Washington CNA Requirements 2026
Washington certifies nursing assistants through the Department of Health. Candidates must complete a state-approved program of at least 108 hours and pass a two-part competency exam to earn the Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) credential. Those hired at nursing facilities before completing certification can work temporarily under the Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) credential.
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Washington uses two nursing assistant credentials: the Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) and the Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC). The NAR is a provisional credential for individuals hired at nursing facilities before completing certification, allowing them to work while finishing training and passing their exam. The NAC is the permanent certification, earned after meeting all training and examination requirements. Both are currently issued by the Washington Department of Health (DOH). Beginning July 1, 2026, regulatory authority for both credentials transfers to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON), which will take over applications, complaints, and discipline.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, the application process, and renewal information.
- CNA Training Requirements
- Examination Requirements
- The Application Process
- Out-of-State Applicants
- Renewal Requirements
- Career Advancement
CNA Training Requirements
Washington requires candidates to complete a state-approved nursing assistant program before sitting for the certification exam. Programs must include a minimum of 108 total hours: 35 hours of classroom instruction, 33 hours of skills lab training, and 40 hours of facility-based clinical experience (Chapter 246-841 WAC). Classroom instruction includes seven hours of AIDS training. Candidates must also complete a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course before applying for certification.
The Department of Health maintains a list of approved programs on its website, searchable by program type, including high school and job corps options.
Alternative Pathways
Washington recognizes several pathways for candidates with prior healthcare training or education.
Student nurses and graduate nurses can qualify for examination based on equivalent nursing program coursework. Military nursing assistants may qualify after completing the U.S. Air Force Apprentice (Specialist) Program, Army 91-C Program, or Navy Basic Hospital Corps School. Out-of-state candidates who completed nursing assistant or nursing programs elsewhere may test in Washington if they can document at least 35 hours of classroom instruction and 30 hours of clinical training.
Home care aides and medical assistants may qualify through a bridging program. For medical assistants, the original program must have been accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or approved by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and the American Medical Association (AMA). Information on Washington medical assistant certification is available on this site.
Examination Requirements
Washington nursing assistant candidates must pass a two-part competency exam: a written knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation. Both must be passed to earn certification.
The written knowledge test is administered through Pearson VUE at third-party computer-based test sites. Candidates register through a Pearson VUE account, select a test site by location, and choose a date and time. The skills evaluation is scheduled separately and takes place at a Regional Testing Site (RTS) or at an approved facility (INF) location. The written and skills exams are not taken at the same venue or time.
The skills evaluation requires candidates to perform nursing assistant tasks observed by a trained evaluator. Preparation materials, including skill sheets for all testable tasks, are available through the Department of Health’s nursing assistant education resources. Candidates should check the DOH or WABON website for current exam registration instructions, as administrative details are subject to change following the July 1, 2026, regulatory transition.
Fees and Attempt Limits
Examination fees are set by the testing vendors. Verify current fees directly with the DOH or WABON before registering, as these are subject to change. Retesting fees apply separately to each component if a candidate needs to repeat only one part.
Specific attempt limits and deadlines for completing both exam components should be confirmed with the DOH or WABON. Registered nursing assistants employed in nursing homes have four months from hire to complete their training program and both exams. Failure to meet this deadline results in loss of work eligibility.
The Application Process
Individuals hired at nursing facilities before completing certification must first apply for the NAR credential. NAR applications are available on the Washington Department of Health nursing assistant page and can also be submitted online. Applicants answer screening questions about health, legal, and disciplinary history. Those who answer “yes” to any screening question must provide supporting documentation.
Applicants for the NAR must attest to having completed AIDS training that meets the requirements of WAC 246-12-270, which allows for several completion options, including self-study.
The Department of Health conducts background checks through a statewide database. Some candidates, particularly those applying from out of state, may be required to complete a fingerprint-based background check.
Registered nursing assistants employed in nursing homes have four months to complete an approved training program and pass the competency exam for certification. Once certification requirements are met, candidates submit documentation to upgrade to the NAC credential. Military nursing assistants must include transcripts, certifications, and evidence of current CPR. Medical assistants and home care aides must provide documentation of completing an acceptable alternative program. Home care aides must also include evidence of current certification. Military spouses and domestic partners may be eligible for expedited processing.
Out-of-State Applicants
Out-of-state nursing assistants who hold a current, active certification can apply for endorsement into Washington. Applicants must provide certification verification through the appropriate verification process. Contact the Washington Department of Health for current endorsement application requirements and documentation.
