Virginia CNA Registry
Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official Virginia Board of Nursing - Nurse Aide Registry.
Visit Official RegistryEvery 2 years by the last day of the certificate holder's birth month
Renewal Period
Paid employment performing nursing-related activities within the previous 24 months; otherwise retake the NNAAP exam to regain active status
Work Requirement
Yes
Accepts Reciprocity
Free
Online Lookup
How to Look Up Your Virginia CNA License
Open the Virginia DHP License Lookup
Go to the Virginia Department of Health Professions License Lookup, the official primary-source verification tool maintained by DHP for every Virginia Board of Nursing credential, including Certified Nurse Aides.
DHP License LookupChoose how you want to search
Select a search method on the lookup form. You can search by license number, by last name plus the last 4 digits of the Social Security number, or by occupation, name, city, ZIP code, and status - any combination of these criteria is allowed.
Filter for Certified Nurse Aide
Pick 'Certified Nurse Aide' (or 'Advanced Certified Nurse Aide') in the Occupation/Profession dropdown to limit results to the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, then enter the aide's name or license number and submit the search.
Review the record and certification status
Open the matching profile to view the aide's full name, license number, certification status, original issue date, expiration date, and any public disciplinary action. An 'Active - Current' status confirms the aide is in good standing on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry; contact the Board at 804-367-4515 or [email protected] if anything looks inconsistent.
About the Virginia Board of Nursing - Nurse Aide Registry
The Virginia Nurse Aide Registry is operated by the Virginia Board of Nursing, which sits within the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DHP). The Board maintains the official list of certified nurse aides (CNAs) who are eligible to work in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing facilities throughout the Commonwealth, and it documents each aide's certification status, expiration date, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. Employers, applicants, and the public can confirm an aide's standing through the DHP License Lookup tool at dhp.virginiainteractive.org/lookup/index.
Virginia requires candidates to complete a state-approved nurse aide education program of at least 120 hours, which exceeds the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours. The 120 hours include a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical training providing direct client care, plus classroom theory and skills-lab instruction (at least 20 hours of skills-lab work). Students must complete a core block of instruction before any direct contact with a client, ensuring that every Virginia-certified aide has substantial preparation before entering a long-term care or hospital setting.
After finishing an approved program, candidates take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination, administered in Virginia by Credentia. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation; passing both places the candidate on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry. Aides certified in another state may apply for CNA certification by endorsement through the Virginia Board of Nursing rather than retesting, provided their out-of-state training and competency evaluation meet 42 CFR 483.152 and they have no abuse-related findings on their home-state registry.
Contact Information
Official Website
https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Nursing/ApplicantResources/ApplyforLicense/NurseAide/Phone Number
804-367-4515Mailing Address
Virginia Board of Nursing Perimeter Center 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 Henrico, Virginia 23233-1463
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 8:15 AM - 5:00 PM (except holidays)
Virginia CNA Testing Information
Testing Vendor
Virginia uses Credentia to administer the nurse aide competency evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration.
Visit CredentiaTraining Requirements
Virginia requires Minimum 120 hours: at least 80 hours of classroom/theory and skills lab instruction plus 40 hours of supervised clinical providing direct client care. Training programs must be approved by the state.
Find Virginia CNA ClassesVirginia CNA Renewal Requirements
Renewal Period
Virginia CNA certification is valid for Every 2 years by the last day of the certificate holder's birth month from the date of initial certification or last renewal.
Work Requirement
You must perform at least Paid employment performing nursing-related activities within the previous 24 months; otherwise retake the NNAAP exam to regain active status during your certification period to be eligible for renewal.
Employer Verification
Your employer verifies your work hours directly through the registry system. Keep your contact information current with your employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do I have to renew my Virginia CNA certification?
Virginia CNA certification is renewed every 2 years by the last day of your birth month. The Virginia Board of Nursing mails a renewal notice to your address on record at least 60 days before the expiration date, and the CNA renewal fee is $30 paid to the Treasurer of Virginia through the DHP online licensing system.
What is the work requirement to keep my Virginia CNA active?
To renew on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry, you must attest that you have been employed for pay performing nursing-related activities within the previous 24 months. If you cannot meet that work requirement, your certification will lapse and you will be required to retake the NNAAP examination through Credentia before you can return to the registry.
How do I update my name or address on the Virginia Nurse Aide Registry?
Virginia CNAs can update name and address information through their DHP online licensing account. Address changes can be made online. Name changes require legal documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order, which must be uploaded to your DHP account or mailed to the Virginia Board of Nursing at 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300, Henrico, VA 23233. Updates typically process within 2 to 4 weeks. Keeping your address current is critical because the Board mails birth-month renewal notices to the address on file.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Virginia?
Yes. Virginia offers CNA certification by endorsement to applicants currently registered in another state with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. You must have graduated from a state-approved program meeting 42 CFR 483.152 and submit the Checklist Instructions for Certification by Endorsement as a Nurse Aide online through the Virginia Board of Nursing. Endorsement is for initial Virginia certification only - aides previously certified in Virginia must apply for reinstatement instead.
What is the birth-month renewal cycle for Virginia CNAs?
Virginia is one of a small number of states that ties CNA renewal to your birth month rather than to your initial certification date. Your certification expires on the last day of your birth month every 2 years, and the Virginia Board of Nursing mails a renewal notice to your address on record at least 60 days before that expiration date. The $30 renewal fee is paid online through the DHP licensing system. If you miss the birth-month deadline, your certificate lapses and you must apply for reinstatement, which may require retaking the NNAAP exam.
How do I verify a Virginia CNA's certification?
Use the Virginia Department of Health Professions License Lookup at dhp.virginiainteractive.org/lookup/index. You can search by license number, by last name combined with the last 4 digits of the Social Security number, or by occupation, name, city, ZIP, and status. The DHP lookup is recognized as primary-source verification of the Commonwealth's credential and satisfies Joint Commission requirements.
Becoming a CNA in Virginia?
See the step-by-step requirements to become a CNA in Virginia, find approved training programs, or access free study materials.