State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Virginia nurse aide applications ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Virginia at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Virginia Department of Health Professions, 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 Virginia CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
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).[2] 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?
- Standard applicants complete Board-approved education, pass the state examination, and submit the required application/testing fee.[3]
- The Board sends examination applicants to Credentia. Its Virginia page links the current handbook and online testing application.[4] [5]
- After both written/oral and skills examinations are passed, results are submitted to the Board for registry placement; verify listing before using the CNA title.[7]
- Virginia's rule says that if you don't take both the skills and written parts of the state exam within two years of finishing training, or you fail the exam three times, you must complete another approved training program before you apply again (18VAC90-25-71). Credentia, which runs Virginia's CNA exam, gives a shorter deadline: its exam results page says new nurse aides (route E1) must pass within 12 months of finishing their course. Because these don't match, ask the Board of Nursing which deadline applies to you.[3] [7]
Where can you find training programs?
Virginia Board-approved nurse aide education programs ↗[1] 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?
- Use the state’s current program directory and confirm the school’s approval before enrolling.
- Virginia's rule gives you two years after training to take the exam, but Credentia's results page says new nurse aides (E1) must pass within 12 months. Ask the Board of Nursing which deadline applies to you.
Where did this information come from?
- Board of Nursing Approved Nurse Aide Education Programs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Approved-program directory and Applicant Resources link.
- Code of Virginia 54.1-3028.1 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · First paragraph: 120 clock-hour minimum.
- 18VAC90-25-71 Certification by examination ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Official Virginia rule on certification by exam. Section B says you must retrain if you don't take both parts of the state exam within two years of finishing training, or if you fail three times.
- Board Nurse Aide Application Wizard ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · CNA by Examination links Credentia scheduling.
- Credentia Virginia Test Takers ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Steps to Register: training, handbook, account/application.
- Credentia Virginia Eligibility Criteria ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Credentia's Virginia eligibility page. Its E1 text giving 24 months appears under a heading for applications approved before January 30, 2024.
- Credentia Virginia Exam Results ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Credentia's Virginia exam results page. It says new nurse aides (route E1) must pass within 12 months of finishing their course, and other routes within 12 months of application approval.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Virginia?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Virginia Department of Health Professions, Board of Nursing. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Initial CNA endorsement — Never previously Virginia-certified
Key requirement: State-approved qualifying education and competency evaluation; current in at least one state; good standing in every certification state.
What are the first steps for Initial CNA endorsement?
Review original training
Check the selected-state table and obtain original-program proof if requested.
Apply online
Submit current certification and required history/court records; Board may request additional evidence.
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.
- FL/MD/CA before 1992; certain challenged state tests — Original training/testing may fail Virginia requirements; consult state/date table rather than infer eligibility.
- AL/IL employment stale two years — Board requests additional employment paperwork.
What else should you know?
- Online submission only; checklist says review/completion may take 30 business days, not guaranteed approval.
What should you confirm?
- Individual challenged-test/program equivalency requires Board determination.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Virginia?
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 year. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | When you renew, you attest that you did paid nursing-related work in the two years before your certification expires. |
| CE or in-service | The Board of Nursing says it doesn't have continuing-education requirements for certified nurse aides at this time. Advanced certified nurse aides need at least three contact hours of continuing education a year. |
| Renewal window | The Board mails a renewal notice at least 30 days before your certification expires. Renew each year with the $30 fee. Not getting the notice doesn't excuse a late renewal. |
| If the credential lapses | If you haven't done paid nursing-related work in the past two years, you must pass the state exam again before you renew. If your certification lapsed more than 90 days ago, apply for reinstatement with the fee and either proof of qualifying work or proof that you passed the exam again. |
Virginia nurse aide certification renews every year for $30. When you renew, you attest that you did paid nursing-related work in the two years before expiration; if you didn't, you must pass the state exam again first. The Board mails a renewal notice at least 30 days ahead, and says it doesn't currently require continuing education for certified nurse aides. If your certification lapsed more than 90 days ago, you'll need to apply for reinstatement.
Source: Virginia Board of Nursing: Nurse Aide continued competency ↗ 18VAC90-25-80 Renewal or reinstatement of certification ↗ 18VAC90-25-120 Renewal and reinstatement of certification as an advanced certified nurse aide ↗ 18VAC90-25-16 Fees ↗
Open the official Virginia registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state