CNA Schools in North Carolina

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services regulates CNA examinations. The Department contracts out the test through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program through Pearson VUE. The test can be taken at many CNA training facilities, or it may be taken at one of several regional testing sites.

The test must be taken within 24 months of completing CNA training. It includes two parts that test CNA theory and clinical knowledge. The written knowledge examination can also be taken orally by those who have a documented disability or have difficulty reading English. The written options have 70 multiple-choice theory questions while the oral version has 60 multiple-choice theory questions and ten basic comprehension questions. Testers are given two hours for this section.

The second part is the skill evaluation during which applicants will need to demonstrate four CNA skills chosen at random by the evaluator in addition to hand washing. Testers will also have to perform one measurement, such as taking a blood pressure or measuring a client’s weight. Testers will have 30 minutes to complete the skills section. The skills will be performed on a volunteer actor.

Those who pass the examination will be added to North Carolina’s CNA registry within at least five days. Those who fail only need to retake the section that was failed and may take each section a total of three times before having to retrain. The fee to take both parts of the examination is $101 for both written and oral versions.

North Carolina does not practice endorsement or reciprocity for CNAs, who are currently licensed by another state but are moving to North Carolina. Instead, CNAs moving to the state will need to attend a state-approved training program and take the entire certification examination just as new CNAs do. As of February 2016, CNA applicants are no longer allowed to challenge the examination without training. Fees for out-of-state applicants will be the same as for new applicants for taking the examination; the cost is $101 for both parts of the examination. They will also need to have a background check and have fingerprints, a driver’s license and two additional photographs on file with the state.

North Carolina CNAs must renew their certifications every two years. The Nurse Aide 1 Registry sends renewal notices approximately two months before expiration. It is vital that CNAs keep their addresses up-to-date with the registry. To renew, CNAs must have worked for pay under the supervision of a registered nurse performing nursing-related duties for at least eight hours in the previous two years. Those who fail to renew by the expiration date or who do not meet the work requirements will need to retake a training course and retake the certification examination. Renewal is free for the Nurse Aide 1 Registry except in the case of those required to retrain and retest.

Visit Pearsonvue for instructions on scheduling your test
North Carolina Nurses Aide Candidate Handbook
Contact information if you have any further questions

Links
NC Department of Health and Human Services
North Carolina Board of Nursing
North Carolina Nurses Aide Registry
Verify your CNA licenses here

Contacts
North Carolina Board of Nursing
4516 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607
Phone: (919) 782-3211
Fax: (919) 781-9461