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Becoming a CNA in District of Columbia

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Washington, DC, is an achievable goal for anyone interested in a career in healthcare. This guide provides a clear and detailed pathway to meet the requirements, complete training, pass the certification exam, and maintain your CNA license.

Steps to Become a CNA in Washington, DC

  • Meet Basic Requirements: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including age, background checks, and health clearances.

  • Attend a School: Enroll in and complete a state-approved CNA training program.

  • Pass the CNA Exam: Successfully complete the written and clinical portions of the certification test.

  • Certification Registration and Upkeep: Register with the DC Nurse Aide Registry and renew your certification as required.



Step 1: Meet Basic Requirements

Before starting your CNA journey, Washington, DC, mandates specific prerequisites to ensure candidates are prepared for the program and certification process.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

  • Health Screening: Submit a recent physical exam and proof of vaccinations, including TB testing.

  • English Proficiency: Some programs may require an English literacy assessment.

  • Background Check: Complete a Criminal Background Check (CBC) through fingerprinting. You can schedule this process via the DC Health website.

These requirements are non-negotiable and ensure that CNAs are both physically and legally able to perform their duties.

Step 2: Attend a School

Enrolling in a state-approved CNA training program is a critical step in becoming certified. Washington, DC, offers several options tailored to diverse schedules and learning preferences.

Training Program Requirements

  • Total Hours: Programs must consist of at least 125 hours, divided as follows:

    • 65 hours of classroom instruction.

    • 20 hours of hands-on lab training.

    • 40 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Approved Schools

Here are some examples of state-approved CNA programs in Washington, DC:

  • Allied Health & Technology Institute

    • Address: 2010 Rhode Island Avenue, NE 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20018

    • Phone: 202-526-3535

  • Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School

    • Address: 514 V Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002

    • Phone: 202-734-4900

  • HealthWrite Training Center

    • Address: 2303 14th Street NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20009

    • Phone: 202-349-3934

Cost of Training

Tuition fees for CNA programs in Washington, DC, range from $300 to $2,000, depending on the institution. Some schools include books and materials in their tuition, while others may charge additional fees. Scholarships and employer-sponsored training programs can help offset costs.

Choosing a Program

When selecting a CNA program, consider the following:

  • Location: Proximity to your residence or workplace.

  • Schedule: Availability of evening, weekend, or hybrid classes.

  • Reputation: Student reviews and program completion rates.

  • Financial Aid: Check for scholarships or flexible payment plans.

Featured CNA Programs in District of Columbia

Accessibility Excellence Academy

The Nurse Aide program at Accessibility Excellence Academy stands out for its integration of customer service training, job placement assistance, and flexible scheduling options, including day, evening, and weekend classes. These features, combined with experienced instructors and modern facilities, provide Read more…
$1,050
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Step 3: Pass the CNA Exam

Once training is complete, the next step is to pass the CNA certification exam, administered by Pearson VUE in Washington, DC. This test evaluates your knowledge and practical skills.

Exam Structure

The CNA exam has two parts:

  1. Written (or Oral) Exam:

    • 70 multiple-choice questions.

    • Two-hour time limit.

    • Oral exams are available in English and Spanish.

  2. Skills Evaluation:

    • Demonstrate five randomly selected nursing assistant skills.

    • Complete the evaluation within 30 minutes.

    • One skill will involve the use of a measurement device (e.g., blood pressure cuff).

Exam Fees

Exam Component Cost
Written Examination $55
Oral Examination $55
Skills Evaluation $110

Registration Process

  1. Create an account with CNA365 through Pearson VUE.

  2. Complete the application, including proof of training completion.

  3. Schedule your exam online or at a designated testing center.

  4. Pay the required fees using a credit or debit card.

Retake Policy

Candidates have up to three attempts to pass each portion of the exam. If unsuccessful after three tries, retraining at an approved program is required.

Preparation Tips

  • Review the 22 nursing assistant skills covered during training.

  • Take practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format.

  • Use online study guides and attend review sessions if available.

Call to Action

Take Our Free CNA Practice Test

Step 4: Certification Registration and Upkeep

After passing the exam, you must register with the DC Nurse Aide Registry to work legally as a CNA.

How to Register

  • Submit your exam results to the Nurse Aide Registry through Pearson VUE.

  • Your certification will be issued after verification of your background check and exam scores.

Renewing Your Certification

CNA certifications in Washington, DC, must be renewed every two years. To maintain active status, you must:

  • Complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work during the certification period.

  • Provide proof of 24 hours of continuing education.

Important Deadlines

Start the renewal process at least 90 days before expiration. If your certification lapses, you will need to retrain and retest to regain active status.

Transferring Certification

If you are certified in another state, you may apply for reciprocity by:

  • Providing proof of certification from your current state.

  • Submitting an application to the DC Nurse Aide Registry.

  • Passing any additional requirements as determined by DC Health.

