How to become a CNA in Washington

Washington CNA candidates test with Credentia (NNAAP). Written: 70 Q / 2 hr; Skills: 5 in 30 min.

Updated 2026-09-23 · 3 sources · By the HealthCert Prep team

Verification in progress. We could not confirm every fee and process detail for Washington from a current official handbook, so this page lists only what we verified. Check with Credentia (NNAAP) before you register.

Washington CNA exam at a glance

Vendor
Credentia
Written
70 Q / 2 hr
Skills
5 in 30 min
Fees
see Credentia

Exam format, fees and rules

Verified against Credentia - Washington Nursing Assistant Candidate Handbook (January 2022) (checked 2026-09-23). Fees change - confirm with the vendor before paying.
ItemDetail
Testing vendorCredentia (NNAAP exam), under contract with DSHS
Written exam70 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours (per 2022 handbook)
Oral optionEnglish or Spanish oral exam
Skills evaluation5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes (per 2022 handbook)

What makes Washington different

  • Washington offers “bridge” programs for home care aides and medical assistants moving to nursing assistant certification.
  • We have not yet verified the current (2026) Washington fee schedule from a primary source, so fees are not listed here.

How to get certified in Washington

  1. Complete a Washington-approved training program

    Traditional and bridge (home care aide or medical assistant) programs qualify.

  2. Register with Credentia

    Pay by card or voucher when scheduling.

  3. Pass both parts

    Then apply to the Department of Health for your NAC credential.

Test day checklist

  • Bring the identification Credentia requires; no guests at the test site.

Federal minimums that apply everywhere

Federal rules set the floor for every state: nurse aide training must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). States can require more. After you are certified, going 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work means retraining or retesting before you can work in a Medicare/Medicaid nursing home (42 CFR 483.35(d)).

CNA practice test (written exam)

CNA practice test (written exam)

A resident's eyeglasses should be cleaned with:

Practice for the Washington CNA written exam

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become a CNA in Washington?

1) Complete a Washington-approved training program. 2) Register with Credentia. 3) Pass both parts.

Who runs the Washington CNA exam?

Credentia (NNAAP) administers testing; Washington State DSHS (testing contract) and Department of Health (certification) oversees certification and the registry.

How many questions are on the Washington CNA test?

70 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours (per 2022 handbook).

Sources

  1. Credentia - Washington Nursing Assistant Candidate Handbook (January 2022) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  2. Washington State Board of Nursing - NAC information (accessed 2026-09-23)
  3. eCFR - 42 CFR 483.152 Requirements for approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (accessed 2026-09-23)