How to Get Your CNA Certification in West Virginia (WV): 2026 Guide

West Virginia uses PHD, a state-contracted testing vendor, for its nurse aide exam. The Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification (OHFLAC), which sits inside the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), approves training programs and maintains the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. If you are planning to work as a CNA in the Mountain State, plan on a longer training program than most other states require and make sure you understand the PHD-specific testing process before you register.

West Virginia CNA at a glance

• Testing vendor: PHD (state-contracted)
• Training hours: 120 total (at least 55 clinical)
• Exam format: knowledge test + skills test
• Exam fee: contact PHD or OHFLAC for current fees
• Registry: OHFLAC / West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry
• Renewal: every 24 months with qualifying work

Who oversees CNA certification in West Virginia

OHFLAC is the regulatory body. It approves nurse aide training programs (NATPs), keeps the official registry of certified nurse aides, and handles reciprocity applications from CNAs who were trained in other states. OHFLAC does not run the exam directly; it contracts with PHD to deliver the knowledge and skills tests. If you have questions about your eligibility, training program approval, or registry status, OHFLAC is the right first contact. For exam scheduling, test content, and study materials, PHD is the right contact. Knowing which agency does what will save you a lot of time when something goes wrong.

Training programs in West Virginia

West Virginia requires more training hours than most states. Every approved nurse aide training program must include 120 total hours, of which at least 55 hours must be supervised clinical training in a licensed facility. The remaining hours are split between classroom instruction and skills lab practice. Programs are typically run by:

• Community and technical colleges — programs at places like BridgeValley CTC, Mountwest CTC, and New River CTC run one to two semesters.
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities — many skilled nursing facilities in WV run in-house training programs to staff their own buildings. These are often the fastest and cheapest route.
• High school career and technical education centers — several WV CTE centers offer a nurse aide track for high school juniors and seniors, which can also count for credit at partner community colleges.
• Private career schools — for-profit schools like those in the Ross Education or ACI Medical & Dental School networks offer shorter, more intensive programs.

A typical program runs 6 to 12 weeks depending on schedule (full-time day, part-time evening, or weekend cohorts). Tuition ranges from $800 to $1,600 at most public and facility-based programs, with private schools sometimes higher. Plan for additional costs beyond tuition.

Itemized cost breakdown

Tuition is only part of what you will spend. A realistic budget for a West Virginia CNA candidate:

• Tuition (120-hour program) — $800 – $1,600
• Textbook and workbook — $50 – $120
• Scrubs (one or two sets) — $40 – $90
• Closed-toe clinical shoes — $40 – $80
• Watch with a second hand — $10 – $25
• Background check and drug screen — $40 – $80
• TB test and physical — $30 – $80
• BLS/CPR certification (if required) — $50 – $100
• State exam fee (both parts, PHD) — contact PHD for current fees
• State registry application — contact OHFLAC for current fees
• Realistic total — $1,200 – $2,500

Some employers, especially nursing homes, will pay for your training and exam in exchange for a work commitment. Ask about tuition reimbursement or "train-to-hire" programs when you interview.

The West Virginia CNA exam: PHD details

The West Virginia nurse aide exam has two parts, both delivered by PHD:

1. Knowledge Test — a multiple-choice written (or oral) test covering the role of the nurse aide, basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, resident rights, and safety. The test is timed and proctored at an approved PHD testing site.
2. Skills Test — a hands-on demonstration of clinical skills. You will be assigned a set of randomly selected skills to perform on a live actor or mannequin, while a PHD evaluator watches and scores you against a published checklist.

You must pass both parts to be placed on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. If you fail one part, you can usually retake just that part; check the current PHD retake policy and any waiting periods that apply.

