CNA License in North Carolina

How to Get a 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®.

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.

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.

1. Wake Technical Community College

   9101 Fayetteville Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
   (919) 866-5000

2. Central Piedmont Community College

   1201 Elizabeth Ave, Charlotte, NC 28204
   (704) 330-2722

3. Guilford Technical Community College

   7908 Leabourne Rd, Colfax, NC 27235
   (336) 334-4822

4. Cape Fear Community College

   411 N Front St, Wilmington, NC 28401
   (910) 362-7000

5. Fayetteville Technical Community College

   2201 Hull Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28303
   (910) 678-8400

6. Forsyth Technical Community College

   2701 University Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
   (336) 724-3625

7. Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

   340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801
   (828) 398-7900

8. Gaston College

   7220 Wilkinson Blvd, Belmont, NC 28012
   (704) 825-3737

9. Catawba Valley Community College

   2550 US Hwy 70 SE, Hickory, NC 28602
   (828) 327-7000

10. Pitt Community College

    1986 Pitt Tech Rd, Winterville, NC 28590
    (252) 493-7200

How to Verify a 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)

How to Renew a 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.

How to Reinstate a 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.

How to Transfer a 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.

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.