How does the Washington CNA exam work?
Updated · Reviewed against official sources
Washington's nurse aide competency exam has two parts you must pass: a knowledge test (written, or oral if you choose — federal rules require that option) and a hands-on skills test. Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission / Department of Health names Credentia as the testing vendor. Passing gets you listed on the Washington nurse aide registry.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Credential | Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC) | Washington Nursing Commission — NAC exam |
| State agency | Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission / Department of Health | Official page |
| Testing vendor | Credentia | Washington Nursing Commission — NAC exam |
| Exam parts | Part 1: in-person skills test. Part 2: knowledge test | Washington Nursing Commission — NAC exam |
| Knowledge test | 70 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours (oral version available) | Credentia (WA) — Types of examination |
| Oral option | Yes — you may choose an oral exam instead of written | 42 CFR 483.154 |
| Attempts | At least three opportunities (state may set further rules) | 42 CFR 483.154 |
Your state's nurse aide candidate handbook is the authority on exam format, skills lists and scoring. This page explains the general picture and links the official sources.
Steps to get certified in Washington
- Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (federal minimum: 75 clock hours including 16 supervised practical hours), unless your state accepts another route.
- Apply and schedule your exam through the testing program described in the Washington candidate handbook.
- Pass the knowledge test (written or oral) and the skills test.
- Confirm your listing on the Washington nurse aide registry before you start work.
What's specific to Washington
Washington calls the credential Nursing Assistant-Certified (NAC). Fees are listed on the Nursing Commission's page; check the current value there.
How to prepare
The knowledge test covers standard nurse aide topics: residents' rights, infection control, safety, personal care, basic nursing skills, communication, mental health, the aide's role, vital signs and nutrition. Take the free 20-question practice test to see your weakest topics, rehearse every skill with our skills checklists, and do a timed full exam the week before.
Quick answers
- Can a nursing student take the Washington NAC exam without a CNA class?
- Washington has specific eligibility routes; check the Nursing Commission's NAC exam page. See challenge exam requirements.
- Is the Washington knowledge test online?
- The Nursing Commission's page describes how and where each part is taken; check it for the current format.
- Can I take the Washington CNA exam orally?
- Yes. Federal rules require that candidates can choose an oral exam instead of the written one. The candidate handbook explains how to request it.
- How many times can I take the Washington CNA exam?
- Federal rules guarantee at least three opportunities to pass the competency evaluation; check the handbook for retest fees, waiting periods and retraining rules.
What to do next
Find your weak topics before Washington test day — free, no sign-up, about 15 minutes.
Take the free practice testRelated
Other states
Sources
- Washington Nursing Commission — NAC exam
- Credentia (WA) — Types of examination
- Credentia — Washington test-taker page
- 42 CFR 483.154 — Nurse aide competency evaluation (Cornell LII)
- 42 CFR 483.152 — Nurse aide training requirements (Cornell LII)
Checked: . Rules, fees and vendors change — always confirm with your state's official page and candidate handbook.