CNA Certification in Washington

How to Become a CNA in Washington

A CNA career can be interesting, challenging, and very rewarding. To be a certified nurse aide (CNA) in Washington state, you must first attend a CNA training program that is approved by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. After completing this program, you must pass a certification exam after which you can be listed on the Washington Nurse Aide Registry.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find and enroll in an approved program in your state:

Approved training programs must have 35 classroom training hours, 50 hours of hands-on training, and seven hours of AIDS education.

Most but not all schools require students to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. Washington CNA training schools also require you to have a clean criminal record and undergo a full physical exam. These are safeguards to protect both the CNA and the patients.

Step 2  

Complete your CNA training program.

CNA classes will cover topics like patient rights, patient mentality, medical emergencies, proper use of medical equipment, infection prevention, and medical terminology.

During your hands-on training, you will be required to practice your skills in a professional setting such as a hospital or long-term care center. Basic phlebotomy, grooming, and hygiene assistance skills are also usually included in your clinical training.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

Register to take the Washington CNA certification examination. 

You must pay the $107 fee prior to taking the exam.

Find schools

Step 2

Prepare for the certification exam by reviewing what you learned in training and by taking practice tests.

Step 3

Pass the CNA certification exam in Washington.

This exam has two parts. The first part has 70 questions while the second part requires you to successfully complete five randomly-chosen nurse aide skills.

Total exam time is around 3 hours. If you pass the exam, you will be added to the Washington Nursing Assistant Registry as a CNA.

Step 4

Create your resume and find a job.

The Washington Employment Security Department reported $26,000 as the average yearly salary for CNAs. The number of certified nurse aide positions is also expected to grow by 18%.

For Additional Information Visit

Washington State Nurse Aide Registry

Town Center 2
111 Israel Rd. S.E.
Tumwater, WA 98501