State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). DC Health certification checklists ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. DC Health, Board of Nursing.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to the District of Columbia?
Compare the reviewed application routes to see which one fits your situation. An out-of-state credential alone does not establish eligibility.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in the District of Columbia?
The Board of Nursing’s 2021 CNA guidance describes a 125-hour curriculum: 65 classroom hours, 20 lab hours and 40 clinical hours. The 2024 regulation requires a Board-approved curriculum; confirm the current hour total with the Board.
- The standard examination route accepts a Board-approved CNA training program completed within 24 months; the current regulation requires a Board-approved model curriculum including classroom, skills laboratory and supervised practice.
- DC Health states initial applications now use its internal licensing system. The checklist requires the training certificate and attestation, identity documents, and criminal-background-check steps.
Official training directory: DC Health’s currently linked CNA training-program list (dated 2024) ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Endorsement through DC Health
CNA currently working in another jurisdiction with current unencumbered registration or certification
- Endorsement requires current unencumbered out-of-state registration/certification and §9604: age 18+, CBC, recognized examination evidence and completed application.[3]
- Meet DCMR 9604; upload ID, photograph, applicable name-change/SSN affidavit documents and employer/supervising-nurse training-and-competence form.[2]
- After you pay the $100 application and background check fee, you get an email with a code and link to schedule fingerprints through Fieldprint.[2]
Start with DC Health
The hub says initial CNA applications use its internal licensure system; follow its portal link.[1]
Official route: DC Health Licensure Portal linked from agency hub. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
Reactivate voluntary inactive DC certification
Former DC certificant placed on voluntary inactive status
- Provide 24 continuing-education/in-service hours and eight nursing-service work hours within two years, plus current out-of-state CNA status.[3]
Apply to the Board
Request reactivation under §9608.[3]
Official route: Board application; confirm the current reactivation form. [3] Open agency instructions ↗
Reinstate expired DC certification
Expired DC certificant applying within five years
- Provide 24 CE/in-service hours within two years, current CNA certification/registration, eight CNA work hours within 24 months and CBC.[3]
Apply for reinstatement
Follow §9609 and obtain current Board submission instructions.[3]
Official route: Board application; confirm the current reinstatement form. [3] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in the District of Columbia?
Use reactivation for voluntary inactive status and reinstatement for expired certification; §9609 directs applicants beyond five years to examination requirements.[3]
Who sends registry verification?
The checklist requires applicant uploads; the training-and-competence form must be completed by the employer and supervising nurse. Confirm how registry verification is sent to the Board.[2]
What exceptions apply?
No additional exception is listed in the reviewed sources.
What else should you know?
Renewal requires eight compensated work hours in 24 months, 24 CE/in-service hours in two years including mandated topics, and CBC clearance; Board may modify CE.[3]
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Endorsement through DC Health: Application and criminal background check | $100 combined per current checklist; Visa or Mastercard.[2] |
What should you confirm with the agency?
- The quoted rule does not clearly address an active out-of-state CNA who is not currently working. Confirm with the Board.
- Confirm the current returning-credential forms and who sends DC verification.
- The hub links both a Credentia examination route and its internal licensing portal. Confirm the current route with the Board.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the District of Columbia planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Endorsement through DC Health, Reactivate voluntary inactive DC certification, Reinstate expired DC certification)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in the District of Columbia? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Certified Nurse Aide ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Initial applications; DC Health Licensure Portal; endorsement checklist
- CNA by Endorsement (Reciprocity) Checklist ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · March 12, 2026 checklist: eligibility, documents, $100 fee, Fieldprint
- DCMR Title 17 Chapter 96: Certified Nurse Aides (updated August 16, 2024) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · PDF pp.3–6; §§9603–9609