Medication Assistant Endorsement
Washington offers a Medication Assistant endorsement for certified nursing assistants who want to administer medications and certain treatments to nursing home residents. The endorsement can only be used in a nursing home setting, under the direct supervision of a designated registered nurse who is on the premises and immediately accessible.
To qualify, a candidate must: hold an active NAC credential in good standing, complete a WABON-approved medication assistant education and training program within the year prior to application, complete at least 1,000 hours of work experience as a NAC in a nursing home within the year prior to application, and pass a written medication assistant competency evaluation. Application and renewal fees apply. Verify current amounts with the DOH or WABON. The endorsement is renewed annually on the certificant’s birthday.
Renewal Requirements
Washington NAC certifications renew annually on the certificant’s birthday. There are no continuing education requirements for renewal. Renewal fees should be confirmed with the DOH or WABON before submitting, as fees are updated periodically, and the regulatory transition to WABON on July 1, 2026, may affect the renewal process.
A lapsed certification can be reactivated. If the certification has been inactive for one year or more, a reactivation application is required. If the certification has lapsed for three years or more, the individual must retrain and retest. The exception applies to those currently active on the OBRA registry in another state, who may use an endorsement path instead.
Note that CNAs working in skilled nursing facilities must also maintain active placement on the OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) registry, which is a separate federal requirement from the state NAC credential. These are two different obligations: the state license through DOH or WABON, and OBRA registry status through the facility’s compliance process.
Career Advancement
Many Washington CNAs use their certification as the foundation for advancing to licensed nursing roles. The most common next step is pursuing Washington LPN licensing requirements. LPN programs typically require 12 to 18 months of additional education and build directly on the hands-on skills developed as a CNA. For those pursuing an RN credential, find full details under the Washington RN licensing requirements. RN licensure requires completing either an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an NAR and an NAC in Washington?
The Nursing Assistant Registered (NAR) is a provisional credential for individuals hired at nursing facilities before completing all certification requirements. It allows them to work while finishing training and passing the exam. The Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) is the permanent credential, earned after meeting all training and examination requirements. Washington’s official credential title is NAC, though the role is commonly referred to as CNA by employers and the industry.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Washington?
Most state-approved programs can be completed in four to twelve weeks, depending on the format and schedule. After program completion, candidates must pass both the written and skills components of the competency exam. The full process from enrollment to active certification typically takes six to twenty weeks, depending on program length and exam scheduling.
How many attempts are allowed for the Washington CNA exam?
Registered nursing assistants employed in nursing homes have four months from hire to complete their training program and pass the competency exam. Failure to meet that deadline results in loss of work eligibility. For specific attempt limits and deadlines that apply to other pathways, verify directly with the Department of Health or the Washington State Board of Nursing, as these rules are contained in the WAC and may be updated.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Washington?
Yes. Out-of-state CNAs holding a current, active certification can apply for endorsement into Washington. You’ll need to provide certification verification and proof of placement on the OBRA registry in your current state. Contact the Washington DOH or WABON for current endorsement application requirements, as the regulatory transition on July 1, 2026, may affect the process.
How do I renew my Washington CNA certification?
Washington NAC certifications renew annually on the certificant’s birthday. There are no continuing education requirements. Verify current renewal fees with the DOH or WABON before submitting. If your certification has been inactive for three or more years, you’ll need to retrain and retest before it can be reactivated.
Key Takeaways
- Two-credential system — Washington issues a provisional NAR credential for individuals hired before completing certification, and the permanent NAC credential once all requirements are met.
- 108 hours of approved training required — Programs must include 35 hours of classroom instruction, 33 hours of skills lab training, and 40 hours of facility-based clinical experience.
- Two-part competency exam — The written test is scheduled through Pearson VUE at third-party computer testing sites. The skills evaluation is taken separately at a Regional Testing Site or an approved facility location.
- Annual renewal, no CE required — NAC certifications renew on the certificant’s birthday each year. There are no continuing education requirements. Certifications lapsed for three or more years require retraining and retesting.
- Regulatory transition in 2026 — Starting July 1, 2026, oversight of NAC and NAR credentials moves from the Washington DOH to the Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON). Verify current application and renewal procedures with WABON after that date.
Find Washington-approved CNA training programs and compare options for starting your nursing assistant certification.