North Carolina

North Carolina CNA Registry

Verify your Nurse Aide I certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official NC Nurse Aide Registry.

Verify NC Certification

2 years

Renewal Period

8 hours of nursing-related services

Work Requirement

Yes

Accepts Reciprocity

Free

Online Lookup

How to Look Up Your North Carolina CNA License

1

Visit the NC NAR Website

Go to the official North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry verification page.

Go to NC NAR
2

Enter Search Information

Search by Social Security Number, registry number, or by first and last name.

3

Complete Verification

Enter any additional required information and submit your search request.

4

View Results

Review certification status, expiration date, and check for any findings on record.

About the NC Nurse Aide Registry

The North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry (NC NAR) is maintained by the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR). The registry contains records of all individuals certified as Nurse Aide I or Nurse Aide II in the state.

North Carolina is unique in having two levels of nurse aide certification. Nurse Aide I certification allows you to perform basic nursing assistant duties, while Nurse Aide II certification requires additional training and allows for more advanced clinical skills.

The registry maintains records of any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. These findings are permanent and are shared with other states through the national database.

Contact Information

Official Website

https://www.ncnar.org

Phone Number

(919) 855-3969

Mailing Address

NC DHSR - Health Care Personnel Registry
2709 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2709

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET

North Carolina CNA Testing Information

Testing Vendor

North Carolina uses Pearson VUE to administer the Nurse Aide I Competency Evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test with 70 questions and a skills demonstration with 5 randomly selected skills.

Visit Pearson VUE NC

Training Requirements

North Carolina requires a minimum of 75 hours of state-approved nurse aide training for NA I certification. Training must include classroom instruction, skills lab practice, and supervised clinical experience. NA II requires additional training.

Find NC CNA Classes

North Carolina CNA Renewal Requirements

Renewal Period

North Carolina CNA certification is valid for 2 years from the date of initial certification or last renewal.

Work Requirement

You must perform at least 8 hours of nursing-related services for pay during your 2-year certification period to be eligible for renewal.

Online Renewal

You can renew your certification online through the NC NAR website. Have your employer information ready for verification purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I renew my North Carolina CNA certification?

North Carolina Nurse Aide I certification must be renewed every 2 years. You must have worked at least 8 hours performing nursing-related services for pay during your certification period. Submit your renewal application online through the NC NAR website along with employer verification of your work hours.

How long does it take to get listed on the NC Nurse Aide Registry?

After passing your competency evaluation, it typically takes 1-2 weeks for your information to appear on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. Your testing results are sent electronically from Pearson VUE to the registry. Contact the registry if your name doesn't appear within 3 weeks of passing.

Can I transfer my CNA certification to North Carolina from another state?

Yes, North Carolina accepts reciprocity from other states. You must submit a Reciprocity Application, have your current state send verification directly to the NC registry, pass a criminal background check, and pay the required fee. Your certification must be active and in good standing with no findings.

What is the difference between Nurse Aide I and Nurse Aide II in North Carolina?

North Carolina has two levels of nurse aides. Nurse Aide I (NA I) is the standard CNA certification. Nurse Aide II (NA II) is an advanced certification requiring additional training (typically 80+ hours) and competency evaluation, allowing you to perform additional skills like sterile dressing changes and catheterization.

My NC CNA certification expired. What should I do?

If your certification has been expired for less than 24 months and you can document employment within the last 24 months, you may be able to reinstate. If expired longer or without qualifying work history, you'll need to retake the competency evaluation. Contact the registry to determine your specific requirements.

How do I report a change of name or address in North Carolina?

To update your personal information on the NC Nurse Aide Registry, log in to your account on the NCNAR website or submit a written request. Name changes require legal documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. Address changes can be made online through your account.

Need CNA Training in North Carolina?

If you're looking to become a CNA in North Carolina, find state-approved training programs near you.