There are a number of steps that you must take in order to gain your CNA certification in the state of Washington. The first step you must take is to attend and complete a course which has been deemed fit to state regulations by Washington State Department of Social & Health Services. When you have successfully completed the CNA training in Washington, the next step is for you to apply with the Washington Department of Health in order to take a knowledge and skills exam also called the OBRA test. The last step is certification through the Department of Health and placement on the Washington registry.

Becoming a nurse aide is a rewarding career for certain, and a number of students use their skills to earn a living while the achieve a higher position, such as that of a registered nurse. Working in a CNA environment can be exciting as you go from day to day not knowing what new surprises will be awaiting you in this fast paced, ever changing world. However, you should also be aware that enrollment into the program requires that you get a history check for criminal activity and that you are cleared of any communicable infections like TB.

CNA classes in Washington are attended in clinics, schools, nursing homes and other medical facilities which are approved by the state. There are currently more than 100 training programs approved in the state of Washington. On top of federal rules, there are state regulations in place as to the content of these courses as well. The courses by law must have a minimum total of 85 instruction hours broken down into sections. The classroom section contains 35 hours during which 7 hours will be devoted to the education of AIDS. The clinical portion of 50 hours must contain at least 40 in a licensed facility training environment.

The OBRA test is taken after you have completed your course with success. You will have to apply with the Department of Health, and the test will be issued to nurse aide candidates through Promissor.The cost of the tests combined is $107 and must be paid upon registration. You will receive a testing assignement via mail telling you when and where you need to take the licensing exam. Study your CNA training materials thoroughly, and arrive at the testing site early. You will need to bring with you two forms of valid and signed identification, three No. 2 pencils, social security card, and a watch with second hand.

The exam is administered in two parts, and one involves a 70 question written exam with multiple choice answers. These will test mostly what you learned during the classroom training, but the concepts will cross over in certain areas. Next, you will tackle the clinical skills test, which require you to effectively perfor five randomly chosen nurse aide tasks. Once you pass both exams, you can apply to be listed on the Washington Nursing Assistant Registry and officially considered certified.

Washington Employment Security Department reports that there is an expected higher than national growth at 18% for the CNA position in Washington and the listed median salary for this position is $26,000 annually.

For additional information in regards to obtaining a CNA Certification in Washington visit:

Washington State Nurse Aide Registry
Washington Aging & Adult Services Administration – Residential Care Services Division
640 Woodland Square Loop SE, Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: (360) 725-2570
Fax: (360) 493-2581