Certified Nurse Aide Requirements in the District of Columbia
DC CNAs are certified by the Board of Nursing based on approved training, a two-part examination, and a criminal background check. Prospective CNAs must complete a DC Department of Health-approved program within the past 24 months and pass the NNAAP examination. Out-of-state CNAs can transfer an active credential through endorsement rather than retesting.
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The District of Columbia’s Certified Nurse Aides fall under the jurisdiction of the DC Board of Nursing. Certification requires completing an approved training program, passing the National Nursing Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination, and clearing a criminal background check. The Board contracts with an approved testing vendor to manage the examination and registry processes, and the DC Department of Health oversees approved training programs.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, application steps, and renewal information for DC CNA certification.
- Training requirements
- Examination process
- How to apply
- Out-of-state CNAs
- Renewal and CE requirements
- Fees to expect
Training Requirements
First-time CNA candidates must complete a training program approved by the DC Department of Health. Approved programs require a minimum of 120 hours of instruction, broken down as 45 classroom hours, 30 lab or clinical training hours, and 45 hours of nursing home clinical practicum. The training must have been completed within the 24 months prior to applying to test. A list of approved programs is available on the DC Department of Health website.
Nursing education is an accepted alternative to CNA-specific training. The Board accepts a fundamentals of nursing course at the RN level, or equivalent LPN training, in place of a standard CNA program. Nurses educated outside the United States can be approved to test after a credentials evaluation by a Board-recognized organization.
A candidate who fails both parts of the NNAAP three times, or who allows certification to lapse for more than 24 consecutive months, must complete an approved program again before reapplying to test.
A current list of DC Department of Health-approved training programs is available on the DC Health CNA page. CNAs who want to build on their credentials can also explore CNA-to-RN bridge programs that accept nurse aide experience toward RN licensure.
The Examination Process
DC nurse aides take the National Nursing Assistant Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination. Both new applicants and those whose certifications have lapsed are required to pass before being listed on the DC Nurse Aide Registry.
The NNAAP has two parts, and both must be passed to receive certification. The skills evaluation requires candidates to perform five randomly selected nurse aide tasks and is conducted in English only. The written knowledge exam is 70 questions, 60 of which are multiple choice and 10 are reading comprehension, with a two-hour time limit. Candidates who prefer an oral format may take the knowledge section as an oral exam in English or Spanish. The oral version runs 160 questions. The exam format choice must be indicated on the registration form before testing.
Candidates have up to three attempts to pass. Anyone who fails either portion three times must complete another approved training program and reapply from the start. Score reports are generally available the same day as the exam.
Examination registration is handled through the Board’s contracted testing vendor. Confirm current scheduling details and test dates with the DC Department of Health before submitting an application.
The Application Process
All examination applicants must demonstrate they meet one of the approved eligibility pathways before the Board will authorize testing. Supporting documentation depends on how the candidate qualifies:
- Newly trained CNAs: copy of the training program certificate
- Candidates with nursing education: copy of nursing school transcripts
- Nurses currently licensed in DC: copy of the DC nursing license
- Internationally educated nurses: copy of foreign nursing credentials
- CNAs with lapsed certification (lapsed for fewer than 24 months): copy of the expired certificate
- CNAs with lapsed certification (lapsed more than 24 months): expired certificate plus new training certificate
Applications and current submission instructions are available on the DC Department of Health website. Submit the completed application together with all supporting documentation.
Out-of-State CNAs
A CNA who holds a current, unencumbered credential in another state can apply for endorsement into the District of Columbia. DC regulations require that the applicant have passed a Board-approved nurse aide assessment program or another program recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the DC Board. CNAs whose credential does not meet that standard must certify by examination in DC.
An endorsement applicant submits a copy of the out-of-state credential, a copy of a Social Security card, and a photo ID. The application is submitted to the Board’s testing vendor. The endorsement fee is $15.
CNAs planning to eventually pursue RN licensure in DC can find the full requirements on the RN licensing requirements in DC page.
Renewal and CE Requirements
DC CNA certification is not permanent. To maintain an active listing on the DC Nurse Aide Registry, CNAs must meet two requirements during each two-year certification period.
First, the CNA must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education relevant to the functions of nurse aides. At least two of those hours must cover cultural competency or specialized clinical training for patients who identify as LGBTQ. At least 10 percent of the total must address public health priorities designated by the DC Director of Health.
Second, the CNA must have worked at least eight hours for pay performing nursing-related services during the certification period. Employers verify this work history at the time of renewal.
CNAs who allow certification to lapse may apply for reinstatement within five years of expiration, provided they can show 24 hours of CE within the prior two years, eight hours of paid nursing work within the prior 24 months, and current registration or certification. Those who do not apply within five years of expiration must meet the full certification requirements, including completing a new approved training program and passing the NNAAP exam.
Fees to Expect
Examination fees for new applicants include a $12 registry placement fee. The total for a first attempt is $117 for candidates taking the written knowledge exam, or $127 for those taking the oral version.
Retake fees depend on which portion needs to be repeated:
- Skills and written exam combined: $105
- Skills and oral exam combined: $115
- Written knowledge exam only: $40
- Oral exam only: $50
- Skills evaluation only: $65
When testing fees are paid by an employer, the test taker’s name must appear on the check. The endorsement fee for out-of-state CNAs applying without examination is $15.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours are required for DC CNA certification?
Approved DC CNA programs require a minimum of 120 hours of instruction: 45 classroom hours, 30 lab or clinical training hours, and 45 hours of nursing home clinical practicum. The program must have been completed within 24 months of the application to test.
How many times can I attempt the NNAAP exam in DC?
Candidates are allowed three attempts to pass. If a candidate fails either the skills evaluation or the knowledge exam three times, they must complete another approved CNA training program before reapplying to test. Both parts of the exam must be passed within a two-year period to be listed on the DC Nurse Aide Registry.
Can I transfer my out-of-state CNA certification to DC?
Yes, if you hold a current, unencumbered CNA credential from another state. DC allows endorsement for applicants who have passed a Board-approved or CMS-recognized nurse aide assessment program. Contact the DC Board of Nursing or check the DC Department of Health website to confirm whether your credential qualifies before submitting an application.
What continuing education is required to renew the DC CNA certification?
DC CNAs must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every two years. At least two hours must cover cultural competency or LGBTQ-focused clinical training, and at least 10 percent must address DC Department of Health-designated public health priorities. CNAs must also show at least eight hours of paid nursing-related work during the certification period.
What happens if my DC CNA certification lapses?
DC regulations allow reinstatement within five years of expiration, provided you can show 24 CE hours within the prior two years, at least eight hours of paid nursing work in the prior 24 months, and current CNA registration. If more than five years have passed since expiration, you’ll need to complete a new approved training program and pass the NNAAP examination again to recertify.
Key Takeaways
- 120-hour training minimum — DC-approved CNA programs require at least 120 hours covering classroom instruction, lab work, and nursing home clinical practicum, all completed within the past 24 months.
- Two-part NNAAP exam required — Both the skills evaluation and the written or oral knowledge exam must be passed within two years to receive certification and join the DC Nurse Aide Registry.
- Three attempts allowed — Candidates who fail either portion three times must complete a new approved training program before they can retest.
- Endorsement available for out-of-state CNAs — Active CNAs from other states can transfer their credential to DC without retesting, provided they hold a current unencumbered certification and have passed a Board-approved or CMS-recognized exam.
- 24 CE hours required every two years — Renewal also requires at least eight hours of paid nursing work during the certification period.
Find approved CNA training programs in DC and compare options, application links, and program details.