WashingtonCNA Certification Requirements

Regulated by the Washington State Department of Health / Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission

Training Hours Breakdown

Topics Covered

Restricted Duties

• ✗Cannot administer medications
• ✗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

• •Submit application to Washington Department of Health
• •Provide verification of CNA/NAC certification from previous state
• •Complete fingerprint-based background check if required
• •Must be in good standing with no findings on any abuse registry
• •Complete 7 hours of HIV/AIDS education if not already completed

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.