State terminology: Registered nurse aide (RNA). West Virginia nurse aide reciprocity ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
West Virginia at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification, Nurse Aide Program |
|---|---|
| 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 West Virginia CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in West Virginia?
West Virginia nurse aide training programs must be at least 120 clock hours, with at least 55 hours of instructor-supervised clinical practice. Orientation and pre- and post-conference time don't count toward the total.[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?
- OHFLAC oversees nurse-aide education, evaluation and registration and publishes the NATCEP lookup.[1]
- The current agency program page identifies Professional Healthcare Development LLC (profhd.com) as the state testing vendor.[1]
- Clear background screening, complete an approved NATCEP course and pass the competency exam; follow current agency/vendor registration instructions.[1]
- The agency’s October 2025 announcement lists ohflacnap@wv.gov as the current nurse-aide email.[3]
Where can you find training programs?
OHFLAC NATCEP program lookup ↗[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?
- The current program page links a policy manual and does not restate the numeric minimum. Confirm the current hours with the program.
- Confirm the current handbook and initial application fields with the testing provider or agency.
Where did this information come from?
- Nurse Aide Educational Program — OHFLAC ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Current becoming-a-CNA steps, NATCEP lookup and testing vendor.
- Nurse Aide Program Policy Manual ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Current agency-linked manual, Clock Hour Requirements, printed page 12.
- OHFLAC current announcements ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · October 23, 2025 nurse-aide email update
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to West Virginia?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification, Nurse Aide Program. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Registered nurse aide reciprocity — Other-state aides whose education and competency requirements are substantially equivalent.
Key requirement: The policy requires acceptable registry standing and no 24-month lapse in paid RNA employment during the past three years.
What are the first steps for Registered nurse aide reciprocity?
Complete the current official application
Supply training, registration in other states, healthcare employment and the requested declarations.
Authorize registry verification
The application permits listed state registries to release certification-verification information to West Virginia.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm prior West Virginia certification, exceptional work-history cases and the fee with the agency.
- The policy page refers to a named form. Use the current Applications directory and confirm the online form with the agency.
What will the West Virginia planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Registered nurse aide reciprocity)
- Have you previously been listed as a registered nurse aide (RNA) in West Virginia? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in West 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 two years. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work, under RN supervision in a direct care setting, in the previous two years. Independent private duty work doesn't count, and staffing-agency aides need a letter from their employer. |
| CE or in-service | The policy manual says there are no in-service or continuing-education requirements to stay on the registry. Facilities that employ nurse aides must still provide at least 12 hours of in-service training a year. |
| Renewal window | OHFLAC sends a notice or reregistration application at least 60 days before your registration expires. Complete it, online or on paper, and return it before your expiration date; reregistering is your responsibility, not your employer's. |
| If the credential lapses | No reportable work for two to four years: take a refresher course (at least 16 hours) and pass the competency exam within six months. No reportable paid work in the past five years: take the full course and pass the exam. |
West Virginia nurse aides reregister every two years. You need at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work under RN supervision in a direct care setting in the past two years; independent private duty doesn't count. OHFLAC sends a notice at least 60 days ahead, and you must return the application before expiration. There's no continuing-education requirement to stay on the registry, though facilities must give 12 in-service hours a year. After two to four years without work, you take a refresher course and exam; after five years, the full course.
Source: West Virginia Nurse Aide Program Policy Manual ↗
Open the official West Virginia registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state