How to Get Your CNA Certification in North Carolina (NC): 2026 Guide
North Carolina uses Credentia (NNAAP) and has a two-tier CNA I / CNA II system. CNA I requires 75 hours; CNA II adds 192 more for hospital work.
North Carolina uses the NNAAP exam through Credentia and has a unique two-tier system: CNA I and CNA II. CNA I covers standard nurse aide duties, while CNA II allows advanced skills in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. Many hospital positions in NC require CNA II.
This guide explains the path to CNA I, the credentialing pathway, costs, and testing sites.
North Carolina CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Credentia (NNAAP)
- Training hours: 75 total (59 classroom + 16 clinical) for CNA I; 192 additional hours for CNA II
- Exam format: 70-question written or oral exam + 5-skill hands-on evaluation
- Exam fee: approximately $140 combined
- Registry: North Carolina Board of Nursing / NC Nurse Aide Registry
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in North Carolina
The North Carolina Board of Nursing approves training programs and maintains the registry. Credentia administers the NNAAP exam.
Training programs in North Carolina
North Carolina requires a 75-hour state-approved program for CNA I. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (Central Piedmont CC, Wake Tech CC, Guilford Tech CC, Forsyth Tech CC, Cape Fear CC, Asheville-Buncombe Tech, Wayne CC, Durham Tech, Fayetteville Tech, Piedmont CC, Rowan-Cabarrus CC, Sandhills CC, Coastal Carolina CC, College of The Albemarle, McDowell Tech, Mayland Community College, Southwestern CC, Tri-County CC, Blue Ridge CC, Cleveland CC)
- Private training academies
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most programs run 4–8 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $600 to $1,500 for CNA I, plus $100–$200 for uniforms, textbooks, and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation background check.
CNA II requires a separate, longer training program — typically 192 hours of advanced training beyond CNA I. CNA II candidates usually work in hospitals.
The North Carolina CNA exam: Credentia details
The NNAAP exam has two parts:
-
Written or Oral Exam — 70 multiple-choice questions on resident rights, basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, and safety. The oral version is available for an extra fee.
-
Skills Evaluation — 5 randomly selected skills demonstrated in front of a Credentia nurse evaluator. Handwashing is always tested.
NC candidates must register through Credentia's NC-specific portal. Candidates have 3 attempts to pass each part within 24 months of completing training, or restart training.
How much does the North Carolina CNA exam cost?
- Written + skills combined — ~$140
- Oral upgrade — ~$20
- Skills retake — ~$90
- Written retake — ~$50
- State registry listing — included
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $600–$1,500 for CNA I. CNA II training adds $1,500–$2,500 more.
Where to take the test in North Carolina
- Charlotte — frequent testing; multiple Credentia partner sites
- Raleigh — regular sessions; Wake Tech-area dates
- Greensboro — periodic testing; Guilford Tech-area dates
- Winston-Salem — scheduled through Forsyth Tech; limited dates
- Durham — limited dates; book early
- Asheville — limited dates; book early in western NC
- Wilmington — limited dates; book early
North Carolina's testing footprint covers the Triangle (Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill) and Charlotte metro well. Eastern North Carolina (Greenville, New Bern) and far western mountain candidates may travel 60–90 minutes to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID, your Credentia test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The skills portion may be scheduled on a separate day. Arrival 15 minutes early is required.
After you pass: North Carolina certification and renewal
Credentia reports passing scores to the NC Board of Nursing, which lists you on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the public registry. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, complete at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work during the certification period under the supervision of an RN.
Common pitfalls specific to North Carolina
- CNA I vs CNA II: Many hospital positions require CNA II — confirm whether you need the advanced credential before applying.
- Two-tier system: Don't register for CNA II testing until you've completed CNA I.
- Reciprocity limits: Some neighboring states (TN, FL, GA) don't reciprocate with NC; check before relocating.
- SBI background: North Carolina's SBI background check takes 1–3 weeks; submit fingerprints during week 1.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in North Carolina? Most students finish CNA I training in 4–8 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
What is the difference between CNA I and CNA II in NC? CNA I covers standard nurse aide duties. CNA II allows advanced skills like sterile dressing changes, oxygen therapy adjustments, and tracheostomy care — typically in hospital settings.
How much is North Carolina CNA training? Plan $600–$1,500 for CNA I tuition plus $100–$200 for supplies. CNA II adds another $1,500–$2,500.
Does NC accept LPNs as CNA IIs? No. LPNs in NC have a separate license pathway through the Board of Nursing. CNA II is a stacked credential; LPN is a separate license.
Practice for the North Carolina CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
