How to Get Your CNA Certification in Virginia (VA): 2026 Guide
Virginia uses Credentia (NNAAP). Training is 140 hours (since May 2023) and candidates have 3 attempts per exam component within 2 years.
Virginia uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) through Credentia. As of May 12, 2023, the state raised its training requirement to 140 hours, with at least 20 hours of skills lab. This guide explains the updated requirements, costs, exam structure, and testing locations across Virginia.
Virginia is one of the few states to update its training requirement post-pandemic; the 140-hour standard reflects Virginia's commitment to extended clinical readiness before employment.
Virginia CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Credentia (NNAAP)
- Training hours: 140 total (at least 20 hours skills lab)
- Exam format: 70-question written or oral exam + 5-skill hands-on evaluation
- Exam fee: contact Credentia for current fees (~$140+ combined)
- Registry: Virginia Board of Nursing / Virginia Nurse Aide Registry
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in Virginia
The Virginia Board of Nursing approves training programs and maintains the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. Credentia administers the NNAAP exam under state contract. Virginia transitioned from Pearson VUE to Credentia in recent years.
The Board also reviews reciprocity applications, audits state-approved training programs, and disciplines CNAs for patient-care violations under Virginia Code § 54.1-3000 et seq.
Training programs in Virginia
Virginia requires a 140-hour state-approved program — far above the federal minimum of 75 hours. The 140-hour requirement took effect May 12, 2023, replacing the previous 120-hour state standard. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (Northern Virginia CC, Tidewater CC, J. Sargeant Reynolds CC, Piedmont Virginia CC, John Tyler CC, Germanna CC, Blue Ridge CC, Brightpoint CC, Central Virginia CC, Danville CC, Eastern Shore CC, Laurel Ridge CC, Mountain Empire CC, Patrick & Henry CC, Rappahannock CC, Southside Virginia CC, Southwest Virginia CC, Virginia Highlands CC, Virginia Western CC, Wytheville CC)
- Private training academies
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most programs run 8–12 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,200 plus $100–$200 for uniforms, textbooks, and the Virginia State Police background check.
The at-least-20-hour skills lab requirement is unusual. Most programs meet this with scheduled lab time on campus; some programs integrate lab time into classroom sessions. Confirm lab hours directly with your training program before enrollment.
The Virginia CNA exam: Credentia details
The NNAAP exam has two parts:
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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 and includes an audio track plus a 10-question reading comprehension set.
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Skills Evaluation — 5 randomly selected skills demonstrated in front of a Credentia nurse evaluator. Handwashing is always tested and embedded in the timed skill sequence.
Candidates have 3 attempts to pass each component within 2 years of training completion. After 3 failures on either component, you must re-enroll in another approved program. This stricter-than-most-states limit is one reason many Virginia candidates prepare thoroughly before scheduling.
How much does the Virginia CNA exam cost?
- Both parts combined — check Credentia's current fee schedule
- Written retake — check Credentia
- Skills retake — check Credentia
- State background check — $15–$25
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $1,000–$2,200. Virginia's combined exam and training cost is one of the highest in the mid-Atlantic region.
Where to take the test in Virginia
- Richmond — frequent testing; multiple Credentia partner sites
- Norfolk / Virginia Beach — regular sessions; Tidewater CC-area dates
- Roanoke — periodic testing; scheduled through partner programs
- Arlington / Northern Virginia — DC-metro access; multiple sites
- Newport News — limited dates; book early
- Charlottesville — limited dates; book early
- Lynchburg — limited dates; book early
Virginia's testing footprint is concentrated in the DC suburbs and Hampton Roads. Rural western Virginia and far southwestern counties (Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee) may travel 90+ minutes to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your Credentia test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The skills portion may be scheduled on a separate day from the written/oral portion. Arrival 15 minutes early is required for ID verification.
After you pass: Virginia certification and renewal
Credentia reports passing scores to the Virginia Board of Nursing, which lists you within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the Virginia Board of Nursing's public lookup at dhp.virginia.gov. A paper certificate arrives by mail within 2–4 weeks.
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. Virginia does not require continuing education for renewal.
Common pitfalls specific to Virginia
- 140-hour requirement: Updated in May 2023. Don't rely on older 75- or 120-hour figures from pre-2023 sources.
- Three-attempt limit: 3 attempts per component within 2 years of training completion; failure triggers re-enrollment. Prepare thoroughly.
- No fingerprint CBC: Unlike RNs/LPNs in Virginia, CNAs do not need a fingerprint-based background check (CBC). A standard state background check is sufficient.
- Skills lab hours: At least 20 hours must be skills lab — verify your program includes enough lab time.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Virginia? Most students finish the 140-hour program in 8–12 weeks plus 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling.
Can I transfer my out-of-state CNA license to Virginia? Yes. Apply through the Virginia Board of Nursing. Reciprocity is possible if your home state's training meets or exceeds Virginia's 140-hour minimum.
How much is Virginia CNA training? Plan $1,000–$2,200 for tuition plus $150–$200 for supplies and the state background check.
What happens if I fail both components in Virginia? You have 3 attempts per component within 2 years of training completion. After 3 failures on either component, you must re-enroll in another state-approved nurse aide training program.
Practice for the Virginia CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
