StateLicensed

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License Requirements in District of Columbia

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
—
Upfront cost
$165
Exam
NNAAP Written/Oral Examination, NNAAP Skill Evaluation
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
DC Health, Board of Nursing

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Be at least 18 years old, pass a criminal background check. Per DCMR 17 §9604.1(a) and §9603.1. [1]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete training at a state-approved program. DCMR Title 17 Chapter 96 §9627 requires nurse aide training programs to use a Board-approved CNA model curriculum (classroom, skills lab, and supervised practice hours) but the regulation text itself does not codify a specific total hour count, and no numeric hour figure was found on DC Health's or Credentia's official candidate materials. [1]

  3. 3

    NNAAP Written/Oral Examination

    Pass the NNAAP Written/Oral Examination (fee: $55). 70-question multiple choice (written), or oral in English/Spanish DC Health contracts with Credentia for nurse aide testing and registry processing. [2]

  4. 4

    NNAAP Skill Evaluation

    Pass the NNAAP Skill Evaluation (fee: $110). 5 randomly-selected nurse aide skills demonstrated before a trained evaluator [2]

  5. 5

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to DC Health, Board of Nursing. [3]

  6. 6

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, DC Health, Board of Nursing issues your Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) for District of Columbia.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $0
NNAAP Written/Oral Examination [2] $55
NNAAP Skill Evaluation [2] $110

Credentia charges no fee to submit the renewal application itself. A separate Criminal Background Check fee is required as part of renewal, paid through the DC Health CBC Payment Portal — the specific dollar amount is not published on Credentia's or DC Health's site. No separate CNA application/license fee beyond the NNAAP exam fees (see exams[]) was found.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years. 24 continuing education hours required per cycle.

Certifications expire at 11:59 p.m. on October 31 of each odd-numbered year (DCMR 17 §9602.1). Renewal requires 24 hours of in-service training/continuing education over the 2-year cycle (including 2 hours of LGBTQ+/cultural-competency training and 10% on public-health topics), at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the prior 24 months, and a new criminal background check clearance.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Certification by endorsement (DCMR 17 §9606) is available to an applicant with a current, unencumbered CNA registration/certification from another jurisdiction who also meets DC's general requirements (age 18+, criminal background check).

Cost calculator

  • $55
  • $110
Total$165

Frequently asked questions

How much does the DC CNA exam cost?

$55 for the written or oral exam and $110 for the skills evaluation, both administered by Credentia; under DC/federal law, nursing homes must pay these fees for their nurse aide employees.

Who administers DC's CNA exam and registry?

Credentia, under contract with DC Health, administers the NNAAP exam and processes the DC Nurse Aide Registry.

How often do DC CNAs need to renew?

Every 2 years — certifications expire October 31 of odd-numbered years — with 24 hours of continuing education, at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the prior 24 months, and a new background check.

Can an out-of-state CNA get certified in DC by endorsement?

Yes, if they hold a current, unencumbered CNA certification/registration in another jurisdiction and meet DC's general requirements (age 18+, criminal background check).

Is a criminal background check required for DC CNAs?

Yes, both before initial certification and again at each renewal.

Sources

  1. [1] dchealth.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/Chapter%2096%20Certified%20Nurse%20Aide%208.20.2021_0.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] kb-dc.credentia.com/en/article/exam-fee — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] kb-dc.credentia.com/en/article/renewing-your-registration — accessed 2026-07-10