How to Become a CNA in Washington D.C. (2025)
Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, offers iconic sights and a dynamic, fast-paced environment. For those drawn to healthcare, this city also presents a significant opportunity. Washington D.C. is the highest-paying district in the nation for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), with a median salary of $49,600 per year (BLS, May 2024). This guide will walk you through the specific requirements, training, and exam process to start your high-earning CNA career in Washington, D.C.
The CNA State Exam in Washington D.C.
The CNA exam in D.C. consists of a written exam and a skills evaluation. In the written exam, you'll encounter 70 questions with a two-hour timeframe to complete them. If you are having difficulty reading English, an oral exam is available as an option.
For the skills evaluation, you need to conduct five nursing assistant skills. Think as if you're taking care of a patient! The selection of skills is random, and you'll have 30 minutes to complete them. One of the skills will have you use a measurement device.
Below are the most updated fees for the state exams as of February 2023:
Exam and Fees
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Written Examination: $55
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Oral Examination (English): $55
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Oral Examination ONLY (SPANISH): $55
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Skills Evaluation ONLY: $110
How do I register for a CNA exam in Washington D.C.?
Registering for your state exams is easy! Thanks to the convenient process by Credentia.
The first step is to create an account with their system called CNA365. Fill out all the details needed for the three sections of the testing application. They will ask about your training program completion and the need for accommodation.
All approved applications can then schedule an exam. You may choose to take the written, oral, or skill exams at this point. There is an option for an online exam or In-Facility Testing (INF). Payments are through credit or debit cards and are non-refundable!
Rescheduling or canceling an exam is possible too. Contact Credentia at least two days before your exam if you want to cancel. For rescheduling, contact them at least ten days before your exam. Do this to avoid paying any penalty fees!
CNAs in D.C. have three chances to pass their state exams after graduating. Retraining is a must if a student uses up all these chances.
How do I get my CNA certification in Washington D.C.?
It's time to celebrate! CNA exam scores are available through your Credentia account. Score reports become available within a few hours after the testing session for the day. If you cannot view your score report after 24 hours, you can contact support for help.
You can print out your score reports, and there is an option to download them as well. Scores are only accessible through the above means, never over the phone.
You're also about to get your Registry Certificate, and here's the process behind it. The D.C. registry department will verify your background check after you pass your exams. After everything checks out, your name will be an addition to the D.C. Nurse Aide Registry.
A Registry Certificate (also known as a Notice of Enrollment) proves your validity as a CNA. It is crucial to present this certificate to your employer. Do not make changes to the certificate, as any changes could impact your status as a CNA. Keep your certificate intact to ensure official recognition as a qualified CNA.
How do I get a job as a CNA?
To get a job as a CNA, you can start by looking for job openings at different healthcare facilities in D.C.. You can find these job listings on online job sites or even government websites. You can also contact local healthcare providers to ask if they have any open positions. Another option is to become a Travel CNA!
What career advancements do I have as a CNA?
As a CNA, you have tons of options to advance your career. You can specialize in fields related to healthcare. Being a Licensed or Registered Nurse is a promising career. Gaining hospital experience by being a CNA 2 or 3 will also make your skills more in demand. Others are striving to gain more licenses in phlebotomy, medical assisting, and more to open further opportunities. Here are some examples:
- Become a Medication Aide (MA-C): With additional training, you can become certified to administer medications in certain healthcare settings.
- Specialize: You can specialize in a high-demand area like geriatrics, hospice, or pediatrics.
- Advance to Nursing: The CNA role provides the best foundation for becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Registered Nurse (RN). Your hands-on experience will be invaluable in nursing school.
- Travel CNA: With experience, you can become a travel CNA, taking on short-term, high-paying contracts in D.C. or around the country.
How do I renew my CNA license in Washington D.C.? Can I transfer my CNA license to Washington D.C.?
CNAs with expired certifications for more than 24 months must retrain and retest. CNAs need to provide proof of nursing services to avoid an expired license. It should show performed services for compensation within 24 months before license expiration. The nursing services should be at least 8 hours, and 24 hours of continuing education is also a must.
No wonder CNAs are getting attracted to these figures. Relocating to this state to build your healthcare career sounds like a good plan. CNA endorsement is possible in Washington, D.C. If you're planning to transfer your CNA license to D.C., here's what you need to do:
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Present your CNA certification from another state or jurisdiction
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Meet the general requirements such as age, CBC, and others
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Submit a complete application and other documents to the Board Of Nursing and Credentia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Washington D.C.?
The fastest route to becoming a CNA in D.C. usually involves completing four weeks of classes. On average, the training duration is around a month or two. If you choose weekend classes, it may take longer, usually in a span of 12 weeks.
How much do CNAs make in Washington, D.C.? What state pays the most for CNAs?
Washington D.C. is the highest-paying area in the United States for CNAs. The median wage is $49,600 per year ($23.85/hour) as of May 2024. This is significantly higher than the national median of $39,530.
Can a CNA in D.C. pass medications?
No. A CNA is not permitted to administer or pass medications. This task must be performed by a nurse or a Medication Aide (MA-C). A CNA can, however, provide reminders to patients to take their own pre-dosed medications.
Conclusion
Now that you have the proper knowledge to be a CNA in Washington, D.C., it's time to act! With above-average income and a robust job market, the opportunities are abundant. Keep in mind to always adhere to the state's regulations to stay as an active CNA. Enjoy your journey as you learn, and make your experiences your inspiration.
Consider Dreambound as a valuable resource if you're thinking about getting started in this field. We've written many guides to help you:
Contemplating a change in your career path? Dreambound has written many comprehensive guides to aid you in making well-informed decisions.
Alyssa Jane is part of the customer success team at Dreambound. She works with students, training providers, and employers, helping them have a smooth customer journey. She is also an ESL tutor and Licensed Psychometrician. She is fond of traveling, photography, and discovering new restaurants.
