Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in Virginia
Virginia CNAs are certified by the Virginia Board of Nursing after completing a state-approved training program of at least 120 hours and passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). The exam has two parts: a written or oral knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation. Both must be passed within two years of completing training.
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Virginia requires prospective CNAs to complete an approved training program and pass a two-part competency exam before their name can be added to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. The Virginia Board of Nursing oversees the process and offers both a standard CNA credential and an Advanced Certified Nurse Aide credential with additional requirements.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, the application process, and other certification topics.
- Eligibility Requirements
- CNA Training in Virginia
- The Examination Process
- The Application Process
- CNA Renewal
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Reinstatement
- Advanced CNA Status
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for CNA certification in Virginia, candidates must be at least 16 years old. As of January 30, 2024, the Virginia Board of Nursing updated its eligibility policy. Candidates applying on or after that date must comply with the revised requirements.
Most applicants must complete a Virginia-approved nurse aide training program within 24 months before applying. Nursing students who have completed at least one clinical course with a minimum of 40 client care hours may apply to test based on that coursework, without completing a separate training program. LPN and RN program graduates are also eligible to take the CNA exam.
All candidates are subject to background screening. The application includes questions about criminal and disciplinary history. Findings in another state’s nurse aide registry or certain criminal history can affect eligibility. Candidates with relevant history are not automatically disqualified, but must submit documentation for the Board to review before being approved to test.
CNA Training in Virginia
Virginia requires a minimum of 120 training hours through a state-approved nurse aide program. At least 40 of those hours must be supervised clinical practice with direct patient contact. Programs are offered at community colleges, high schools, nursing homes, and vocational training centers across the state.
The Virginia Board of Nursing maintains the list of approved programs. Search for current options at dhp.virginia.gov. One exception applies: a nurse aide enrolled in a training program that is physically housed within a nursing home may perform CNA duties in that facility before earning certification.
The Examination Process
Virginia CNAs take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), now administered by Credentia, which replaced Pearson VUE as the Virginia testing vendor. The exam includes two components, the knowledge test and the skills evaluation, both administered on the same day.
The written knowledge test consists of 70 multiple-choice questions. Ten of those are unscored pilot items. Candidates won’t know which ones during the exam. Candidates who prefer an oral format can request it in place of the written test. The skills evaluation requires demonstrating five nurse aide competencies within 30 minutes. One task always involves taking and recording a patient measurement, such as blood pressure, weight, or respiration rate.
Both components must be passed within two years of completing the training program. Virginia does not limit the number of attempts within that two-year window. For current exam fees, scheduling, and the candidate handbook, contact Credentia directly or visit their website.
The Application Process
For first-time candidates, the examination and certification application process is completed through Credentia on behalf of the Virginia Board of Nursing. After candidates pass the exam, the Board places eligible applicants on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. Training programs often distribute application materials to their graduates, but candidates can also obtain materials directly through Credentia.
Documentation requirements depend on the applicant’s route. Training program graduates need a certificate of completion or a letter on official program letterhead signed by the program director. Nursing students submit a letter from their school confirming enrollment and completion of required coursework. Nursing program graduates submit official or certified copies of transcripts. Transcripts not in English must be translated before submission.
The application includes screening questions about legal and disciplinary history, as well as conditions that could affect practice. Applicants who answer yes to a screening question must submit additional documentation to the Board, which may include certified court records, letters from treatment providers, and a personal letter of explanation. The Board reviews these submissions before approving the candidate to test. This adds time to the process.
Until a candidate’s name appears on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, they may not hold themselves out as a Certified Nurse Aide, even after receiving passing exam scores.
License verification is available online at dhp.virginia.gov.
CNA Renewal in Virginia
Virginia CNA certifications must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires documentation of work activity as a nurse aide during the certification period. CNAs who cannot show qualifying work activity may need to complete a competency evaluation before recertification. Renewal applications are processed through the Virginia Board of Nursing at dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.
Out-of-State CNAs
A CNA currently certified in another state may apply for certification by endorsement in Virginia. If the Board determines the prior state’s requirements were comparable to Virginia’s, no additional examination is required. The Board makes that determination on a case-by-case basis. Endorsement applicants can apply online through the Virginia Board of Nursing or contact the Board directly for application materials.
Reinstatement for Former CNAs
A Virginia CNA whose certification has expired for more than 90 days must apply for reinstatement. If the CNA cannot document work activity as a nurse aide in the prior two years, retesting is required before reinstatement. Reinstatement applications are available through the Virginia Board of Nursing at dhp.virginia.gov/nursing.
Advanced CNA Status
Virginia is one of the few states that offers a formal Advanced Certified Nurse Aide credential. To qualify, a CNA must meet all three of the following requirements:
- At least three years of CNA certification history in Virginia
- A written recommendation from a supervising nurse who has provided at least six months of recent, direct supervision
- At least 120 hours of approved advanced training, including a competency evaluation
Advanced nurse aide training programs are listed at the end of the Board of Nursing’s approved programs directory. The application is available through the Virginia Board of Nursing. As with the standard CNA credential, all requirements are subject to change. Confirm current rules with the Board before applying.
Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing at dhp.virginia.gov/nursing for application materials, current requirements, and program listings. CNAs looking to advance to RN or LPN can find Virginia nursing license requirements for both credential levels.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to become a CNA in Virginia?
Virginia requires CNA candidates to be at least 16 years old. This minimum applies to both training program enrollment and examination eligibility under the updated Board policy, which took effect on January 30, 2024.
How long does CNA training take in Virginia?
Virginia requires a minimum of 120 training hours, with at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Most programs run between four and twelve weeks, ks depending on whether the candidate attends full-time or part-time.
Who administers the Virginia CNA exam?
Credentia administers the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) in Virginia. Credentia replaced Pearson VUE as the testing vendor. For current fees, scheduling, and the candidate handbook, visit Credentia’s website directly.
Can I work as a CNA in Virginia before passing the exam?
Only in one specific situation: a nurse aide enrolled in a training program that is housed within a nursing home may perform CNA duties at that facility before earning certification. This exception does not apply to programs based at schools, community colleges, or other settings.
How do I verify CNA certification status in Virginia?
Certification status can be verified online through the Virginia Department of Health Professions at dhp.virginia.gov. The Virginia Nurse Aide Registry is searchable and will confirm whether a CNA’s credentials are currently active.
Key Takeaways
- Virginia Board of Nursing certifies CNAs — Both a standard CNA credential and an Advanced CNA credential are available, each with distinct requirements.
- 120 training hours required — At least 40 must be supervised clinical practice. The Board’s approved program list is at dhp.virginia.gov.
- NNAAP has two components: a written or oral knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation. Both must be passed within two years of completing training.
- Credentia now administers the exam — Pearson VUE is no longer the Virginia testing vendor. Contact Credentia for current fees and scheduling.
- Registry placement required before practicing — Candidates may not use the CNA title until their name appears on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, even after receiving passing exam scores.
Find Virginia-approved CNA programs, application materials, and state licensure requirements for all credential levels.