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Washington Certified Nursing Assistant License

Washington DOH

Total Fee
$85
Processing Time
Up to 1 Week
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 — $85

How to Apply

  1. Complete an Approved Training Program ▾
    Successfully complete a Washington State Department of Health (DOH) approved Nursing Assistant training program, or demonstrate equivalent training and experience.
  2. Apply Online through the e-Service ▾
    Create or log in to your account on the Washington State Licensing e-Service portal. Complete the online application for Nursing Assistant Certified (NA-C) and pay the required application fee.
  3. Submit Required Documentation ▾
    Upload any necessary documents directly through the Washington State Licensing e-Service, such as proof of training program completion. Ensure all documentation is complete and accurate as specified by the DOH.
  4. Schedule and Pass NNAAP Exams ▾
    After your application is approved, register and pass both the written/oral and skills portions of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination administered by Pearson VUE.
  5. Receive Your Credential ▾
    Once all requirements, including passing the NNAAP exams, are met and processed by the Washington State Department of Health, your NA-C credential will be issued, and your name will be added to the Nurse Aide Registry.
Total Fee
$85
Processing Time
Up to 1 Week
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Washington DOH for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the Washington DOH. The application fee is $85.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    Washington 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.
  3. Provide Proof of Training ▾
    Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
  4. Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾
    Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
  5. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾
    Washington 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 Washington can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  6. Await Board Processing ▾
    Plan for a processing timeline of about Up to 1 Week 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
Annually
Compact
No
Board
Washington DOH

Keeping Your License Active

Washington Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Annually. Contact the Washington DOH for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$85
Endorsement application$85

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 Washington NAC exam? ▾
The WA Nursing Assistant Certified exam is administered by Credentia. Register at credentia.com/test-takers/wa.
How do I verify a Washington CNA/NAC? ▾
Use the WA DOH Provider Credential Search at fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/. Search for credential type 'Nursing Assistant Certification – NC'.

Board Info

Washington DOH
Phone(360) 236-4700
Sources