North CarolinaCNA Certification Requirements

Regulated by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR), NCDHHS

Training Hours Breakdown

Topics Covered

Restricted Duties

• ✗Cannot administer medications (unless certified as Medication Aide)
• ✗Cannot perform sterile procedures
• ✗Cannot insert or remove catheters
• ✗Cannot interpret patient data or make clinical judgments
• ✗Cannot develop or modify care plans

Approved Work Settings

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.

Additional Requirements for Transfer

• •Hold active CNA certificate in good standing from another U.S. state
• •No disqualifying findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• •Demonstrate 8+ hours of paid work under RN supervision in past 24 months
• •Or have completed a state-approved competency exam

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.