Contact Information

Additional Tips for Success

Becoming a CNA in Washington, DC, offers a fulfilling career with opportunities for growth. Here are some final tips:

  • Network: Connect with healthcare facilities and attend job fairs to learn about job openings.

  • Consider Specializations: Gain additional certifications in areas like phlebotomy or EKG to enhance your employability.

  • Plan for Advancement: Use your CNA experience as a stepping stone to pursue roles like Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN).

With dedication and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to starting a rewarding career as a CNA in Washington, DC.

Other Local CNA Programs

id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
337 The Training Institute of Washington, DC thumbnail?panoid=yyQS3Oqas4tIAQgAVwku-g&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=2.800123&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://traindc.com/contact.html 1629 K Street Northwest Northwest Washington Washington, 300 Washington DC 20006 WX36+4V Washington, District of Columbia (202) 797-9099 38.90 -77.04 38.9028692-77.037826 Training centre 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM 9AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
338 Unique Rehabilitation & Health Center AF1QipOv91yyzBHWNVFzV-H0DwuCiqqE0sUxnmDvA6IO=w426-h240-k-no https://uniquerhc.com/ 901 First St NW Washington DC 20001 WX2Q+Q6 Washington, District of Columbia (202) 535-1100 38.90 -77.01 38.9018762-77.0118768 Nursing home 105 4.1 72 9 3 0 21 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
339 Vmt Education Center thumbnail?panoid=CkCeOBc8J59wibuzBm8pTw&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=38.70216&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 401 North Capitol St NE Washington DC 20002 VXWR+39 Washington, District of Columbia 38.90 -77.01 38.8951916-77.0090381 More details
340 Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School AF1QipOhtmdPKisn-cjnSzwD5RmSvszu5cy2YsQW4uZP=w408-h467-k-no https://www.carlosrosario.org/ 1100 Harvard St NW Washington DC 20009 WXGC+GW Washington, District of Columbia (202) 797-4700 38.93 -77.03 38.9263689-77.0276499 Charter school 71 4.6 61 5 0 0 5 8:30AM to 9PM 8:30AM to 9PM 8:30AM to 9PM 8:30AM to 9PM 8:30AM to 9PM 9:30AM to 12:30PM Closed More details
341 Home Care Partners Inc thumbnail?panoid=4W8w1It-pGBPI_N8WeQl3g&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=272.2833&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://www.homecarepartners.org/ 1234 Massachusetts Ave NW # C1 Washington DC 20005 WX3C+M7 Washington, District of Columbia (202) 638-2382 38.90 -77.03 38.9041882-77.0292669 Home health care service 3 3.7 2 0 0 0 1 More details
342 Renaissance Sibley Memorial Hospital thumbnail?panoid=v8NHndE36GDhnKX7g-tPbA&cb_client=search.gws-prod.gps&w=408&h=240&yaw=9.726969&pitch=0&thumbfov=100 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/sibley-memorial-hospital/ 5275 Loughboro Rd NW Washington DC 20016 WVPR+92 Washington, District of Columbia (202) 537-4000 38.94 -77.11 38.9359662-77.1099414 Nursing home 8 4.0 5 1 0 1 1 More details
343 Ingleside at Rock Creek AF1QipPVkQLA7jc2te1v3-AnquI5CqJIl9NG1Mdyzqr4=w408-h272-k-no https://inglesideonline.org/ingleside-rock-creek/ 3050 Military Rd NW Washington DC 20015 XW6Q+68 Washington, District of Columbia (202) 858-0861 38.96 -77.06 38.960517-77.0616788 Retirement community 47 3.9 29 4 3 2 9 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
344 Ascension Living Carroll Manor AF1QipMvbQdppa3SH_rEu66zGiYOa5x0eySx_V1Axoje=w408-h725-k-no https://www.ascensionliving.org/Find-a-Community/Carroll-Manor-Washington-DC 725 Buchanan St NE Washington DC 20017 W2V3+XM Washington, District of Columbia (202) 854-7100 38.94 -77.00 38.9449083-76.9957585 Rehabilitation center 103 4.4 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
345 Stoddard Baptist Global Care, Inc AF1QipNBd8kxdaT1tt8iOYfCtf5MVxo8iBSUd5WZLoUZ=w425-h240-k-no https://www.stoddardbaptistglobal.org/ 2601 18th St NE Washington DC 20018 W2FC+CQ Washington, District of Columbia (202) 541-6200 38.92 -76.98 38.9235445-76.9780455 Nursing home 33 2.8 12 1 2 4 14 More details
346 Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home AF1QipPAe4RAd7LGMrmgOdyxzB5KMUZiVl0_ahXN50GO=w408-h345-k-no https://www.stoddardbaptisthome.org/ 1818 Newton St NW Washington DC 20010 WXM5+M2 Washington, District of Columbia (202) 328-7400 38.93 -77.04 38.9341559-77.0424684 Nursing home 34 2.8 12 2 3 2 15 More details