How to Become a CNA in Virginia (2026)

By Athena KanUpdated Jun 3, 2026

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Virginia requires a minimum of 140 hours of state-approved training, a passing score on both parts of the NNAAP exam, and placement on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry before you can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The entire process takes one to four months depending on the program format. CNAs in Virginia earn a median of $38,790 per year ($18.65 per hour) as of May 2024, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% national employment growth for nursing assistants through 2034.

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Key Points

A CNA in Virginia provides direct patient care, including bathing, dressing, mobility support, and vital signs monitoring, under the supervision of licensed nurses.
The median annual salary for nursing assistants in Virginia is $38,790, or $18.65 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Virginia-approved CNA training programs require at least 140 hours and typically take four to twelve weeks to complete.
CNA training in Virginia generally costs between $800 and $2,000, depending on the institution, before accounting for financial aid or employer-sponsored options.
Certification requires passing both parts of the NNAAP exam and being listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry.

Understanding the CNA Role in Virginia

A Certified Nursing Assistant is a trained healthcare support professional who delivers hands-on patient care under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies this occupation as "Nursing Assistants and Orderlies," though Virginia specifically uses the title Certified Nursing Assistant for individuals who have completed approved training and passed the state competency exam.

CNAs perform the kind of bedside work that keeps healthcare facilities running. Day-to-day responsibilities include:

Assisting patients with bathing, dressing, grooming, and eating
Measuring and recording vital signs such as blood pressure, pulse, and temperature
Helping patients move safely between beds, wheelchairs, and common areas
Supporting licensed nurses with routine patient care tasks
Providing emotional reassurance to patients and communicating observations to the care team

In Virginia, CNAs work across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, long-term care homes, rehabilitation centers, assisted living communities, and home health agencies. Large Virginia health systems such as Inova Health System, Sentara Healthcare, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Carilion Clinic, and the VA Medical Centers across the state all regularly hire CNAs.

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Virginia

Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements and Choose a Training Program

There is no state-mandated age minimum for CNA certification in Virginia, though most training programs require applicants to be at least 18 years old. The Virginia Board of Nursing does not require a high school diploma or GED for certification, but many individual programs set their own admission standards and may require one.

Your first step is choosing a training program approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. Approved programs are offered at Virginia community colleges, technical schools, and private training institutions across the state. Course length varies by program format, with most running between four and twelve weeks.

Dreambound is a free platform that helps students compare accredited training programs across the United States. Search for CNA training programs in Virginia on Dreambound to compare options by cost, schedule, and location.

Step 2: Complete 140 or More Hours of Required Training

Virginia law mandates that all CNA training programs provide a minimum of 140 clock hours of instruction. This training is divided into three components:

24 hours of classroom instruction before any direct patient contact
20 hours of hands-on skills training in a laboratory setting
40 hours of supervised clinical experience providing direct care to patients in a healthcare facility

The remaining hours are distributed across additional classroom, lab, and clinical work at the program's discretion. The Virginia Board of Nursing's nurse aide curriculum requires coverage of infection control, safety and emergency procedures, communication and interpersonal skills, personal care skills, nutrition, and observational and reporting techniques. All clinical hours are completed in person at approved healthcare facilities, where students work under the supervision of licensed nurses while providing direct care to patients.

Step 3: Pass the Virginia NNAAP Exam

After completing your training program, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam to earn your certification. In Virginia, the exam is administered by Credentia.

The NNAAP exam has two separately scored components:

Skills evaluation ($95): A hands-on test where you demonstrate clinical competencies in front of a trained evaluator.
Written or oral test ($45): The written version contains 70 multiple-choice questions, 10 of which are unscored pretest items. The oral version contains 60 multiple-choice items and 10 reading comprehension items.

The total first-time exam fee is $140. If you do not pass one section, you can retake that section individually by paying the fee for that component. The number of allowed attempts and the timeframe for retaking vary based on eligibility. Credentia publishes detailed retake policies on its website.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass both parts of the NNAAP exam, Credentia forwards your results to the Virginia Board of Nursing. The Board then adds your name to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. This listing is what employers across the state use to verify that a candidate holds active CNA certification.

Credentia requires candidates to complete a criminal background check before sitting for the NNAAP exam, and most training programs also require one for admission and clinical placement. Note that the Virginia Board of Nursing's fingerprint-based CBC requirement does not currently apply to CNAs, only to RN and LPN applicants.

Step 5: Begin Working and Maintain Your Certification

With your name on the registry, you can apply for CNA positions at hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living communities, rehabilitation centers, and home health agencies throughout Virginia.

