June 16, 2026

Virginia CNA Requirements: Complete Licensing Guide

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Virginia CNA Requirements: Complete Licensing Guide

Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Virginia (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) requires completing a state-approved training program of at least 120 hours, passing a two-part Prometric competency exam, and registering on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry before you can work in a licensed facility.

That’s the short answer. But if you’re seriously considering this career path, the details matter — and this guide walks you through every step, from enrollment to your first day on the job.

Key Takeaways

Virginia requires a minimum of 120 hours of state-approved CNA (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) training — more than the 75-hour federal minimum

At least 40 of those hours must be supervised clinical practice

You must pass both parts of the Prometric Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation: written (or oral) and manual skills

CNA certification in Virginia must be renewed every 24 months with documented paid work experience

Median CNA salary in Virginia ranges from $35,000–$40,000/year; Northern Virginia CNAs typically earn more due to cost of living

If you prefer a wellness-focused, client-care career without medical settings, Massage Therapy at AVI Career Training may be worth exploring as an alternative path

What Is a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) in Virginia?

A Certified Nurse Aide (NO FINANCIAL AID FOR THIS PROGRAM) — also called a nurse aide or nursing assistant — provides direct patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Daily tasks typically include helping patients with bathing, dressing, and meals, monitoring vital signs, repositioning patients to prevent bedsores, and documenting observations for the nursing team.

In Virginia, CNAs are regulated by two state bodies:

The Virginia Board of Nursing sets training and competency standards for nurse aides
The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) maintains the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, the official database of certified nurse aides in the state

You must appear on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry before you can legally work in any Medicaid- or Medicare-certified facility. That includes most nursing homes, assisted living communities, and many hospital units. Without registry status, you cannot be employed — regardless of whether you’ve completed training.

It’s also worth understanding what the CNA role is not. CNAs do not diagnose, prescribe, or perform clinical procedures reserved for licensed nurses or physicians. The work is hands-on, physically demanding, and deeply personal — you’re often the team member who spends the most direct time with patients each shift.

If direct patient contact in a medical setting sounds right for you, keep reading. If you’re drawn more to hands-on wellness and one-on-one client care in a non-clinical environment, we’ll cover an alternative worth considering later in this guide.

Step-by-Step: Virginia CNA Licensing Requirements

Here’s the complete pathway from zero to certified in Virginia.

Step 1: Enroll in a State-Approved Nurse Aide Training Program

You cannot sit for the Virginia CNA exam without completing a Board of Nursing-approved training program first. These programs are offered through community colleges, technical schools, some hospitals, and select healthcare employers.

Virginia requires a minimum of 120 clock hours of training, which breaks down into:

At least 80 hours of classroom and lab instruction (curriculum covers infection control, patient rights, basic nursing skills, body mechanics, and communication)
At least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice in an actual patient care setting

The 120-hour minimum exceeds the federal requirement of 75 hours — which means Virginia’s standard is stricter than many other states. Program length typically runs four to eight weeks for full-time students, though part-time options can extend this timeline.

Step 2: Pass a Criminal Background Check

Virginia requires a criminal background screening before you can work as a CNA in a regulated facility. Most training programs initiate this process during enrollment.

Certain criminal convictions — particularly those related to abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of vulnerable adults — can disqualify you from registry listing. If you have a prior conviction and are unsure of your eligibility, contact the Virginia Department of Health Professions directly before investing time and money into a training program.

Step 3: Schedule and Pass the Prometric Competency Exam

After completing your approved training, you must pass the Prometric Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. Virginia uses Prometric as its testing vendor, and the exam has two distinct components — you must pass both.

We cover the exam in detail in the next section.

Step 4: Register on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass the Prometric exam, your results are transmitted to DMAS, which lists you on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. This is the final gate before employment.

Your listing includes your name, certification status, and any findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property — which remain on the registry permanently even if your certification lapses.

Step 5: Maintain Your Certification — Renewal Every 24 Months

Virginia CNA certification does not last forever. You must renew every 24 months by demonstrating that you have performed nursing-related paid work during that period. The specific documentation requirements are outlined by DMAS.

If your certification lapses, you may be required to retrain and retest — so maintaining active employment in a qualifying healthcare role is important.

The Virginia CNA Competency Exam: What to Expect

The Prometric exam is the single biggest hurdle between completing training and getting on the registry. Understanding its structure reduces test anxiety and helps you prepare strategically.