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
- Training Completion Certificate — Proof of completing a 140-hour Virginia-approved nurse aide education program.
- Valid Government-Issued ID — Required for admission to the testing center (e.g., Driver's License or Passport).
- Social Security Number — Required for the application and registry listing.
How to Apply
-
Complete a State-Approved Training Program ▾Complete a minimum of 140 hours of training (80 classroom/lab and 40 clinical) from a program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing.
-
Register for the NNAAP Exam ▾Create an account on the Credentia CNA365 platform to apply for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination.
Register with Credentia -
Schedule and Pass the Examination ▾Schedule both the Written (or Oral) and Skills components of the exam. You must pass both within 24 months of completing your training.
Exam Scheduling -
Automatic Registry Listing ▾Upon passing both exam components, Credentia will automatically report your results to the Virginia Board of Nursing for inclusion on the Nurse Aide Registry.
Verify Your 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.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in another state.
-
Submit Online Endorsement Application ▾Apply through the DHP Online Licensing portal. Select 'Nurse Aide' and 'Endorsement' as the method.
Apply for Endorsement -
Provide Verification of Certification ▾The Board will verify your status with your current state. Some states may require you to submit a separate verification form or use a service like Nursys.
Nursys Verification -
Wait for Board Approval ▾Processing typically takes 30-45 business days. There is no fee for CNA endorsement in Virginia.
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
Incomplete Application
▾
Missing information or failing to answer all disclosure questions can stall the review process for weeks.
Out-of-State Verification Lags
▾
For endorsement, delays often occur if the originating state is slow to provide official verification of your certification.
Name Discrepancies
▾
If your training certificate or out-of-state license uses a different name than your application, you must provide legal proof (marriage license, etc.).
Questions
Are fingerprints required for Virginia CNAs?
▾
No. Currently, the fingerprint-based criminal background check requirement does not apply to Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) in Virginia.
What are the renewal requirements for a Virginia CNA?
▾
CNAs must renew every two years. You must have performed at least 8 hours of nursing-related activities for pay during the two-year period. No continuing education (CE) hours are required.
Is there a fee for CNA endorsement (reciprocity)?
▾
No, Virginia does not charge a fee for CNA certification by endorsement.
How long does the application process take?
▾
Standard processing for complete applications is approximately 30 business days (6 weeks).
Board Info
Sources
State statutes