CNA certification in Virginia must be renewed every two years. To qualify for renewal, you must have performed nursing-related activities for compensation at some point during the two-year period. There are no continuing education requirements for CNA renewal in Virginia, but the compensated work requirement is mandatory. The biennial renewal fee is $30.

Many CNAs use this entry-level position as a stepping stone toward further healthcare careers, including licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN) programs. Necole Mitchell, for example, started her career as a CNA and went on to build a healthcare company. Her story is covered in From CNA to CEO: Necole Mitchell's Journey, and it reflects the kind of upward mobility that a CNA credential can set in motion.

CNA Salary and Job Outlook in Virginia

Virginia is one of the larger employers of nursing assistants in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that approximately 42,760 nursing assistants work in the state, making Virginia the ninth-highest state for total nursing assistant employment.

The median annual wage for nursing assistants in Virginia is $38,790, or $18.65 per hour, as of May 2024. That figure sits slightly below the national median of $39,530 for the same period. Pay varies across the state depending on metro area, facility type, and experience level. According to the BLS, nursing assistants employed in government settings and hospitals tend to earn higher median wages than those in nursing care facilities or home health agencies.

Nationally, employment of nursing assistants and orderlies is projected to grow 2% from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. That growth rate, while modest, does not tell the full story. The BLS projects approximately 211,800 openings for nursing assistants each year over the decade, driven primarily by the need to replace workers who move into other occupations or leave the workforce. Virginia's aging population adds to that demand, and healthcare employers across the state post CNA openings year-round.

Thinking about starting your CNA career in Virginia? Browse training programs on Dreambound to compare options by cost, length, and location.

Paying for Your CNA Program in Virginia

CNA training in Virginia generally costs between $800 and $2,000 for the program itself, depending on whether you attend a community college or a private training institution. Community college programs tend to fall at the lower end of that range, particularly for Virginia residents. On top of tuition, you should budget for the $140 NNAAP exam fee, any required textbooks or supplies, and background check costs if not included in tuition.

Several financial assistance options can reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs:

Virginia's G3 Program: Covers tuition and fees at Virginia community colleges for eligible residents pursuing credentials in high-demand fields, including CNA training. Income eligibility requirements apply.
FastForward: Virginia's community colleges offer short-term workforce training through FastForward, where eligible residents may pay only one-third of the full program cost.
Employer-sponsored training: Some Virginia healthcare employers, including nursing homes, hospitals, and assisted living facilities, offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Virginia Health Services, for example, runs a paid CNA apprenticeship program.
WIOA funding: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides federal funds through local workforce development boards for eligible individuals pursuing workforce training. Contact your local Virginia workforce development board to check whether CNA training qualifies in your area.
Military benefits: Active-duty service members, veterans, and eligible dependents may be able to use MyCAA, GI Bill, or VA education benefits toward CNA training at approved programs. Confirm eligibility with your education benefits office and the specific training program.

For additional guidance on funding options, Dreambound covers strategies in How to Access Government Funding for Education.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements to become a CNA in Virginia?

You must complete a state-approved training program of at least 140 hours, pass both the skills evaluation and the written or oral test of the NNAAP exam, and be placed on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. A high school diploma is not required by the state, though individual programs may require one.

Can you take the CNA exam without completing a training program in Virginia?

No. Virginia law requires successful completion of a state-approved, 140-hour training program before you are eligible to sit for the NNAAP competency exam. There is no option to challenge the exam based on experience alone.

How much does it cost to become a CNA in Virginia?

Training programs typically range from $800 to $2,000, and the NNAAP exam costs $140 ($95 for the skills evaluation and $45 for the written or oral test). Financial aid through Virginia's G3 Program or FastForward can reduce program costs for eligible residents. Search CNA programs on Dreambound to see what is available near you.

How long does CNA certification last in Virginia?

CNA certification in Virginia is valid for two years. To renew, you must have performed compensated nursing-related work at some point during the two-year period. The renewal fee is $30, and there are no continuing education requirements.

Can you become a CNA at 16 in Virginia?

Yes. According to Credentia's eligibility criteria, you must be at least 16 years old to become a nurse aide in Virginia. However, most training programs set their own admission age at 18, and some clinical facilities have additional age requirements. High school CNA programs in Virginia, such as those offered through the Governor's Health Sciences Academy, do accept students under 18.

Virginia's 140-hour training requirement sits above the federal minimum, which means newly certified CNAs in the state tend to enter the workforce with more preparation than their counterparts in states with lower hour thresholds. With 42,760 nursing assistants employed statewide and consistent hiring activity across major health systems, the job market supports new CNAs who are ready to work.

If you are ready to get started, compare CNA training programs in Virginia on Dreambound to find one that matches your budget, schedule, and location.

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