Where to take the test in West Virginia

PHD testing sites are spread across the state. The five most common locations:

• Charleston — the capital region; frequent testing dates because of the concentration of training programs and demand from CAMC and other hospital systems.
• Huntington — regular sessions serving the Tri-State area, including St. Mary's Medical Center and Cabell Huntington Hospital.
• Morgantown — periodic testing tied to WVU and Mon Health programs; book early.
• Beckley — scheduled mostly through Raleigh General Hospital and local training programs; fewer walk-in dates.
• Parkersburg — limited dates but useful for candidates in the Mid-Ohio Valley who do not want to drive to Charleston.

Smaller rural testing events are sometimes scheduled in places like Martinsburg, Lewisburg, or Summersville. Ask PHD about regional events near you, especially if you live far from one of the five main cities.

Scheduling and what to bring on test day

Register for the exam through PHD's scheduling system after your training program director confirms your eligibility. Plan to test within a few weeks of finishing your clinical hours, while the material is fresh.

On test day, bring:

• A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
• Your test confirmation (printed or on your phone, depending on the site).
• Scrubs in a neutral color, closed-toe clinical shoes, and a watch with a second hand.
• Any forms PHD or your program instructed you to bring (skills checklist, instructor signature form, etc.).

Arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes early. If you are late, PHD may turn you away and charge a rescheduling fee. Leave your phone, smart watch, and notes in the car; personal items are usually not allowed in the testing area.

After you pass: West Virginia certification and renewal

Once you pass both the knowledge and skills portions, PHD reports your results to OHFLAC, and you are added to the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. Your registry status is what employers verify, so make sure your name and date of birth on file with PHD match your government ID exactly.

West Virginia CNAs must renew every 24 months. To renew, you need to show that you performed at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work in the prior 24-month period under the supervision of a licensed nurse. If your certification lapses, you will likely need to retake the exam or re-train, so do not let it expire. OHFLAC sends renewal reminders, but it is your responsibility to keep your contact information up to date.

Common pitfalls specific to West Virginia

• PHD vendor confusion: PHD is the state-contracted vendor in West Virginia, not Headmaster, Prometric, or Credentia. Do not register with the wrong testing company.
• High clinical minimum: WV's 55 clinical hours is significantly more than the 16 or 24 hours required by many other states. Plan for the time commitment and do not skip clinical shifts.
• Reciprocity requirements: Out-of-state CNAs applying to West Virginia must provide a Social Security number under WV Code §48-18-133, and your current state registry must be in good standing. Approval is not automatic.
• Name and SSN matching: OHFLAC is strict about name and Social Security number matching. If your name has changed, get it updated with the Social Security Administration before you apply, or your registry listing will be delayed.
• Letting the certification lapse: West Virginia does not have an automatic grace period. If you do not work and renew within 24 months, you may have to retest or retrain to get back on the registry.

FAQ

How long does it take to become a CNA in West Virginia? Most candidates finish in 4 to 8 weeks of training plus another 2 to 4 weeks for exam scheduling, for a total of roughly 6 to 12 weeks from the first day of class to active certification.

Can I challenge the West Virginia CNA exam without taking a training program? Generally no. West Virginia requires completion of an OHFLAC-approved nurse aide training program (NATP) before you are eligible to sit for the PHD exam. Some candidates with prior healthcare training (such as LPN or RN students) may qualify for a partial waiver, but this is not the norm and must be approved by OHFLAC.

How much does the West Virginia CNA exam cost? PHD and OHFLAC set the exam and registry fees. Contact PHD directly for the most current fees, since they can change. Expect to pay separately for the knowledge test and the skills test, plus a separate registry application fee handled by OHFLAC.

Does West Virginia offer reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs? Yes. If you are currently certified in another state, are in good standing on that state's registry, and meet WV's requirements (including SSN submission under §48-18-133), you can apply to be placed on the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry through OHFLAC's reciprocity process without retesting.

How do I renew my West Virginia CNA certification? Every 24 months, submit proof of at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work performed under licensed-nurse supervision during the prior certification period. OHFLAC will process the renewal and update your registry record. If you do not meet the work requirement, you will need to retrain or retest.

Practice for the West Virginia CNA exam at /exam and /skills.