Virginia Certified Nursing Assistant License
Virginia Board of Nursing
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
4 to 6 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 — $0
How to Apply
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Create Account and Submit Online Application ▾Go to the DHP Online Licensing System (licenseda.dhp.virginia.gov/apply/), create a new account, and log in. Select and complete either the 'Application for Nursing Assistant Licensure by Examination' or 'Application for Nursing Assistant Licensure by Endorsement', and pay the required application fee.
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Submit Required Documentation ▾If applying by examination, ensure your Virginia-approved nursing assistant program has submitted verification of completion to the Board. If applying by endorsement, arrange for official transcripts from your training program or verification of current, active licensure in another state to be sent directly to the Virginia Board of Nursing.
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Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Follow the specific instructions provided by the Virginia Board of Nursing after submitting your application to complete the state and federal criminal background check process through the approved vendor.
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Pass the Nurse Aide Competency Examination (if applicable) ▾If applying by examination, once deemed eligible by the Board, you must register with Credentia (the testing vendor) to schedule and successfully pass both the written/oral and skills components of the Virginia Nurse Aide Competency Examination.
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License Issuance ▾Upon successful completion of all requirements, including a clear background check and passing the competency exam (if applicable), the Virginia Board of Nursing will issue your Certified Nursing Assistant license.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Virginia Board of Nursing.
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Provide License Verification ▾Virginia 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 ▾Virginia 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 Virginia can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 to 6 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
Virginia Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
Virginia Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Virginia Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
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
Who administers the Virginia CNA exam?
▾
The VA nurse aide exam is administered by Credentia. Register at credentia.com/test-takers/va.
How do I verify a Virginia CNA?
▾
Use the DHP License Lookup at dhp.virginiainteractive.org/Lookup/Index or contact VBON at (804) 367-4515 or nurseaide@dhp.virginia.gov.
Board Info
Sources