CNA License in West Virginia

How to Get a CNA License in West Virginia

The CNA certification process is overseen by the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC), with testing administered by Professional Healthcare Development (PHD).

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Nurse Aide Training Program

Enroll in an OHFLAC-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) with at least 120 hours of instruction, including a minimum of 55 hours of supervised clinical training. You must complete all classroom and lab requirements before providing direct resident care.

Step 2: Confirm Eligibility

You must be listed as “test eligible” in OHFLAC’s Nurse Aide Lookup before applying for the competency evaluation. Eligibility remains valid for 24 months from training completion. You may attempt each exam component up to three times before retraining is required.

Step 3: Apply for the West Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Exam

Submit the Nursing Assistant Evaluation Application to PHD with:

• Verification of training completion signed by your program instructor
• Required payment (see application for accepted methods)
• If sponsored, a completed Sponsor Registration Form

Step 4: Prepare for Test Day

Bring the following to the test site:

• One current, unexpired government-issued photo ID
• Your original, non-laminated Social Security card

If you lack a photo ID, submit a completed Substitute for Photo Identification form signed by your instructor and the Test Site Coordinator.

Step 5: Take the CNA Competency Examination

The exam has two parts, both of which must be passed for certification:

• Knowledge Exam: Written or oral multiple-choice format
• Skills Evaluation: Five randomly assigned nurse aide skills scored on a 300-point scale. You must score at least 225 points, complete all critical steps, and avoid actions that cause resident harm.

Step 6: Get Listed on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both parts, PHD sends your results to OHFLAC. Once approved, your name is added to the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.

State-Approved CNA Programs in West Virginia

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

1. BridgeValley Community & Technical College

   168 4th Ave, Montgomery, WV 25136
   (304) 734-6600

2. BridgeValley Community & Technical College

   2001 Union Carbide Drive, South Charleston, WV 25303
   (304) 205-6600

3. Charleston Job Corps Center

   1000 Curtis Price Way, Charleston, WV 25311
   (304) 925-3200

4. Eastern West Virginia Community & Technical College

   316 Eastern Dr, Moorefield, WV 26836
   (304) 434-8000

5. Ross College Morgantown

   1474 Earl Core Rd, Morgantown, WV 26505
   (304) 598-3689

6. Ross Medical Education Center

   5707 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304
   (304) 925-5645

7. Valley College

   120 New River Dr # C, Beckley, WV 25801
   (304) 252-9547

8. Valley College

   287 Aikens Center, Martinsburg, WV 25404
   (304) 263-0979

9. Valley College

   617 Mercer St, Princeton, WV 24740
   (304) 425-2323

How to Verify a CNA License in West Virginia

Use the verification system maintained by OHFLAC to confirm your CNA license status, expiration, and work eligibility.

Step 1: Access the Verification System

Visit the OHFLAC Nurse Aide Verification page.

Step 2: Choose a Search Method

• Registration Number: Enter your number
• Name: Enter your first and last name

Step 3: Submit Your Search

Click Search to view matching records.

Step 4: Review Your Results

The results table displays:

• Name
• Registration Number
• Status: Active, Lapsed, or Inactive
• City

Step 5: View Your Detailed Record

Click your name to open your official Verification Record PDF, which includes:

• Full name and address
• Registration number
• Status
• Date of registration and expiration
• Basis of registration (Training Program or Reciprocity)
• Training facility name
• Last reported employment details
• Work eligibility status, including findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

How to Renew a CNA License in West Virginia

CNA registration in West Virginia must be renewed every two years through the OHFLAC Nurse Aide Registration Renewal Application. Renewal opens up to 60 days before expiration.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Work at least 8 consecutive hours in a paid nursing-related position in an approved facility within the past 24 months
• Have no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property on any state registry

Step 2: Access the Renewal Portal

Log in to the OHFLAC Renewal Portal and enter your registration number. If your name has changed, submit acceptable documentation—such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or updated Social Security card—within 30 days.

Step 3: Complete the Renewal Application

• Update personal details, address, and contact information
• Answer eligibility questions about registry status in other states
• Provide employer details, including facility name, address, phone, dates of employment, and job title

Step 4: Obtain Employer Verification

Your employer must verify your work history before OHFLAC processes the renewal.

