Types of NAC Training Programs
There are 3 different types of Nursing Assistant Certification training programs in the state of Washington.
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Traditional NAC Program
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Traditional programs provide a complete training program for nursing assistants and require no previous training.
- Students who complete an approved traditional program are eligible to apply to take the state exam for Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC).
- Students must pass the state exams to become credentialed as a Nursing Assistant Certified.
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Home Care Aide (HCA) Bridge
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Home care aide (HCA) alternative training programs recognize prior training and current HCA certification. They provide a shorter training program intended to “bridge” students to nursing assistant certification (NAC).
- Students who complete an approved alternative program are eligible to apply to take the state exam for NAC.
- Students must pass the state exams to become credentialed as a Nursing Assistant Certified.
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Medical Assistant (MA) Bridge
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Medical assistant (MA) alternative training programs recognize prior training and current MA certification. They provide a shorter training program intended to “bridge” students to nursing assistant certification (NAC).
- Students who complete an approved alternative program are eligible to apply to take the state exam for NAC.
- Students must pass the state exams to become credentialed as a Nursing Assistant Certified.
Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) Exam Information
The Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) exam consists of two parts:
- Part 1: In-person Skills Test
- Part 2: Online Knowledge Test
Exam Costs
- Skills Test: (cost is determined by NA program)
- Online Knowledge Test: $55
Eligibility to Take the Exam
Eligibility through a “non-routine” route means that you must submit a complete application with DOH – Credentialing to receive an Authorization to Test letter before registering for the exam.
Eligibility Routes:
- E1: New nursing assistant (graduate of an approved Washington traditional training program, not previously certified)
- E2: Nursing student (LPN or RN program) or nursing program graduate (LPN or RN program)
- E3: Military nursing student
- E4: Out-of-State nursing assistant training program graduate or nursing program (LPN or RN program) graduate
- E5: Lapsed nursing assistant credential >3 years, but completed training again
- E6: New nursing assistant (graduate of an approved Washington alternative “bridge” training program)
- E7: Training occurred before February 1, 2015
- E8: OBRA Re-activation (only 1 re-test attempt allowed; you must pass both parts of the exam on 1st attempt or re-training is required)
- E9: Training program is now closed
Applying to Take the Exam
Once you determine your Eligibility Route, follow the 3 steps for your route below to take the exam.
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Step 1: Check Eligibility Route
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If you match Eligibility Routes (E2-E5, E7-E9) you will need to:
- Submit a Complete Application with DOH – Credentialing to receive an Authorization to Test prior to registering for the exam. You need your NAC credential number to take the competency exams. To find your credential number, use the "Provider Credential Search" tool on the Department of Health website.
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If you match Eligibility Routes (E2-E5, E7-E9) you will need to:
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Step 2: Register for the Skills Test
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Option A: Test candidates who graduate from a Washington State Approved Nursing Assistant Training Program where the program provides skills testing.
- Schedule the skills exam with your training program
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Option B: Test candidates who match a non-routine eligibility route, or test candidates who graduate from a Washington State Nursing Assistant Training Program that does not provide skills testing.
- Register through WABON online scheduling for a regional skills test
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Option A: Test candidates who graduate from a Washington State Approved Nursing Assistant Training Program where the program provides skills testing.
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Step 3: Register for the Online (or Oral) Knowledge Test AFTER You Pass the Skills Test
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- Register on the Credentia website