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New process for the Nursing Assistant Exam

Updated: October 5, 2023

Washington is changing the process for completing the nursing assistant exam. The purpose is to increase students’ access to skills testing following graduation. 

  • New process starts October 1, 2023.
  • Registration for October skills testing slots starts now. (See steps below.)

October 5, 2023 update:

Nursing Assistant exam process update- more facility types can test!

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) clarified that these types of facilities can take part in our new exam process:

  • Skilled nursing facilities
  • Nursing homes

Our thanks to DSHS for championing this request for clarification from CMS!

Updated Resources

We've recently updated our overview video and presentation on the new process:

Previous update:

Important Information

  • Skills test dates scheduled for September are unchanged.
    • Testing candidates should keep September testing appointments.
  • Graduates beginning their testing process October 1 or later will take the skills test first.
    • Graduates are expected to pass the skills test before registering for the written test.
    • This change will save steps and time in testing and certification processes.
  •  For October skills test dates, many approved nursing assistant training programs will schedule and provide skills tests for their current and previous graduates.
    • View list of the programs ready to provide skills testing to their graduates.
    • More programs will begin providing skills testing in November or December.
    • By 2024, most programs will provide skills testing routinely immediately after graduation.
  • Graduates will no longer register for skills tests on Credentia365.
    • They will continue to use Credentia365 to get their Candidate Identification (ID) number and register for the written (or oral) exam.
  • For October skills test dates, graduates will use these new steps to register and test.

New Skills Test Registration Process

For graduates from approved Washington state Nursing Assistant training programs:

Step 1: Get a Credentia Candidate ID number. 

  • Create a Credentia365 account and verify your email address.
  • You need a Candidate ID number to:
    • Register for the skills test.
    • Register for the written (or oral) test.
    • Ensure your results are processed quickly.

Step 2: Register for the skills test.

  • Option A: Register with your training program, if your training program is ready to provide skills testing
    • If your training program offers testing, the program will reach out to you about available skills test dates and the registration and payment process.
    • Please wait for the program to contact you (or check the program’s website for information). Contacting the program now will cause delays in scheduling.
  • Option B: For dates prior to May 27 go to WABON Scheduling and for dates on May 27 moving forward go to WABON New Online Scheduling (coming May 15) if your training program is NOT providing skills testing at this time.
    • To register for a test location, date, and time, for dates prior to May 27 go to WABON Scheduling and for dates on May 27 moving forward go to WABON New Online Scheduling (coming May 15).
    • The test site will follow up regarding their process for paying the skills test fee.

Step 3: Register for the written (or oral) test AFTER you pass the skills test.

Step 4: Apply for your nursing assistant-certified (NAC) credential with the Department of Health (DOH), if you have not already done so.

For Other Eligible Candidates (i.e., nursing students, military trained, out-of-state):

  • Begin with Step 4 to gain your authorization to test, which is required prior to testing.
  • Then follow Steps 1-3 in order.

Other 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.

Helpful Resources

CONTACT US

111 Israel Road SE
PO Box 47864
Olympia, WA 98504
360-236-4703