Step 5: Verify Your Status

Once approved, your CNA registration remains active for two years from the current expiration. Confirm status using the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in West Virginia

If your CNA license has expired, you may be eligible for reinstatement by completing a refresher course and passing the competency exam. This process is regulated by OHFLAC and administered by PHD.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may qualify for the Nursing Assistant Refresher Course if:

• Your CNA license has been expired for less than five years
• You have no substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• You were previously listed on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry

Note: If expired for more than five years, you must complete a full NATCEP before retesting.

Step 2: Enroll in a State-Approved Refresher Course

The refresher course includes 16 hours of training. To enroll:

• Download and complete the CNA Refresher Course Application
• Submit it to PHD at least two weeks before your selected course date
• Include the $200 course fee

Step 3: Take and Pass the Competency Exam

After the refresher course, you must pass the exam within:

• 60 days of completing the course
• Three attempts allowed within six months

The exam includes a knowledge test and a skills evaluation, as detailed in the Sponsor-Candidate Handbook.

Step 4: Submit Results to OHFLAC

PHD sends results to OHFLAC. You may need to provide proof directly to the registry. Once approved, your CNA license is reinstated for two years.

How to Transfer a CNA License to West Virginia

If you hold an active CNA license in another U.S. state, you may apply for certification in West Virginia through reciprocity. You cannot work until your status is listed as Active in the registry.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Hold a current, active CNA license from another state
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• Meet federal and state OBRA requirements

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application

Submit the Nurse Aide Reciprocity Application through OHFLAC. Provide:

• Full legal name, DOB, and SSN
• Mailing address, phone, and email
• Current CNA license number and issuing state
• Employment history, if applicable

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

• Copy of your current CNA certificate
• Copy of a valid government-issued photo ID
• Legal name change documents, if applicable

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Ensure all sections are complete and documents accurate
• Processing time varies depending on verification from your original state
• If approved, OHFLAC updates your status to Active

West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry

The West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by DHHR OHFLAC, is the official record of certified nurse aides authorized to work in licensed facilities. The registry tracks certification and disciplinary records, provides verification services, and links to OHFLAC applications for renewal and reciprocity.

Contact Information

• Address: 408 Leon Sullivan Way, Suite 120, Charleston, WV 25301
• Phone: (304) 558-0050
• Fax: (304) 558-1442
• Email: DHHR.OHFLAC.NAP@wv.gov
• Registry Search: West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

What ID must I bring on CNA exam day?

Bring one current government-issued photo ID and your original, non-laminated Social Security card. If you do not have a photo ID, submit the completed Substitute for Photo Identification form signed by your instructor and the Test Site Coordinator.

Can I take the CNA exam without completing a full training program?

Yes. RNs and LPNs may challenge the CNA competency exam by submitting the OHFLAC RN/LPN Challenge Application and receiving approval.

How many skills are tested in the CNA skills evaluation?

You will perform five nurse aide skills randomly selected from the state-approved list, including handwashing and other critical safety steps. Full scoring and criteria are in the Sponsor-Candidate Handbook.

What is the role of Professional Healthcare Development (PHD)?

PHD is the state’s contracted testing vendor. It manages exam scheduling, administration, and score reporting in coordination with OHFLAC.

When is a Sponsor Registration Form required?

If a training program or facility pays your exam fees, submit a completed Sponsor Registration Form with your application.

What happens if I fail the CNA exam three times?

If you fail either the knowledge or skills test after three attempts, you must complete a new NATCEP before reapplying.

How do I update my name or address on the Nurse Aide Registry?

Notify OHFLAC within 30 days of any legal name or address change. Submit documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or updated Social Security card through the renewal application or directly to OHFLAC.

Key Takeaways

• Training: Complete a 120-hour OHFLAC-approved NATCEP, including 55 clinical hours.
• Exams: Pass both the knowledge and skills exams administered by PHD.
• Active status: Work at least 8 hours in an approved facility every 24 months with no substantiated findings.
• Renewal: Renew every two years online through OHFLAC with employer verification.
• Reinstatement: If expired less than five years, complete a 16-hour refresher and retest; if more than five years, full retraining is required.
• Reciprocity: Submit the online application with proof of active status in another state; you cannot work until listed as “Active.”