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 E2, E3, E4, E7, or E9, first determine your “Pathway to Licensure” noted in the Nursing Assistant Licensure Requirements Page.
- If you match Eligibility Routes (E2-E5, E7-E9) you will need to submit an application in the Online Portal Instructions page 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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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.
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Contact nac.exam@doh.wa.gov to schedule your test
Please include the following information in your email:
- Full name
- Email address
- County
- Preferred testing location (city)
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Contact nac.exam@doh.wa.gov to schedule your 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