Frequently Asked Questions

• https://credentia.com/test-takers/va/
• https://credentia.com/storage/va_handbook_jan24.pdf

 Credentia is the credentialing program that Virginia uses for credentialing Nurse Aides. 

 The National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) is the test that certified nurse aide candidates must take and pass in order to be certified as a nurse aide in Virginia. Upon successful completion of a state-approved nursing program, students are required to undergo a CNA competency certification examination. Achieving a passing score on this certification examination grants nursing assistants the privilege of being listed on a state registry, thus rendering them eligible for employment as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). 

 The CNA certification examination comprises two distinct segments: a written test and a skills assessment. You will register for the written and skills test separately but when available you can take them one after each other at the same location. The written component encompasses multiple-choice questions that assess the knowledge imparted during the training program. In the skills section, candidates are evaluated on their ability to execute specific tasks taught in the training course. Typically, the entire examination process spans approximately two hours. 

1.   To create a CNA365 account on the top of the Virginia nurse aide website page at www.credentia.com/test-takers/va, click the “CNA365 Login” button and select “Sign-Up.” 
2. You can pay by credit card or pre-paid credit card (American Express, MasterCard, Visa, ACH/ electronic check, or electronic voucher). Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable once you’ve paid.
3. For exams at test center locations, you’ll need to make an online reservation using a laptop. Using your phone or a tablet is not recommended. You need to make your reservation at least ten (10) calendar days before the test date.
4. For Written or Oral online exams, you can schedule an exam as early as one day following registration, depending on exam availability.
5. You’ll need to complete your online application in CNA365. If you need help or have any questions about the application process, contact a support representative at 888-204-6249.

 You are required to have two (2) forms of official ID with a signature (one must be a photo identification). Photocopies of identification will NOT be accepted. All identification must be current (not expired), and no birth certificates will be accepted. Examples of proper identification include:

• Driver’s license
• Social Security card
• Clinic card (example - Medicaid ID card)
• Credit card
• Library card
• State-issued identification card
• Alien registration card
• Passport
• United States Uniformed Services ID with photo
• High School ID with photo
• Signed High School ID card (must have signature line)
• University ID with photo or Signed University ID card (must have signature line)

Registering for the NNAAP exam costs $140 paid to Credentia and includes both the written and skills portion of the exam. 

You have two years to pass both exams according to the federal regulation of training program completion. Although, it is extremely recommended to take the test right away after completing the nurse aide course. 

Your initial certification is for two (2) years from when your name is provided to the Board as passing both parts of the competency test within a 24-month period. Once your certificate is up for renewal, it is renewed annually. A renewal notice will be sent to the address of record 60 days before your certificate’s expiration date. 

Each candidate is allowed three (3) attempts to pass each exam. If a candidate fails either the written or the skills exam three (3) times, or exceeds the eligibility route’s timeframe to test, the application will expire, and the candidate must retrain. 

If you are certified to practice as a CNA in Virginia and wish to practice in another state, you must transfer your certification to that state. Each state’s transferring process is different. Contact their Board of Nursing to learn more about the transfer process.