A comprehensive guide to the Washington CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a Nurse Assistant/CNA in Washington! The Washington CNA Registry serves as the authoritative hub, ensuring the qualification, competence, and adherence to standards for all Nurse Assistants/CNAs in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the Washington CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the Washington CNA Registry
Fees
There is a $2.50 convenience fee to be paid.
Minimum Age
Some training schools will require you to be at least 17 years old to apply.
Minimum Education
Training school may require to have a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
To qualify you must comply with the federal requirement of 120-day training. Students are allowed to work in nursing homes for up to four months (120 days) before getting certified. Students must apply within three days of their hire date. The 120 days will start on the date of hire.
You can find more information on the Washington State Board of Nursing website, here.
Competency Test
To be certified on the Washington Nurse Aide Registry, you must take both a written test (online) and an in-person skills test:
Fees:
- In-person skills test: $100
- Online written test: $55
Credentia provides the testing in Washington. Find more information in the Candidate Handbook and register here.
Background Check
Your employer is likely to require you to pass a background check and will provide you with more information.
Applying to appear on the Washington CNA Registry
Where to apply
You must create an account on the SecureAccess Washington portal, include/upload any required information/documentation, and pay the $2.50 convenience fee. Once you have passed the written and skills exam, your testing provider will inform the Registry and provide it with test results which will be added to the Registry. If you are unsure, contact your testing provider.
Required Documentation
You may need to give evidence of having carried out the required training, and of having passed the competency test.
Restrictions
You will not be able to practice if you have received a state disciplinary action or findings of abuse or neglect in Washington or another state. This information will be added to the Registry.
Processing Time
Unknown.
How to keep your license on the Washington CNA Registry
Stay Active
The certification period is for 24 months, and you must renew every 2 years by providing verification that you have worked during the 24-month time frame.
Renew
To renew your application, you must log into the SecureAccess Washington portal, here, and follow the renewal process which includes the payment of a $2.50 convenience fee. You may renew your credential up to 90 days before it expires. You should receive a courtesy renewal reminder six to eight weeks before the credential expires. If you do not receive the notice within four weeks of your expiration date, call 360-236-4700 or email hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov.
Processing time: online renewals are processed immediately.
Reactivate your expired license
If the certification expires, you must verify that “late renewal” is no longer available for you on the SecureAccess Washington portal. You may be required to re-take the competency test.
Washington CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Washington CNA Reciprocity page.
Washington Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/residential-care-services/nurse-aide-registry
Link to license lookup: https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/
Contact information:
Email: obraregistry@dshs.wa.gov or hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
Phone: 360-236-4700
Address: Town Center 2, 111 Israel Rd. S.E. Tumwater, WA 98501
