CNA License in Virginia

How to Get a CNA License in Virginia

Follow these steps to become certified in Virginia:

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Enroll in a program approved by VBON. Each program must include at least 120 hours of instruction:

• 80 hours of classroom and lab instruction
• 40 hours of supervised clinical training

Step 2: Apply for the CNA Exam

Create an account on the Credentia portal. Upload your training completion documents and submit your application. Once approved, you may schedule the exam and pay the required fees.

Programs may prepay or issue vouchers. Otherwise, pay by credit or debit card during registration.

Step 3: Pass the CNA Exam

The exam has two parts:

• Written (or Oral) Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions; time limit 2 hours
• Skills Evaluation: Perform five assigned nurse aide tasks; hand hygiene is always included

You may attempt each part up to three times. Both must be passed within 24 months of completing your program. Otherwise, retraining is required.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams, Credentia will forward your results to VBON. Your name will be added automatically to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. Use the License Lookup tool to verify your status. Results typically appear within 24–48 hours.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Virginia

The following training programs are approved by VBON. Compare options based on tuition, schedule, location, clinical sites, and job placement support.

1. Danville Community College

   1008 S Main St, Danville, VA 24541
   (434) 797-2222

2. Eastern Shore Community College

   29300 Lankford Hwy, Melfa, VA 23410
   (757) 789-1789

3. Germanna Community College

   2130 Germanna Hwy #402, Locust Grove, VA 22508
   (540) 423-9825

4. Brightpoint Community College

   13101 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Chester, VA 23831
   (804) 796-4000

5. Laurel Ridge Community College

   6480 College St, Warrenton, VA 20187
   (540) 351-1505

6. Mountain Empire Community College

   3441 Mountain Empire Rd, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219
   (276) 523-2400

7. Patrick & Henry Community College

   645 Patriot Ave, Martinsville, VA 24112
   (276) 638-8777

8. Piedmont Virginia Community College

   501 College Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22902
   (434) 977-3900

9. Southside Virginia Community College

   109 Campus Dr, Alberta, VA 23821
   (434) 949-1000

10. Virginia Peninsula Community College

    99 Thomas Nelson Dr, Hampton, VA 23666
    (757) 825-2800

11. Tidewater Community College

    121 College Pl, Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 822-1111

12. Virginia Western Community College

    3094 Colonial Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24015
    (540) 857-8922

How to Verify a CNA License in Virginia

Use the official lookup tool maintained by the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP) to confirm your status, expiration date, and disciplinary history.

Step 1: Access the Lookup Tool

Go to the Virginia License Lookup page.

Step 2: Choose a Search Method

• License Number: Enter your 10-digit certification number
• Last Name and Last 4 of SSN: Both fields required
• Occupation: Select Nurse Aide and optionally filter by name or ZIP code

Step 3: Submit Search

Click Search to display matching results.

Step 4: Review Results

The results include:

• Full name
• Address
• Expiration date
• Additional Public Information: Indicates if formal action exists

Step 5: View Detailed Record

Click the licensee’s name to display the detailed record:

• License number
• Occupation: Nurse Aide
• Full name and address
• Initial license date
• Expiration date
• Status: Must be Active for employment
• Additional Public Information: Indicates records under §54.1-2400.2.H

How to Renew a CNA License in Virginia

You must renew your certification every two years to stay active on the registry. Renewal is completed online through DHP.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may renew if:

• Your certification is current or expired for less than 90 days
• You completed at least 8 hours of paid CNA work under RN or LPN supervision during the renewal cycle

If you do not meet these criteria, apply for reinstatement instead.

Step 2: Access the Online Portal

Go to the DHP Online Licensing Portal. You will need your license number and:

• Existing username/password, or
• PIN and license number from your renewal notice

Step 3: Submit Renewal Application

Log in and update your personal and employment information. You must attest to meeting the 8-hour work requirement. Choose to renew as Active or Inactive.

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

Submit payment by credit or debit card. A late fee will apply if your license is expired.

Step 5: Verify Your Status

Most renewals process within 30 minutes. Confirm status using the Virginia License Lookup.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Virginia

If your certification has been expired for more than 90 days, you must apply for reinstatement through VBON.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

All of the following must apply:

• You were previously listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry
• You have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• You performed paid CNA duties under nurse supervision:
  • Within two years before expiration, and
  • Within two years of the application date

If you do not meet both conditions, you must pass the competency exam.

