North Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant License
North Carolina Board of Nursing
Total Fee
$24
Processing Time
1 to 2 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 — $24
How to Apply
-
Complete an Approved Training Program (Initial Applicants) ▾Successfully complete a state-approved Nurse Aide I training program in North Carolina. (Out-of-state applicants applying by endorsement must have completed an approved program in another state).
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Register for the NNAAP Exam (Initial Applicants) ▾For initial listing, register and schedule your Nurse Aide I competency exam through the Pearson VUE website (home.pearsonvue.com/nc/nurse_aide).
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Apply for Endorsement (Out-of-State Applicants) ▾If you are an out-of-state Nurse Aide applying by endorsement, create an account on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Online Registry Services portal (nurseaide.nc.gov) and complete the online endorsement application.
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Pass the NNAAP Exam (Initial Applicants) ▾Successfully pass both parts of the NNAAP examination. Upon passing, your name will be automatically listed on the NC Nurse Aide Registry within 2-5 business days.
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Registry Verification and Listing ▾For endorsement applicants, the NC Nurse Aide Registry will verify your out-of-state listing and, upon approval, add you to the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. All applicants can verify their listing status on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Online Registry Services portal (nurseaide.nc.gov).
Total Fee
$24
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the North Carolina Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the North Carolina Board of Nursing. The application fee is $24.
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Provide License Verification ▾North Carolina 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.
-
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾North Carolina 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 North Carolina can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 1 to 2 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
North Carolina Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
North Carolina Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Carolina Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $24 |
| Endorsement application | $24 |
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
What training is required to become a CNA in North Carolina?
▾
A state-approved program is required.
Is an exam required to become a CNA in North Carolina?
▾
Yes, a competency evaluation is required.
How much does North Carolina CNA endorsement cost?
▾
The endorsement application fee is $24. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required?
▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in North Carolina.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to North Carolina?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 6 to 8 Weeks.
Can I start working in North Carolina while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources