CNA Classes in North Carolina | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs
DHSR-Approved Programs

CNA Classes in North Carolina

Start your healthcare career in the Tar Heel State with over 230 approved training programs. North Carolina offers growing opportunities across Charlotte, Raleigh, and communities statewide.

Find CNA Schools View Requirements
75
Training Hours
$140
State Exam Fee
$37,980
Average Salary
4-8 Wks
Program Length

Become a CNA in North Carolina

North Carolina offers excellent opportunities for aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants, with over 45,440 CNAs currently employed across the state. Known officially as "Nurse Aide I" in North Carolina, this essential healthcare role provides the foundation for rewarding careers in nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities throughout the state's diverse regions—from the mountains of Asheville to the coastal communities of Wilmington.

The North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) under the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) oversees CNA certification in the state. North Carolina partners with Credentia to administer the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination through the CNA365® platform. With over 230 state-approved training programs available at community colleges, vocational schools, healthcare facilities, and high schools throughout the state, you'll find flexible options to fit your schedule—including accelerated 4-week programs and free employer-sponsored training opportunities.

Quick Facts
Regulatory Body DHSR/NCDHHS
Exam Provider Credentia
Training Hours 75 minimum
Clinical Hours 16 minimum
Exam Fee $140 (combined)
Renewal Period 24 months
Renewal Fee No fee

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Compare training programs throughout North Carolina, from Charlotte to Raleigh to Asheville. Review costs, schedules, and start your certification journey.

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How to Become a CNA in North Carolina

Follow these three steps to earn your Nurse Aide I certification and join the NC Nurse Aide Registry

1

Complete State-Approved Training

Enroll in a DHSR-approved Nurse Aide I Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) that provides at least 75 hours of instruction, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. You must complete at least 16 hours of classroom instruction covering infection control, safety, patients' rights, and emergency procedures before beginning clinical training. Programs are widely available throughout North Carolina at community colleges like Wake Tech, Central Piedmont, and Durham Tech, as well as private vocational schools and healthcare facilities. Many nursing homes offer free training in exchange for a work commitment. Programs typically take 4-8 weeks to complete, with accelerated, evening, and weekend options available.

2

Pass the NNAAP Exam

After completing training, you must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination administered by Credentia through the CNA365® platform. The exam consists of two parts: a knowledge (written or oral) test and a skills evaluation. The knowledge exam contains 70 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit. The skills exam requires you to demonstrate 5 randomly selected clinical skills within 30 minutes, including mandatory hand hygiene and at least one measurement task. The combined exam fee is $140 ($40 for written/oral, $100 for skills). Testing is available at regional test centers, approved facilities, or online for the knowledge portion. You have three attempts per component within 24 months of training completion.

3

Get Listed on the Registry

Upon successfully passing both exam components, Credentia reports your results to DHSR, and your name is added to the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry within 3-5 business days. Your certification status will show as "Active" on the registry, authorizing you to work as a Nurse Aide I in approved healthcare facilities throughout North Carolina. All employers are required to verify your registry status before you can begin working. North Carolina does not issue physical certification cards—your registry listing serves as proof of certification. Registry status can be verified online at ncnar.ncdhhs.gov. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of initial listing, and you must complete required work hours to maintain active status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in North Carolina

The timeline to become a CNA in North Carolina typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your chosen program format. Accelerated full-time programs at schools like Serenity Nurse Aide Academy in Charlotte or GraceMed Academy in Mooresville can prepare students for certification in as little as 4-5 weeks with intensive daily instruction. Community college programs at institutions like Wake Tech in Raleigh, Central Piedmont in Charlotte, or Durham Tech typically run 6-8 weeks with options for day, evening, or weekend schedules. Some employer-sponsored programs at nursing homes allow you to train while getting paid. After completing your training program, you'll schedule your NNAAP exam through the CNA365 platform—testing appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks. Exam results are reported to DHSR within 3-5 business days after passing. Most students complete the entire process from enrollment to active registry status within 6-10 weeks.
CNA training costs in North Carolina typically range from $400 to $1,500 depending on the institution. Community college programs at schools like Wake Tech, Central Piedmont Community College, and Forsyth Tech generally offer competitive pricing in the $600-$1,000 range. Private vocational schools may charge $1,000-$1,500 but often provide more flexible scheduling. In addition to tuition, budget for the $140 state exam fee (paid directly to Credentia through CNA365), scrubs and uniforms ($50-$100), required immunizations and TB screening, and textbooks if not included. North Carolina offers numerous free CNA training options through employer sponsorship. Many nursing homes and healthcare facilities provide free training in exchange for a work commitment—programs at facilities like Haywood Regional Medical Center offer tuition-free 140-hour training. Job Corps at Oconaluftee provides free training with housing included for eligible students. The NC Community College system also offers workforce development funding that may cover training costs for qualifying students.
North Carolina offers hybrid CNA programs that combine online classroom instruction with mandatory in-person components. DHSR requires all Nurse Aide I programs to include hands-on clinical training, so fully online certification is not permitted. However, many programs now offer the theoretical/didactic portion online for flexibility. Care One Health Training Institute in Raleigh offers a Nurse Aide I Hybrid Weekend Online program combining online coursework with in-person skills labs and clinical rotations. Durham Technical Community College and other NC community colleges offer hybrid formats with online lectures and on-campus lab and clinical components. GraceMed Academy in Mooresville provides an online hybrid blend option. North Carolina also allows the knowledge portion of the NNAAP exam to be taken online through Credentia's remote proctoring system—you can test from home with a webcam while a live proctor monitors the session. However, the skills evaluation must always be completed in person at an approved testing site or facility. These hybrid options provide flexibility while meeting all state training requirements.
The North Carolina Nurse Aide I exam uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) administered by Credentia and consists of two required parts. The knowledge exam (written or oral) contains 70 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours. Content areas include: Activities of Daily Living (22%), Basic Nursing Skills (21%), Restorative Services (9%), Cognitive and Mental Health (6%), Social Service Needs (5%), Spiritual and Cultural Needs (4%), Role of the Nurse Aide (11%), Communication (7%), Client Rights (7%), and Legal and Ethical Behavior (8%). The exam was revised in October 2024 based on the NCSBN's 2023 Job Analysis study. The skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate 5 randomly selected skills within a 30-minute time limit. Hand hygiene is mandatory and tested with your first three skills. At least one measurement task (such as vital signs) is always included. Skills are evaluated using standardized checklists, and you must complete all critical steps correctly to pass each skill. You must pass both components to be listed on the NC Nurse Aide I Registry.
North Carolina accepts CNA reciprocity for nurse aides certified in other U.S. states who are in active, good standing. To transfer your certification, download the NC Reciprocity Application from the DHSR website (use a desktop device—handwritten or outdated forms are not accepted). You must provide proof of current, active certification in another state with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Effective August 1, 2025, applications must be submitted by email to DHSR.Nurseaide@dhhs.nc.gov—faxed forms are no longer accepted. There is no fee for reciprocity processing. DHSR processes applications within 10 business days. If approved, you'll be listed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry without additional training or testing. You may not work as a Nurse Aide I in North Carolina until your status shows as Active on the registry. North Carolina also offers special pathways for residents of Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia who were not approved through the standard reciprocity process. For questions about reciprocity, contact the DHSR Registry Office at (919) 855-3969.

CNA License Renewal in North Carolina

North Carolina Nurse Aide I certification must be renewed every 24 months to maintain active status on the registry. The renewal process is managed entirely online through the DHSR website and requires verification of qualifying work experience. There is no fee to renew your NC Nurse Aide I listing—making North Carolina one of the most affordable states for maintaining CNA certification.

To qualify for renewal, you must have worked at least 8 hours performing nursing or nursing-related duties under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) within your current 24-month listing period. This work must be compensated (paid) and performed at an approved healthcare setting. Private duty employment and volunteer work do not qualify for renewal purposes. You will receive a renewal notice approximately 3 months before your listing expiration date. To renew, complete the Online Renewal Form on the DHSR website, then have an RN submit the Online Employment Verification Form within 7 days confirming your qualifying work. Once both forms are submitted, your registry listing is typically renewed within 3-5 business days. If you do not meet the work requirement, you must retrain and retest to regain certification.

Renewal Requirements
  • Work at least 8 paid hours as a CNA under RN supervision within 24 months
  • Complete the Online Renewal Form up to 90 days before expiration
  • Have an RN submit the Online Employment Verification Form within 7 days
  • No renewal fee required in North Carolina
  • No continuing education units required for renewal
  • Private duty and volunteer work do not qualify

Career Outlook in North Carolina

North Carolina's growing healthcare sector offers abundant opportunities for CNAs

Competitive Wages

North Carolina CNAs earn a median salary of $37,980/year ($18.26/hour). Higher wages are available in metro areas like Raleigh-Cary, Charlotte, and Durham-Chapel Hill.

Major Healthcare Systems

Work at leading institutions including Atrium Health, Duke University Health System, UNC Health, Novant Health, WakeMed, and Cone Health throughout the state.

Career Advancement

NC community colleges offer pathways to Nurse Aide II, LPN, and RN roles. Many employers provide tuition assistance for continuing education and bridge programs.

CNA Requirements in Neighboring States

Explore certification requirements in nearby states

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Official Resources

Access official links and contact information for North Carolina CNA certification

NC DHSR Registry

Division of Health Service Regulation - official state agency for Nurse Aide I certification and registry.

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Verify Registry Listing

Search the NC Nurse Aide I Registry to verify certification status and employment eligibility.

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Credentia Testing

Official exam administrator for the NNAAP examination in North Carolina via the CNA365® platform.

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Schedule Your Exam

Create a CNA365® account to register, schedule, and pay for your NNAAP examination.

CNA365 Portal

Registry Contact

NC DHSR Registry Office
2709 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699

Call: (919) 855-3969

Email Support

Contact DHSR for registry questions or Credentia for exam-related assistance.

DHSR.Nurseaide@dhhs.nc.gov