Loading...
Loading...
How to become a CNA in District of Columbia. Training: 120 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP) – transitioned from Pearson VUE. Total initial fees: $167–$192. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
78% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
120 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (NNAAP) – transitioned from Pearson VUE
Exam Provider
$167–$192
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours
Must have worked at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) for pay as a nurse aide under RN or LPN supervision during the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
DC Health – Board of Nursing
(877) 672-2174
Program Approval Body
DC Health – Board of Nursing
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the DC Health – Board of Nursing
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
120
Total Hours
75
Classroom
45
Clinical
Program Approval Body
DC Health – Board of Nursing
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (NNAAP) – transitioned from Pearson VUE
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass within 24 months of program completion; 3 attempts allowed per section
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid facilities must cover training costs | $1,200–$3,000 |
Competency Exam Fee Written + skills: $117; oral + skills: $127 (includes $12 registry placement fee); retakes: $40–$65 per section; paid to Credentia | $117–$127 |
State Registration Fee Registry placement fee included in exam fee | $12 |
Background Check Fee MPD and FBI fingerprint-based background check; costs vary | $50–$65 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam and background check fees (excludes training program tuition) | $167–$192 |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
Must have worked at least one documented day (8 consecutive hours) for pay as a nurse aide under RN or LPN supervision during the past 24 months
Work Requirement
24
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No renewal fee required; submit renewal through Credentia platform
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
No renewal fee; if lapsed, must apply for reinstatement or retrain
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed for more than 24 months without qualifying employment
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Out-of-state CNAs with active, good-standing certification can apply for certification by endorsement; may be certified without retaking the exam if credentials meet DC standards
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
DC recently transitioned testing and registry services from Pearson VUE to Credentia. The District requires both DC Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and FBI background checks via fingerprinting. Initial applications go through DC Health's internal licensing portal while exam registration goes through Credentia separately. The endorsement fee of just $15 is among the lowest in the nation.
DC requires 120 training hours (75 classroom/lab + 45 clinical), exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
DC recently transitioned from Pearson VUE to Credentia for CNA exam administration and registry management
Knowledge exam available in written English, oral English, or oral Spanish formats
Written exam has 70 questions (60 multiple-choice + 10 reading comprehension) with a 2-hour time limit
Must be at least 18 years old and certified free of communicable disease
Both MPD and FBI background checks are required via fingerprinting
24 hours of DC BON-approved CEUs required for renewal every 24 months
No renewal fee required; renewal submitted through Credentia platform
Endorsement (reciprocity) fee is only $15
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#4 of 51
Cost
#34 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$43,120
25th percentile
Median
$46,860
+19% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$50,360
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
2,550 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+180% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$46,860
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$46,860
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$70,420
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$104,550
MSN or DNP + national certification
$131,380
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 7–22 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: DC Health – Board of Nursing — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: DC Health – Board of Nursing — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
District of Columbia requires 120 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (NNAAP) – transitioned from Pearson VUE competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the DC Health – Board of Nursing.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.