State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). DC Health certification checklists ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
DC at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | DC Health, Board of Nursing |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See District of Columbia CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
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.[5] [4] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- 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.[3] [4]
- 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.[1] [3]
- DC Health still links its examination application to Credentia; confirm the linked testing instructions when applying.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
DC Health’s currently linked CNA training-program list (dated 2024) ↗[1] [2] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm the current hour total and curriculum with the Board.
- The state’s linked program PDF is dated 2024. Confirm the school’s current approval before enrolling.
- The agency hub links both a Credentia examination route and its internal licensing portal. Confirm the current application route and exam handbook with the Board.
Where did this information come from?
- Certified Nurse Aide ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Initial application notice; training-program PDF; pre-registry exam checklist; application/testing links
- 2024 Current Certified Nurse Aide Training Programs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Two-page PDF currently linked by DC Health; heading dated 2024
- CNA Pre-registry by Exam Checklist ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Revised July 2025; initial eligibility and supporting documents
- DCMR Chapter 96 Certified Nurse Aides ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · §§9605,9620,9627: exam, Board approval and curriculum
- DC Board of Nursing CNA qualification guidance (2021) ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Board-approved CNA curriculum: 125 hours total, 65 classroom, 20 lab and 40 clinical.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to the District of Columbia?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: DC Health, Board of Nursing. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Endorsement through DC Health — CNA currently working in another jurisdiction with current unencumbered registration or certification
Key requirement: Endorsement requires current unencumbered out-of-state registration/certification and §9604: age 18+, CBC, recognized examination evidence and completed application.
Reactivate voluntary inactive DC certification — Former DC certificant placed on voluntary inactive status
Key requirement: Provide 24 continuing-education/in-service hours and eight nursing-service work hours within two years, plus current out-of-state CNA status.
Reinstate expired DC certification — Expired DC certificant applying within five years
Key requirement: Provide 24 CE/in-service hours within two years, current CNA certification/registration, eight CNA work hours within 24 months and CBC.
What are the first steps for Endorsement through DC Health?
Start with DC Health
The hub says initial CNA applications use its internal licensure system; follow its portal link.
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.
What should you confirm?
- 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.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in the District of Columbia?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Every two years. DC's CNA regulation sets certificates to expire October 31 of each odd-numbered year, and allows the Director to change the expiration date, so check the date on your certificate. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid CNA functions during the previous 24 months. |
| CE or in-service | 24 hours of in-service training or continuing education in the two years before expiration, including 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 10% in public health priority topics. |
| Renewal window | Renew before your certificate expires. You must have criminal background check clearance to renew. |
| If the credential lapses | Inactive status may be reactivated with 24 CE hours, 8 work hours and an active credential elsewhere. An expired certificate may be reinstated within five years with CE, work evidence and a background check; after five years, the applicant must meet initial certification requirements. |
DC CNA certificates renew every two years; the regulation sets expiration on October 31 of odd-numbered years, though the Director can change it. To renew, you need at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months, 24 hours of in-service training or CE in the two years before expiration (including 2 hours of LGBTQ cultural competency and 10% in DC public health priority topics), and background check clearance. An expired certificate can be reinstated within five years with CE, work and a background check.
Source: Certified Nurse Aide ↗ DCMR Title 17 Chapter 96: Certified Nurse Aides (updated August 16, 2024) ↗
Open the official District of Columbia registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state