CNA License in Washington

How to Get a CNA License in Washington

The CNA certification process in Washington is regulated by DOH. The written/oral exam is administered by Credentia, while the skills exam is scheduled directly through approved testing providers. Follow these steps to become certified as a Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC) in Washington.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

Complete a DOH-approved Nursing Assistant Training Program with at least 115 total hours:

• 35 hours of classroom/theory instruction
• 33 hours of skills lab practice
• 40 hours of supervised clinical training
• 7 hours of HIV/AIDS education (per the 1988 Washington AIDS Omnibus Law)

Your training provider must confirm program completion before you can schedule the exam. Other approved eligibility routes (E2–E9) include nursing students, military medics/corpsmen, out-of-state training, and alternative “bridge” programs. These routes require Authorization to Test from DOH before scheduling exams.

Step 2: Schedule and Take the Skills Exam

The skills exam is not scheduled through Credentia. Arrange testing with your training program or a state-approved site listed by the Washington Nursing Commission. You must pass the skills exam before taking the knowledge exam.

Step 3: Create a Credentia Account and Schedule the Knowledge Exam

After passing the skills exam, create an account on the Credentia CNA365® platform to obtain your Candidate ID and schedule the written or oral knowledge exam. Testing is available online with a remote proctor or at a test center. Oral exams must be requested at registration.

Step 4: Pass Both Parts of the NNAAP® Examination

The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) in Washington consists of:

• Skills Exam – In-person evaluation of randomly selected skills, including mandatory hand hygiene.
• Knowledge Exam – 70 multiple-choice questions in written or oral format.

You must pass both components to qualify for certification. You have up to four attempts at the knowledge exam before retraining is required. There is no overall time limit for these attempts.

Step 5: Apply for CNA Certification with DOH

After passing both exams, submit the Nursing Assistant Certification Application to DOH with the required fee and supporting documents. A fingerprint-based background check may be required. Forms and instructions are available on the DOH website.

Step 6: Get Listed on the Washington Nurse Aide Registry

Once your application is approved, DOH will add your name to the Washington Nurse Aide Registry, confirming your active status.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Washington

The following CNA training programs are approved by DOH. When selecting a program, consider tuition, location, schedule flexibility, clinical partnerships, and job placement support.

1. Bates Technical College

   1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
   (253) 680-7000

2. Bellevue College

   3000 Landerholm Cir SE, Bellevue, WA 98007
   (425) 564-1000

3. Bellingham Technical College

   3028 Lindbergh Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
   (360) 752-7000

4. Big Bend Community College

   7662 Chanute St NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837
   (509) 793-2222

5. Centralia College

   600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia, WA 98531
   (360) 736-9391

6. Clover Park Technical College

   4500 Steilacoom Blvd SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
   (253) 589-5800

7. Edmonds College

   20000 68th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036
   (425) 640-1459

8. Green River College

   12401 SE 320th St, Auburn, WA 98092
   (253) 833-9111

9. Shoreline Community College

   16101 Greenwood Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133
   (206) 546-4101

10. Spokane Community College

    1810 N Greene St, Spokane, WA 99217
    (509) 533-7000

11. Walla Walla Community College

    500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362
    (509) 522-2500

12. Wenatchee Valley College

    1300 Fifth St, Wenatchee, WA 98801
    (509) 682-6800

How to Verify a CNA License in Washington

Use the DOH license verification system to confirm your CNA license status, check expiration dates, and view any public enforcement actions.

Step 1: Access the Provider Credential Search

Go to the Washington Provider Credential Search page.

Step 2: Select Credential Type

• Under Credential Type, choose Nursing Assistant Certification – NC.

Step 3: Enter Search Information

• Name: Enter your name as listed on your official record
• Credential Number: Enter your complete license number, if available

Step 4: Complete CAPTCHA Verification

Confirm your identity by completing the CAPTCHA.

Step 5: Submit and Review Results

Click Search to view all matching records, which include:

• Credential number
• Full name
• License status — Active, Expired, or Closed
• Year of birth
• Enforcement action — Yes or No

Step 6: View License Details

Select your credential number to see the full record, including:

• Credential type
• First issue date
• Last renewal date
• Expiration date

You can download or print this record as the official primary source verification recognized by DOH.

How to Renew a CNA License in Washington

In Washington, NAC licenses must be renewed annually through DOH on or before your birthday. Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• License is active or within the 90-day early renewal period
• No restrictions or pending discipline
• No continuing education requirement
• Contact information in HELMS is current
• Name changes documented at least two weeks before renewing

Step 2: Submit Your Renewal Application

Online Renewal (Preferred)

• Sign in or create a SecureAccess Washington (SAW) account
• Add the Healthcare Enforcement and Licensing Management System (HELMS) using service code 7472
• Submit the renewal before expiration

Other Renewal Methods

• Mail: Send your renewal notice and payment to:
  • With Fees: P.O. Box 1099, Olympia, WA 98507-1099
  • Without Fees: P.O. Box 47877, Olympia, WA 98504-7877
• In Person: Renew at the DOH Health Systems Quality Assurance counter in Tumwater (9 a.m.–4 p.m.)

