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 a DC-approved nurse aide training program.
- Government-issued Photo ID — A valid driver's license, state ID, or passport.
- Social Security Card — A copy of your Social Security card or a signed affidavit if you do not have one.
- Passport-style Photo — A recent 2x2 front-facing color photo with a plain white background.
How to Apply
-
Complete Training ▾Successfully complete a District of Columbia approved nurse aide training program consisting of at least 125 hours.
View Approved Programs -
Register for NNAAP Exam ▾Create an account on the Credentia Platform to register for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) written and skills exams.
Register with Credentia -
Pass the Examination ▾Successfully pass both the written (or oral) and skills components of the NNAAP exam.
-
Submit Initial Application ▾Apply for certification through the DC Health Salesforce portal after passing the exam.
Apply Online -
Pay CBC Fee ▾Pay the Criminal Background Check (CBC) fee through the DC Health payment portal to receive your Fieldprint code.
Pay CBC Fee -
Schedule Fingerprinting ▾Use the code provided after payment to schedule your fingerprinting appointment with Fieldprint.
Schedule Appointment
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.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure you hold an active, unencumbered CNA license in another state.
-
Submit Endorsement Application ▾Complete the application for endorsement via the DC Health Salesforce portal.
Apply for Endorsement -
Complete Background Check ▾Pay the CBC fee and complete fingerprinting through Fieldprint as required for all new DC applicants.
Start CBC Process -
Request License Verification ▾Request official verification from your original state of licensure to be sent directly to the DC Board of Nursing.
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.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $15 |
| Endorsement application | $15 |
Slow Downs
Missing Criminal Background Check
▾
Failure to pay the CBC fee or complete fingerprinting is the most common cause for application holds.
Incomplete Salesforce Profile
▾
Not filling out every tab (Details, Applicant, Addresses) in the Salesforce portal can prevent submission.
Name Discrepancies
▾
If the name on your ID does not match your training certificate or SSN card, you must upload legal proof of name change.
Questions
How many continuing education hours are required for renewal?
▾
CNAs must complete 24 contact hours every two years, including 10% (2.4 hours) in public health priorities and 2 hours in LGBTQ/cultural competency.
When does my DC CNA certification expire?
▾
Certifications typically expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years, though DC Health is transitioning to birth-month expiration for new applicants.
Who administers the CNA exam in DC?
▾
The exam is administered by Credentia using the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) standards.
Is there a fast-track option for Maryland or Virginia CNAs?
▾
Yes, DC offers a temporary 90-day certification for CNAs in good standing from MD or VA while their endorsement application is reviewed.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes