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How to become a CNA in Washington. Training: 108 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP). Total initial fees: $285. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Washington State Department of Health / Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
63% of data points are verified against official sources. 15 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
108 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (NNAAP)
Exam Provider
$285
Total Initial Fees
1 year
Renewal Period
0 hrs
CE Hours
No specific work hour requirement; must maintain active credential
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Washington State Department of Health / Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
360-236-4700
Program Approval Body
Washington State Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Washington State Department of Health / Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
108
Total Hours
35
Classroom
40
Clinical
33
Skills Lab
Program Approval Body
Washington State Department of Health
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (NNAAP)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
120 min
Time Limit
70%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
4
Retest Waiting Period
Up to 4 attempts allowed for knowledge exam with no overall time limit
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; DSHS Reimbursement Program may cover costs for qualifying individuals | $550–$1,280 |
Competency Exam Fee Knowledge exam $55 + Skills exam $100; paid to Credentia | $155 |
State Registration Fee Initial NAC credential application fee paid to Washington DOH | $85 |
Background Check Fee Fingerprint-based background check may be required | $45 |
Total Initial Fees Total of exam ($155), application ($85), and background check ($45); excludes training program tuition | $285 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified1 year
Renewal Period
No specific work hour requirement; must maintain active credential
Work Requirement
0
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$95
Annual renewal fee; renew on or before birthday each year
Late Renewal Fee
$50
Late penalty added to renewal fee if renewed after expiration
Inactive Reinstatement
If expired less than 1 year: renewal application + $95 fee + $50 late penalty. If expired more than 3 years: may need to retrain and retest.
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 apply for endorsement through Washington DOH, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and complete background check
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.
Washington uses the title NAC (Nursing Assistant-Certified) instead of CNA. Requires 108 training hours (35 classroom + 33 skills lab + 40 clinical) per DOH official requirements, including mandatory HIV/AIDS education. Annual renewal at $95/year with no CE required. Allows 4 exam attempts (more than most states). Has separate NAR credential for trainees.
Washington uses the title Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC), not CNA
Washington also has a Nursing Assistant-Registered (NAR) credential for those still in training
Requires 108 total training hours (35 classroom + 33 skills lab + 40 clinical) per DOH official requirements, well above the federal minimum
Renewal is ANNUAL (not biennial), with a $95 annual fee
No continuing education is required for renewal
Up to 4 attempts allowed on the knowledge exam with no overall time limit
DSHS offers a Reimbursement Program that may cover training costs for qualifying individuals
Uses Credentia for NNAAP testing, not Pearson VUE
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 Washington.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#2 of 51
Cost
#49 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$44,850
25th percentile
Median
$48,260
+22% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$54,780
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
28,080 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+191% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$48,260
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$48,260
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$79,700
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$112,180
MSN or DNP + national certification
$140,220
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.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Washington requires 108 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (NNAAP) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Washington State Department of Health / Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.