CNA Classes & Programs in Washington

Before you enroll in a training program, it's important to know exactly what Washington requires to become a Nursing Assistant–Certified (NAC), Washington's designation for Certified Nursing Assistants. Meeting these standards ensures you're eligible to test, be credentialed by the state, and work in approved healthcare settings.

Eligibility

• Age requirement: Candidates must be at least 18 years old to work as a Nursing Assistant–Certified in Washington.
• Program enrollment: You must complete a Washington State Department of Health–approved Nursing Assistant Training Program that meets requirements under WAC 246-841A. Programs are offered by community colleges, private training providers, and licensed healthcare facilities.
• Background check: Candidates must meet Washington’s background check requirements prior to clinical placement or employment. Certain criminal convictions may disqualify individuals from working in long-term care or other regulated healthcare settings.
• Good standing: Individuals with substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property are not eligible for credentialing or employment as nursing assistants.

Training Hours & Clinicals

Washington requires completion of a state-approved nursing assistant training program totaling at least 108 hours. This includes 35 hours of theory instruction, 33 hours of skills lab training, and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in an approved clinical setting. The curriculum covers all federally required OBRA topics, including communication, infection control, residents' rights, safety and emergency procedures, basic nursing skills, and personal care.

Before providing any direct resident care, trainees must demonstrate competency in required foundational skills. Healthcare facilities may employ nursing assistant trainees for a limited period while training and testing requirements are completed, in accordance with federal and state rules.

Competency Exam (Knowledge & Skills)

After completing training, candidates must pass Washington’s state-approved nursing assistant competency examination. The exam includes:

• Knowledge test: A 70-question multiple-choice exam (60 scored questions plus 10 pretest items) administered by Credentia on behalf of the Washington State Department of Health. The exam covers infection control, safety, residents' rights, communication, and personal care. Oral or audio versions may be available for eligible candidates.
• Skills evaluation: Demonstration of five randomly selected nurse aide skills, including mandatory hand hygiene and required critical steps. All critical elements must be performed correctly to pass.

Candidates may attempt the competency examination up to four total times. Candidates who do not pass within four attempts must complete a new approved training program before retesting.

Credentialing & Working as an NAC

Once both exam components are successfully passed, your credential is issued as Nursing Assistant–Certified (NAC) by the Washington State Department of Health. Employment eligibility is tracked in accordance with Department of Health credentialing and federal OBRA nurse aide registry requirements. Employers must verify your active credential status prior to hire.

NACs may work in nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings, depending on employer and facility requirements.

Renewal

Washington NAC credentials must be renewed annually on or before your birthday. To maintain an active credential, you must submit the required renewal application and fee to the Washington State Department of Health.

In addition, to remain eligible under federal OBRA requirements, you must not have a break of more than 24 consecutive months without performing paid work as a nursing assistant. Failure to renew or meet work requirements may result in inactive status and loss of work eligibility.

Reciprocity

Washington offers credentialing by endorsement for nursing assistants certified in other U.S. states. Applicants must hold an active certification in good standing and provide verification that their training and competency evaluation met federal OBRA requirements. Additional state requirements, including background screening, must be satisfied before credential issuance.

Costs

Washington nursing assistant exam fees typically total around $150–$160 for both the knowledge and skills components. Fees are paid at the time of scheduling. The knowledge exam is administered by Credentia, while skills testing fees may vary by training program or regional test site.

Under federal law, Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must pay for or reimburse nursing assistant training and testing costs for individuals they employ or have offered employment to, provided the individual is hired within 12 months of completing training.

Sources: Washington State Department of Health — Nursing Assistant Certification Requirements, Credentia — Washington Nurse Aide Testing, Credentia — Washington Nurse Aide Handbook, Washington Nursing Assistant Program, 42 CFR 483.152 — Federal Nurse Aide Training Requirements