State terminology: Nursing assistant-certified (NAC). Nursing assistant-registered (NAR) is a separate credential. Washington Board of Nursing credential comparison ↗ · RCW 18.88A.040 ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON); DOH HELMS application system.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Washington?
Route to review: NAC 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 Washington?
Washington-approved nursing assistant programs must include at least 108 hours: at least 35 hours of classroom theory, 33 hours of skills lab and 40 hours of clinical training. Facility orientation is required but doesn't count toward the 40 clinical hours (WAC 246-841A-440, effective July 1, 2026).
- Students in a Washington-approved program take the skills competency exam as the final part of the program. The knowledge exam is the NNAAP test administered through Credentia.
- Apply for certification while enrolled; the program provides the skills test and the candidate registers for the knowledge exam after passing it.
Official training directory: WABON approved nursing assistant training programs ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
NAC endorsement
Currently active out-of-state CNA certification
- Provide caregiver employment history from current certification state; education information may be requested.[1]
Arrange interstate verification
Complete applicant portion and send to every nursing-assistant jurisdiction held.[2]
Apply through HELMS
Select NAC, pay, upload pathway and affirmative-history records; retain emailed pending credential number.[1]
Official route: online. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Washington?
Renew current/expired NAC in HELMS. More than one year expired uses reactivation; more than three years without another active US license requires new training/testing.[4]
Who sends registry verification?
Each authority returns verification directly; applicant-submitted forms rejected. Form gives WABON postal address; live NAC page requests nacapplication@doh.wa.gov.[2] [1]
What exceptions apply?
Out-of-state training without certification
Different education-review/testing path; submit transcripts/completion certificate and current CPR card, then await test authorization.[1]
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| NAC endorsement: NAC initial application | $85[3] |
What should you confirm with the agency?
- The reviewed route does not publish an endorsement work-hour threshold or total processing time. Confirm with the Board.
- Confirm with WABON how to handle a state that refuses verification forms.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Washington planner ask?
- Is your current nurse aide credential active? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
- Have you previously held a Washington nursing assistant-certified (NAC) credential? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Nursing Assistant License ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · NAC Steps 1-5; Endorsement versus Out-of-State Training; HTTPS 200
- Nursing Assistant Credential Verification ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Page 1; July 1, 2026 footer
- Nurse License Fees ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Second table, NAC Initial Application
- Renew or Reactivate a License ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · NAC Renewal; Reactivation more than one year
- Online Portal Instructions ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Application/SAW/HELMS instructions