. Use a desktop device; handwritten or outdated forms are not accepted.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Submit:
- Completed application
- Out-of-state CNA certificate
- Signed Social Security card
- Unexpired photo ID
- Name change documentation (if applicable)
- Proof of qualifying work or testing
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Email documents to DHSR.Nurseaide@dhhs.nc.gov. Faxed or outdated forms will not be accepted after August 1, 2025.
Step 5: Wait for Approval
DHSR processes applications within 10 business days. You may not work in North Carolina until your status is Active in the registry.
Questions? Call (919) 855-3969.
North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry
The North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry, maintained by the Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) under the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), is the official record of nurse aides authorized to work in the state. It tracks certification status, employment eligibility, training history, renewal dates, and any substantiated findings. Employers must verify an aide’s active status before hire, while nurse aides use the registry to confirm certification, renew listings, apply for reciprocity, and update information.
Contact Information
- Agency: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)
- Division: Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), Health Care Personnel Education and Credentialing Section
- Mailing Address: 2709 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-2709
- Phone: (919) 855-3969 (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. ET)
- Email: DHSR.Nurseaide@dhhs.nc.gov
- Registry Search: North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CNA training required in North Carolina?
Yes. You must complete a state-approved Nurse Aide I training and competency evaluation program or qualify for a waiver.
How do I find an approved CNA program?
See the official list of state-approved programs published by NCDHHS.
Who administers the CNA exam?
Credentia administers the NNAAP exam in North Carolina.
How do I renew my CNA license?
You must complete at least 8 hours of paid work under RN supervision in the 24-month listing period. Submit the online renewal form and have an RN submit the employment verification form.
Can I transfer my CNA license to North Carolina?
Yes. Submit the Reciprocity Application. You must be active and in good standing on another state’s registry.
How do employers verify CNA status?
Employers can verify certification on the registry.
What employment qualifies for renewal?
At least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work under RN supervision within 24 months. Private duty and volunteer work do not qualify.
Key Takeaways
- Complete approved training: Finish a DHSR-approved Nurse Aide I program with at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice.
- Apply and schedule exams: Create a CNA365® account with Credentia, submit your application, and schedule the knowledge and skills exams.
- Pass both exam components: Complete the NNAAP exam within two years of training or within three attempts to qualify for certification.
- Appear on the state registry: Once certified, your active status is posted on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry as proof of eligibility.
- Renew every two years: Perform at least 8 hours of paid, RN-supervised work during each 24-month period, verified online by an RN.
- Reinstate if expired: If you do not meet renewal requirements, you must retrain and retest through Credentia.
- Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the DHSR Reciprocity Application with proof of active out-of-state certification and qualifying employment or testing history.
Sources
- North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry – NCDHHS
- Information for Nurse Aide I Candidates – NCDHHS
- State-Approved Nurse Aide I Training Programs – NCDHHS
- Credentia – North Carolina Nurse Aide Exam
- North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON)
- NCBON Nurse Aide I Task List
- Nurse Aide Online Renewal Form – NCDHHS
- Nurse Aide Online Employment Verification Form – NCDHHS
- Nurse Aide I Reciprocity Application – NCDHHS
- Change of Address and Name Form – NCDHHS
- Verify Nurse Aide I Listing – NCDHHS
