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How to become a CNA in North Carolina. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (via CNA365 platform). Total initial fees: $140. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), NCDHHS
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
60% of data points are verified against official sources. 13 fields based on preliminary research. 3 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
75 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (via CNA365 platform)
Exam Provider
$140
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide duties under RN supervision within the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), NCDHHS
(919) 855-3969
Program Approval Body
North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), NCDHHS
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (via CNA365 platform)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5 (including hand hygiene and at least one measurement task)
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
3 attempts per component allowed
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; available at community colleges, high schools, healthcare facilities, and private businesses | $500-$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Written + Skills $140; Oral + Skills $140; Skills retake $90; Written/Oral retake $50 each; paid to Credentia | $140 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Exam fees only (excludes training program tuition) | $140 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide duties under RN supervision within the past 24 months
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No renewal fee; online form submission with RN employment verification
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed 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
Must hold active certificate in good standing from another state with no disqualifying findings and demonstrate 8+ hours under RN supervision in past 24 months or have completed a state-approved exam
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.
North Carolina has no fee for registry listing or renewal. The state uses a two-tier system: Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II. Credentia administers the competency exam through the CNA365 platform with both online proctored and in-person testing options.
North Carolina follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours
The competency exam is now administered by Credentia through the CNA365 platform (formerly Pearson VUE)
Online proctored exams are available in addition to in-person testing
NC calls them 'Nurse Aide I' (NA I) - there is also a Nurse Aide II level
No fee for initial registry listing or renewal - one of the most affordable states
Contact: (919) 855-3969 or DHSR.Nurseaide@dhhs.nc.gov
Credentia customer service: 888-204-6249
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 North Carolina.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#34 of 51
Cost
#25 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$34,580
25th percentile
Median
$37,670
-5% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$41,820
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
61,280 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+232% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$37,670
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$37,670
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$61,380
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$81,860
MSN or DNP + national certification
$125,020
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: 6–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), NCDHHS — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), NCDHHS — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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North Carolina requires 75 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (via CNA365 platform) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), NCDHHS.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.