State terminology: Nurse aide I. Nurse Aide II has a separate registry with the North Carolina Board of Nursing. North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry ↗ · North Carolina Nurse Aide II ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. NC DHHS, Division of Health Service Regulation, Health Care Personnel Education and Credentialing Section.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to North Carolina?
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 North Carolina?
Complete a state-approved NATCEP or approved competency-evaluation route. Use the current training-location list for the standard training path.
- DHSR approves hours program by program. The federal 75-hour floor does not set the North Carolina course length; confirm the approved program’s hours.
- Credentia administers NNAAP and links registration, scheduling and the candidate handbook at https://credentia.com/test-takers/ncna/.
Official training directory: NCDHHS approved Nurse Aide I training locations ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Pathway 1: statewide rule
Applicants from any state
- State-approved exam; active good standing; no pending/substantiated abuse/neglect/exploitation/property findings. Eight paid RN-delegated/supervised hours in 24 months OR approved exam within 24 months.[1]
Complete every page
List all active/expired states, work or exam history; include signed SS card, valid government ID, name-change evidence when needed.[1]
Submit within attestation window
DHSR must receive within 30 calendar days of attestation; email PDF/Word or mail to 2709 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-2709.[1]
Application name: Nurse Aide I Registry Reciprocity Application[1]
Official route: email dhsr.nurseaide@dhhs.nc.gov or mail. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
Pathway 2: neighboring-state statute
GA/SC/VA/TN/WV candidates not approved under Pathway 1
- Neighbor-state exam and active good-standing registry for one year; NC residency; no unresolved discipline or unprofessional-conduct surrender/revocation.[1]
- Eight paid RN-delegated/supervised hours in 24 months; otherwise exam passed in a named neighboring state within 24 months.[1]
- Applicant obtains state/federal background checks; residency has no minimum-duration requirement.[2]
Read both eligibility columns
DHSR considers Pathway 1 first; use the same application and attach required Pathway 2 checks. P.O. box is not accepted.[2]
Application name: Nurse Aide I Registry Reciprocity Application[1]
Official route: same application; email or mail. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in North Carolina?
Already active in NC: use renewal, not reciprocity. If you previously held inactive North Carolina certification, confirm the route with the agency.[1]
Who sends registry verification?
Applicant lists every active/expired registry; Alabama needs additional signed employer confirmation. No universal applicant-requested source-registry form appears.[1]
What exceptions apply?
Alabama or Maryland
Alabama letter verifies paid/RN-supervised work, status and findings; Maryland requires CNA-I/CNA-GNA in this form.[1]
Temporary/provisional status or private-duty/virtual work
Not accepted for reciprocity.[1]
What else should you know?
Wait ten business days before status inquiry; decision emailed. This is not a promised completion timeline.[3]
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Application. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the current fee with the agency.
- Confirm the Pathway 2 provider and procedure, and the prior inactive North Carolina route, with the agency.
- The form still uses CNA/GNA wording. Confirm the current designation with the Board.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the North Carolina planner ask?
- Is your current nurse aide credential active? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Have you previously been listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Do you have eight qualifying paid nurse-aide hours within the last 24 months? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Did you pass the state-approved competency exam within the last 24 months? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Form 4515 Nurse Aide I Reciprocity, November 2026 ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Pages 1-2 eligibility table; pages 3-6 state exceptions, ID, work and attestation
- Reciprocity FAQ ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Questions 1-9
- Forms and Applications ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Reciprocity link and Important Notices
- North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry: Renewal ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 24-month renewal; 8 hours of paid work; RN verification; no fee
- N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry: Frequently Asked Questions ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Registry answers: no registry fees; online renewal form plus RN employment verification; the listing period ends on the last day of the 24th month after the last qualified work date; qualifying work is paid, RN-supervised Nurse Aide I work of at least 8 hours.