Step 3: Pay the Renewal Fee

• Standard fee: $95
• Late penalty: $50 if renewed after expiration

Step 4: Verify Your Renewal

Online renewals update immediately; mail or in-person may take up to two weeks. Confirm your status using the Provider Credential Search.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Washington

If your NAC credential has expired, you must complete the DOH reinstatement process before practicing. Requirements and fees depend on how long it has been expired.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

• Expired Less than 1 year: Renewal application, $95 fee, $50 late penalty
• Expired 1–3 years: Expired Certification Activation Application, $95 renewal fee, $50 late penalty, $52 reissue fee
• Expired More than 3 years: Complete a state-approved CNA program and pass the competency exam, unless active on another state’s OBRA registry

Step 2: Complete the Application

Download the Expired Certification Activation Application. Include:

• Demographics
• Other licenses or certifications
• Caregiving experience since expiration
• Disciplinary history
• CE or competency attestation (if applicable)
• Signed attestation

Step 3: Prepare Fees and Documents

Pay by check or money order to “Department of Health.” Attach name change proof, CE, or other required items. All fees are non-refundable.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Mail to:
Department of Health
Nursing Assistant Credentialing
P.O. Box 1099
Olympia, WA 98507-1099

Step 5: Complete a Background Check (If Required)

If you have lived in another state or have a Washington criminal record, DOH may require a fingerprint-based background check through the Washington State Patrol and FBI at your expense.

Step 6: Await Processing

DOH will review your application and may request additional information. You may not work as a CNA until your credential shows as Active in the Provider Credential Search.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Washington

If you hold an active CNA certification in another U.S. state, you may apply for Washington certification through interstate endorsement with DOH.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Active CNA certification in another state
• Good standing with no discipline
• Verification for all healthcare credentials ever held

Step 2: Complete the Endorsement Application

Download the Nursing Assistant Certification Endorsement Application. Provide all demographic, employment, and personal data. Mark “N/A” if no caregiving history.

Step 3: Submit Verification of Out-of-State Certification

Complete Part 1 of the Out-of-State Credential Verification Form and send it to each state where you hold or have held certification. Each must complete Part 2 and mail it directly to DOH.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Include the non-refundable fee. Make checks or money orders payable to “Washington State Department of Health.”

Step 5: Complete a Background Check

DOH may require a fingerprint-based background check if you have lived in another state or have a Washington criminal history.

Step 6: Submit Your Application

By Mail – Application and Fee:

By Mail – Verification Forms (sent by other states):

Step 7: Monitor Your Application Status

Check the DOH Application Status page. Once approved, your certification will appear on the Washington Nurse Aide Registry.

Washington Nurse Aide Registry

The Washington Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by DSHS, is the official system for verifying nursing assistant status, employment eligibility, and disciplinary records. Employers are required to check the registry before hiring, and nursing assistants can use it to confirm their own certification and update personal information.

Contact Information

• Mailing Address: OBRA Nursing Assistant Registry, P.O. Box 45600, Olympia, WA 98504-5600
• Phone: (360) 725-2597
• Fax: (360) 493-2581
• Email:obraregistry@dshs.wa.gov
• Registry Search:Washington CNA Registry Search

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Nursing Assistant-Registered (NAR) and a Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC)?

A NAR may work in a nursing facility for up to four months while completing training and testing. A NAC has completed the required training, passed both parts of the NNAAP® exam, and holds active certification.

Can I take the CNA exam in another language?

Yes. The NNAAP® exam is available in English or Spanish.

What should I do if I need special accommodations for the exam?

Submit a written request with documentation from a qualified professional to Credentia before scheduling. Approved accommodations, such as extra time or a separate room, are granted on a case-by-case basis under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

What identification is required on exam day?

Provide one current, unexpired, government-issued photo ID that matches your registration name. Acceptable forms include a driver’s license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or tribal ID.

Do Washington nursing homes have to pay for my CNA exam?

Yes. Medicaid-certified nursing homes must pay NNAAP® exam fees for their nursing assistant employees, including those retesting. Payment must be arranged through the employer when scheduling with Credentia.

Can I change my legal name or address after becoming certified?

Yes. Notify DOH and the OBRA Nursing Assistant Registry in writing. Name changes require official documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a DOH-approved program with at least 115 hours, including classroom, skills lab, clinical practice, and HIV/AIDS instruction.
• Pass both exam components: Take the skills exam through an approved provider and the knowledge exam through Credentia.
• Apply for certification: Submit the application to DOH to receive your NAC credential.
• Appear on the registry: Once certified, your active status is recorded on the OBRA Nurse Aide Registry maintained by DSHS.
• Renew annually: Complete renewal each year on or before your birthday; no continuing education is required.
• Reinstate if expired: If expired less than three years, submit a reactivation application. If expired three or more years, retraining and testing are required.
• Transfer by endorsement: Submit an endorsement application with verification from each state of certification; a background check may be required.