State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Virginia nurse aide applications ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Nursing.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Virginia?
Route to review: Initial CNA endorsement. Check all the conditions for this route. 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 Virginia?
Virginia nurse aide education programs must be at least 120 clock hours long (Code of Virginia § 54.1-3028.1).
- Standard applicants complete Board-approved education, pass the state examination, and submit the required application/testing fee.
- The Board sends examination applicants to Credentia. Its Virginia page links the current handbook and online testing application.
Official training directory: Virginia Board-approved nurse aide education programs ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Initial CNA endorsement
Never previously Virginia-certified
- State-approved qualifying education and competency evaluation; current in at least one state; good standing in every certification state.[2]
This route may not apply to:
- Previous Virginia CNA certificate
Review original training
Check the selected-state table and obtain original-program proof if requested.[2]
Apply online
Submit current certification and required history/court records; Board may request additional evidence.[1] [2]
Official route: online. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Virginia?
Any prior Virginia CNA certificate requires reinstatement instead of endorsement.[2]
Who sends registry verification?
Board verifies all states electronically; if verification is unavailable or incomplete, the Board contacts the applicant for additional material. Source-state fees may apply.[2]
What exceptions apply?
MD credential
Virginia accepts a Maryland CNA I licensed on or after April 1, 2026. Maryland converted all GNAs to CNA I and former CNAs to CNA II. Check your exact class, not just the CNA title.[2]
FL/MD/CA before 1992; certain challenged state tests
Original training/testing may fail Virginia requirements; consult state/date table rather than infer eligibility.[2]
AL/IL employment stale two years
Board requests additional employment paperwork.[2]
What else should you know?
Online submission only; checklist says review/completion may take 30 business days, not guaranteed approval.[1] [2]
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Initial CNA endorsement: Endorsement application | $0[2] |
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Individual challenged-test/program equivalency requires Board determination.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Virginia planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Initial CNA endorsement)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Virginia? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Board of Nursing Forms ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Certified Nurse Aide; Reinstatement
- Endorsement of Nurse Aide Certification ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Revised January 21, 2026; both pages incl. selected-state table
- Virginia Board of Nursing: Nurse Aide continued competency ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Annual renewal; paid work attestation; no CNA CE requirement
- 18VAC90-25-80 Renewal or reinstatement of certification ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Annual renewal; work attestation; lapsed certification; reinstatement
- 18VAC90-25-16 Fees ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Official Virginia rule on nurse aide fees: annual renewal for a certified nurse aide is $30.
- 18VAC90-25-120 Renewal and reinstatement of certification as an advanced certified nurse aide ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Section B: advanced certification renews with the basic certification and requires at least three contact hours of continuing education per year.