CNA Classes in Virginia

Pearson VUE administers the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program in Virginia. This program requires that students take a two-part examination to become a CNA. The first part is the knowledge section, which is typically taken as a written test with 70 multiple-choice questions. An alternate option is an oral version, which consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and ten basic comprehension questions. Those who wish to take this test orally will need to mark this option on the application. Individuals are given two hours to complete this portion.

The skills section is performed in front of an evaluator who will choose four CNA skills at random for the student to perform and will also ask them to take a measurement, such as a blood pressure, on a volunteer. Individuals have 30 minutes to complete their skills.

Applicants will receive their test results on the same day. Those who do not pass will receive instructions about how to schedule another test. Individuals must pass both sections within 24 months of completing CNA training to avoid retraining. However, there is no limit on how many times individuals can take the test in the two-year timeframe. Individuals who are currently working in a nursing home must pass their examination within 120 days to be able to continue working. The fee to take both sections of the test is $94. Those who need to retake only one part will need to pay $25 for the knowledge section or $69 for the skills section.

CNAs moving from another state can apply for endorsement with the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. These individuals are often not required to retest if they meet the state’s qualifications and are approved. The application can be filled out and submitted online. The application will first be sent to the prior state for certification before being sent back to Virginia. CNAs applying for endorsement must be coming from a state that has similar qualifications for CNAs as Virginia does and must have an active, unencumbered license with no allegations of patient abuse, neglect or maltreatment. They must also have completed a competency examination in the previous state. There is no fee for this service unless the prior state charges a fee for verification.

A Virginia CNA’s initial certification will last one year. After that, certifications will last two years. The Registry sends out renewal notifications approximately a month before the expiration date. CNAs will need to have worked at least eight hours in the previous 24 months. If CNAs do not renew by the expiration date, they will need to apply to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry for reinstatement. To be reinstated after 90 days of the expiry, CNAs will need to retake the certifications examination. CNAs will also be required to retake the examination if they have not worked the required hours in the past two years. CNAs who renew on time will not be required to pay any fees.

Application for examination
Application for Reciprocity

Links

Virginia Department of Health
Virginia Board of Nursing
Vigrinia Nurse License Verification

Contacts

Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300
Henrico Virginia 23233-1463
Phone: (804) 367-4515
Fax: (804) 527-4455
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 8:15 to 5:00 (except Holidays)