District of Columbia Certified Nursing Assistant License
DC Board of Nursing
Total Fee
$15
Processing Time
6 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training — Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
- State Competency Exam Results — Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
- Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
- Application fee — $15
How to Apply
-
Complete an Approved Training Program ▾Successfully complete a Nursing Assistant training and competency evaluation program approved by the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.
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Create Account and Apply Online ▾Register for an account on the DC Health Licensing Portal (https://doh.force.com/dchealth) and complete the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) application.
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Submit Required Documentation ▾Upload or mail all necessary documents as instructed within the DC Health Licensing Portal, including official transcripts/completion certificates from your training program, a 2x2 passport-size photo, and photo identification.
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Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Follow the instructions within the online application to complete the required criminal background check.
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Register for and Pass the Competency Exam ▾Once your application is approved by the Board of Nursing, register with Prometric (https://www.prometric.com/nursing-aides/dc) to schedule and pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) competency examination.
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Receive Certification ▾Upon successful completion of the competency examination, Prometric will notify the DC Board of Nursing, and your name will be added to the DC Nurse Aide Registry.
Total Fee
$15
Processing Time
6 to 8 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the DC Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the DC Board of Nursing. The application fee is $15.
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Provide License Verification ▾District of Columbia requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
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Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
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Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾District of Columbia requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside District of Columbia can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 6 to 8 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization for CNAs during the endorsement process. Contact the state nurse aide registry directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
DC Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
District of Columbia Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the DC Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $15 |
| Endorsement application | $15 |
Slow Downs
Fingerprinting delays
▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.
Questions
How much does District of Columbia CNA endorsement cost?
▾
The endorsement application fee is $15. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required?
▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in District of Columbia.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to District of Columbia?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 6 to 8 Weeks.
Can I start working in District of Columbia while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources