CNA Training in Washington, DC
Washington, DC requires at least 120 hours of approved nurse aide training, more than the federal minimum. The DC Board of Nursing certifies nurse aides, and DC Health approves training programs.
If a nursing home employs you or has offered you a job before training starts, it can't charge you for training or testing. Below you'll find each step, pay, ways to train free, and every approved program in the District.
Training
120 Hours
Median Pay
$22.93/hr
Exam Cost
$117
The 4 Steps to Certification in Washington, DC
Pick a State-Approved Program
DC Health approves every nurse aide training program. Your options:
- Adult public charter schools: Academy of Hope and Carlos Rosario offer CNA training for adult learners.
- UDC Community College: the District's public community college.
- Private schools: set their own prices. Make sure the school is on the DC Health list.
Complete at Least 120 Hours
Training is split three ways, and you must test within 24 months of finishing.
A criminal background check is also required.
Pass the Competency Exam
DC uses the NNAAP exam: a skills test with five tasks and a written test (or oral, in English or Spanish).
| Skills and written | $117 |
| Skills and oral | $127 |
| Includes | $12 registry placement fee |
Stay Active
Your certification renews every 2 years.
- Complete 24 hours of continuing education including at least 2 hours on cultural competency or LGBTQ patient care.
- Work at least 8 paid hours in nursing-related services during the 2 years.
- If it lapses you can reinstate within 5 years with the required education and work.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free in Washington, DC
Get hired first, or use a free program.
Nursing Home Training
✨ Free When You're HiredDC Department of Employment Services
✨ Grant-Funded, If You QualifyAdult Public Charter Schools
✨ Free for DC ResidentsWashington, DC CNA Pay by Area
DC CNAs earn about $2.61 an hour more than the national median.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $22.93 | $47,700 | 3,490 |
| United States (national) | $20.32 | $42,260 | 1,505,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials.
What It Costs to Get Certified
Train through a nursing home that hires you, or at a free adult charter school, and the main costs are covered.
Free to varies
Free at adult public charter schools for eligible DC residents, or through a nursing home that employs you.
$117
Skills and written, including the $12 registry fee. $127 with the oral test.
$40 to $115
Depending on which part you retake.
$15
If you transfer from another state.
Moving to Washington, DC?
If you're a CNA in another state, you can transfer to DC by endorsement.
Active CNA in Another State
Your out-of-state credential must be current and unencumbered, and you must have passed a Board-approved or CMS-recognized competency exam. Send a copy of your credential, Social Security card, and photo ID with the $15 fee.
Lapsed or Never Tested
If your credential doesn't meet that standard, you'll certify by taking the DC exam.
Questions? Call
(202) 724-8800
DC Health, Board of Nursing
CNA Schools in Washington, DC
Every nurse aide training program on the DC Health list, sorted by quadrant. The high school program is not included. Search by name or quadrant, or filter by quadrant.
| Program | City | Quadrant | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy of Hope Adult Public Charter School2315 18th Place NE, Washington, DC 20018 | Washington | Northeast | (202) 269-6623 |
| Accessibility Excellence Academy1818 New York Avenue NE, Suite 232, Washington, DC 20002 | Washington | Northeast | (202) 735-0989 |
| Allied Health & Technology Institute2010 Rhode Island Avenue NE, 2nd Fl, Washington, DC 20018 | Washington | Northeast | (202) 526-3535 |
| Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School514 V Street NE, Washington, DC 20002Adult public charter school | Washington | Northeast | (202) 734-4900 |
| HealthWrite Training Center2303 14th St NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20009 | Washington | Northwest | (202) 349-3934 |
| Summa Prime School of Healthcare2701 Military Road NW, #7, Washington, DC 20015Conditional approval | Washington | Northwest | (240) 415-8083 |
| Time for Change101 Xenia St SW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20032 | Washington | Southwest | (202) 621-6461 |
| University of the District of Columbia Community College5171 South Dakota Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017 | Washington | Northeast | (202) 274-6950 |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All quadrants."
Source: DC Health, Current Certified Nurse Aide Training Programs (rev. April 2024), the most recent list posted. The high school program is not included. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Washington, DC CNA Questions, Answered
Who certifies CNAs in Washington, DC?
The DC Board of Nursing. DC Health approves training programs.
How long is CNA training in DC?
At least 120 hours: 45 classroom, 30 lab or clinical training, and 45 hours of nursing home clinical practicum.
How much is the CNA exam in DC?
$117 for the skills and written tests, or $127 with the oral test, including a $12 registry fee.
How do I renew my CNA certification in DC?
Every 2 years, complete 24 hours of continuing education and work at least 8 paid hours in nursing-related services.
Can I get CNA training for free in DC?
Yes. Academy of Hope and Carlos Rosario are free adult public charter schools, and a nursing home that employs you can't charge you. DOES may also pay if you qualify.
Can I transfer my CNA to DC?
Yes, by endorsement, if your credential is current and unencumbered. The fee is $15.
Sources
- DC Health: Current Certified Nurse Aide Training Programs (rev. April 2024)
- DC Department of Employment Services: Certified Nursing Aide
- NursingLicensure.org: CNA Requirements in DC (hours, exam fees, renewal, endorsement)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. Training hours, fees, renewal, and endorsement details come from a secondary source (NursingLicensure.org). The program list is the most recent one DC Health has posted (April 2024). Confirm with DC Health. See something out of date? Report a correction.