Step 2: Apply for Reinstatement

Submit your application through the VBON forms page. Include:

• Completed application
• $30 fee (non-refundable)
• Employment Verification Form signed by a licensed nurse

Step 3: Submit Additional Documents (If Applicable)

• Name change: Marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order
• Criminal history: Certified court records or State Police background check
• Out-of-state discipline: Include official orders or related documents

Email documents to nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov.

Step 4: Await Review

Processing takes 30–45 business days. If you meet all requirements, your certification will be reinstated. Otherwise, you must pass the CNA exam.

Step 5: Pass the Exam (If Required)

Take both components:

• Written or Oral Exam
• Skills Exam

Do not register until instructed. Submit proof of passing both exams to complete reinstatement.

Step 6: Confirm Reinstatement

Your certification will appear as Active in the License Lookup tool. Physical certificates are not issued.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Virginia

If you are certified in another state, you may apply for certification by endorsement. This allows you to transfer your credential without repeating training or testing.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• You completed a state-approved training program meeting federal standards
• You passed a competency exam
• You hold an active, unencumbered certification in at least one U.S. state
• You have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

Note: If you were previously certified in Virginia, you must apply for reinstatement.

Step 2: Create a DHP Account

Log into or register on the DHP Application Portal.

Step 3: Submit the Endorsement Application

Choose the CNA Endorsement Application. There is no fee. Upload:

• Copy of your out-of-state certification
• Verification from each state where certified
• If applicable, court records or a certified statement of unavailability

Step 4: Respond to Requests

The Board may request additional documentation. Monitor your email and portal account.

Step 5: Track Application

Processing takes 30–45 business days. The application remains valid for one year. If requirements are not met within that period, you must reapply. Use the portal to check your status.

Virginia Nurse Aide Registry

The Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by VBON under DHP, is the official database of certified nurse aides eligible to work in Virginia. The registry documents certification status, employment eligibility, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. Employers use it to confirm a nurse aide’s active status, while CNAs use it to verify certification, manage renewals, reinstatements, and endorsements, and update personal information through the MyLicense system.

Contact Information

• Agency: Virginia Board of Nursing (VBON)
• Address: Perimeter Center, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233-1463
• Phone: (804) 367-4515
• Fax: (804) 799-7925
• Email: nurseaide@dhp.virginia.gov
• Website: Virginia Board of Nursing
• Registry Search: Virginia Nurse Aide Registry Lookup

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I fail to pass both CNA exams within 24 months of training completion?

If you do not pass both the written/oral and skills exams within 24 months of completing training, you must retake a Virginia-approved nurse aide training program before reapplying for testing and certification.

Can I change my exam site or reschedule a test after registering?

Yes. You may reschedule or cancel your CNA exam through your Credentia account. Changes must be made at least five business days before the scheduled exam date to avoid forfeiting fees.

How do I report a criminal conviction on my CNA application?

If you have a criminal conviction, you must submit certified copies of the court records or a criminal history report from the Virginia State Police. If court documents are unavailable, you must provide a certified statement from the court confirming that the records have been destroyed.

Can I submit supplemental documents by email or fax?

Yes. You may submit required documents—such as court records, name change documentation, or out-of-state certification verifications—by email to nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov or by fax to (804) 799-7925, as directed in the application instructions.

Can I work as a CNA in Virginia while my endorsement application is pending?

No. You may not work as a CNA until your name is listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. Employers must verify your certification status through the official registry before employment begins.

Does Virginia issue physical CNA certificates?

No. VBON does not mail paper certificates. All certification status is maintained electronically and may be verified through the DHP License Lookup system.

Can I use private-duty employment to meet the renewal work requirement?

Yes. Private-duty employment may count toward the required eight hours of paid nursing-related duties if the work was supervised by a licensed nurse. You must submit an Employment Verification Form to document this experience.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a state-approved nurse aide program with 120 hours, including 80 classroom/lab hours and 40 clinical hours.
• Pass both exam components: Take the written or oral knowledge test and the skills evaluation through Credentia within 24 months of program completion.
• Be listed on the registry: After passing both exams, your active status will appear on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry as official proof of certification.
• Renew every two years: Complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related duties under RN or LPN supervision during the renewal cycle and submit renewal through the DHP Online Licensing Portal.
• Reinstate if expired: If lapsed more than 90 days or work requirements are unmet, submit a reinstatement application with the $30 fee and proof of qualifying employment. Retesting may be required.
• Transfer by endorsement: Apply through the DHP portal with verification of active out-of-state certification. No fee is required.