West Virginia — New River Gorge autumn valley

West Virginia Certified Nursing Assistant License

West Virginia DHHR

Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Government-Issued Photo ID — A current, unexpired photo ID (e.g., Driver's License or Passport) is required at the test site.
  • Original Social Security Card — Must be an original, non-laminated, and unaltered card. Copies or digital IDs are not accepted.
  • Training Completion Verification — Official verification of training completion signed by your program instructor, attached to the exam application.
  • WV CARES Background Check — Fingerprint-based criminal background check processed through the WV CARES system, typically initiated by your employer.

How to Apply

  1. Complete State-Approved Training
    Enroll in and complete a 120-hour West Virginia state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), which includes at least 55 hours of clinical training.
  2. Verify Test Eligibility
    Once training is complete, your instructor will report your status to OHFLAC. Verify you are listed as 'Test Eligible' on the Nurse Aide Lookup portal before applying for the exam.
    Check Eligibility Status
  3. Submit Exam Application
    Download and complete the Nursing Assistant Evaluation Application. Submit it to Professional Healthcare Development (PHD) with the required fees ($140 for written/skills).
  4. Schedule and Pass Exams
    PHD will mail an admission ticket with your test date and location. You must pass both the 100-question written exam and the 5-skill practical evaluation.
    PHD Testing Info
  5. Registry Placement
    Upon passing both exam components, your name is automatically added to the West Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. No further application is required for initial certification.
    Verify Registry Listing
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the West Virginia DHHR for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State Status
    Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in your current state with no findings of abuse or neglect.
  2. Complete Online Reciprocity Application
    Fill out the Application for Registration by Reciprocity on the OHFLAC website. There is currently no fee for reciprocity.
  3. Submit Supporting Documents
    Upload a copy of your current CNA certificate and a valid government-issued photo ID as part of the online application.
  4. Wait for Verification
    OHFLAC will verify your status with your home state's registry. You cannot work as a CNA in WV until you are listed as 'Active' on the WV Registry.
    Check Registry Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
West Virginia DHHR

Keeping Your License Active

West Virginia Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the West Virginia DHHR for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

Laminated Social Security Cards
Testing centers strictly prohibit laminated Social Security cards. Candidates with laminated cards will be turned away and forfeit their exam fees.
Name Mismatch
The name on your application must exactly match the name on your photo ID and Social Security card. Discrepancies will cause delays or denial of entry to the exam.
Missing Employer Verification
For renewals, your employer must verify your 8 hours of work history. Delays in employer response can cause your certification to lapse.

Questions

How many hours of work are required for CNA renewal in West Virginia?
You must work at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse within the 24 months prior to your expiration date.
What is the fee for CNA reciprocity in West Virginia?
There is currently no fee ($0) to transfer an active, in-good-standing CNA certification from another state to West Virginia.
How many times can I attempt the CNA exam?
You have three attempts to pass both the written and skills portions of the exam within 24 months of completing your training program. If you fail after three attempts, you must retrain.
Who is the official testing vendor for West Virginia CNAs?
Professional Healthcare Development (PHD) is the contracted vendor for all Nurse Aide competency testing in West Virginia.

Board Info

West Virginia DHHR
Sources
State statutes