CNA Certification North Carolina

How to Become a CNA in North Carolina

North Carolina is required under federal law to have a nurse aide registry which lists all certified nurse aides in the state. To be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry, you have to meet certain requirements.

First, you must complete a CNA training approved by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation. Next, you must pass the state competency exam.

Working with patients at a long-term care facility as a CNA can be exciting as you help people who have difficult life tasks and as you also progress in your field.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

North Carolina’s approved CNA training curriculum is originally from a Pennsylvania curriculum and contains studies which meet the minimum of 75 hours in a combination of hands-on training and classroom studies. The training administration should provide up-to-date textbooks.

Step 2

Enroll in and complete a CNA training program in North Carolina. Enrollment procedures include criminal history checks, health exams, and verification of identity.

State-approved CNA classes in North Carolina will include many topics like:

  • Safety of the patients
  • Communication and interaction with patients
  • CPR
  • Encouragement of independence for the patients
  • Enforcing patients’ rights
  • Control of infection

Passing grades for the training must be an ending theory grade of 75 and skills demonstrations are graded on the aide’s ability to perform the given tasks correctly.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

Register to take the North Carolina CNA certification exam. If you pass and show proficiency in the training courses, you can register with Pearson Vue to take the test.

The test registration process requires personal documents that show completion of the state-approved program, two forms of valid ID, background check and health check information, and $96 in fees.

Step 2

Take the CNA certification exam. The examination involves passing a practical skills component followed by a written or oral component.

On the practical portion you will be graded on your ability to perform nurse aide skills.  The test administrator will grade the practical component which you must pass with a perfect 100% score.

The written portion has 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions. This portion of the exam is graded electronically. You must pass this portion with at least a 70% in order to get your certification.

Once you pass both portions of the test, you will receive your CNA certification and will be placed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 3

Once you become a CNA in North Carolina, you will be on your way to pursuing a rewarding career in the health service industry. You should create a resume as soon as you are certified. Your resume should highlight your qualifications as a CNA, such as your education, certification, and experience. After creating your resume, you can start looking for a job.

The CNA position in North Carolina offers a competitive median yearly CNA Salary of $23,200 as reported by the Occupational Employment Statistics in North Carolina. Additionally, the Labor Market Information predicts that the CNA position in North Carolina will grow by 30% over the next few years.  

Step 4

Once you’ve become a certified CNA, you can also further your education by taking RN or LPN courses. Completing these courses will give you access to more lucrative job opportunities in the healthcare field.

For more information on becoming a certified CNA in North Carolina, please contact the North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services.

North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry

NC Department of Health & Human Services – Division of Health Service

Regulation 2709 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699

Phone: (919) 855-3969

License Verification: (919) 715-0562

Fax: (919) 733-9764