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
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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 who pass the state exam are eligible to apply for their NAC credential.
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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 who pass the state exam are eligible to apply for their NAC credential.
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Home Care Aide (HCA) 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 who pass the state exam are eligible to apply for their NAC credential.
Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) Exam Information
The Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) exam consists of two parts:
- In-person Skills Test
- Online Written Test
Exam candidates should take the skills test first:
- Candidates are expected to pass the skills test before registering for the written test
- Testing out of order can delay certification
- Nursing assistant applicants must pass both parts of the exam to be considered for certification
Exam Costs
- Skills Test: $100
- Written Test: $55
- Total exam costs for both Skills and Written tests: $155
Exam Administration
Training programs now provide the Skills Test.
- Most training programs provide skills testing.
- This means you can likely test in your own training program, or one that is nearby, soon after you graduate.
In Washington, Credentia is the company that administers the online written test.
Eligibility to Take the Exam
How you become eligible to take the exam is called your Eligibility Route.
Each Eligibility Route has a specific code assigned to it that you need to use to register for the exam.
The most common Eligibility Route is completing an approved nursing assistant training program in Washington:
- Traditional training program (code = E1)
- Alternative (“bridge”) program (code = E6)
There are several other Eligibility Routes, all of which are considered “non-routine” routes.
Eligibility through a “non-routine” route means that you must submit a complete application with DOH – Credentialing to receive an Authorization to Test before registering for the exam.
You will not be able to test without an Authorization to Test.
Eligibly 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 and Your NAC Credential
Once you determine your Eligibility Route, follow the 3-steps for your route below in to take the exam and earn your NAC credential.
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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 will not be able to test without an Authorization to Test.
- Apply for your Nursing Assistant Certified (NAC) credential with the Department of Health (DOH) if you haven’t already. 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: is only available to Eligibility Routes (E1 or E6)
- Register with your training program, if they have dates available for skill exams, submit your online registration and pay.
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Option B: Register through WABON online scheduling for a regional skill test
- Register for a test location, date, and time.
- The test site will follow up regarding their process for paying the $100 skills test fee.
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Option A: is only available to Eligibility Routes (E1 or E6)
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Step 3: Register for the written (or oral) test AFTER you pass the skills test
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***When filling out your written exam application on Credentia, make sure to enter your NAC credential number correctly. Mistakes can cause major delays in processing your credential.
Review of Exam Information
Overall cost of the nursing assistant exam is the same, but the amounts paid for each part of the exam have changed.
- Skills test fee will be $100
- Written (or oral) test fee will be $55
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Step 4: Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC)
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To work in Washington state as a Nursing Assistant, you need to be certified or registered through the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
The DOH Credentialing office processes nursing assistant applications for certification.
Visit DOH Credentialing for helpful information you need to know, as well as the application forms for:
- Nursing assistant registration (NAR)
- Nursing assistant certification (NAC)
- Medication assistant certification endorsement (MACE)