CNA Classes in Olympia, WA

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Olympia?

Tuition at Olympia programs runs $1,170 (about $1,170 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($155 total ($55 written/oral + $100 skills)), the application/registry fee ($85 DOH application fee for both NA-R (entry-level) and NA-C (full credential) credentials), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Washington typically falls around $240 (employer-sponsored, paying only application + exam fees) to $2,000 (private training program).

How to Become a CNA in Olympia, WA

1. 1

   Confirm you meet the prerequisites

   You must be at least 18, free of disqualifying convictions under Washington DOH rules, and able to read and write English. There is no formal high school diploma requirement from DOH, though most training programs require basic English literacy.

2. 2

   Decide between NA-R-first or NA-C-direct pathways

   Washington offers two entry points. The NA-R-first pathway lets you apply for the entry-level Nursing Assistant-Registered credential, start working in a nursing home for pay, and then complete the full NA-C training and exam within four months under federal OBRA rules. The NA-C-direct pathway has you complete the full 85+ hour training program before working at all. Most no-experience candidates use the NA-R-first pathway to begin earning a wage 4 to 6 weeks earlier.

3. 3

   Apply for the NA-R credential (entry-level)

   Submit your NA-R application to DOH along with the $85 application fee, work-history attestations, and HIV/AIDS training documentation. Complete fingerprints for both Washington State Patrol and federal FBI background checks. NA-R status authorizes you to begin paid work in a nursing home for up to four months while you complete NA-C training.

4. 4

   Find a DOH-approved Nursing Assistant Certified (NA-C) training program

   Look for a state-approved program meeting the 85-hour minimum (many run 108+ hours). Approved programs are run by Washington's community and technical college system (including Bates Technical, Seattle Central, Bellingham Technical, Spokane Community College), the American Red Cross, nursing facilities, and private career schools.

5. 5

   Complete the NA-C training program

   Pass all required hours (typically 85 to 108+ depending on program), including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care facility. Most full-time programs can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks; part-time programs run 8 to 12 weeks.

6. 6

   Schedule and pass the Credentia NNAAP exam

   Apply through Credentia's Washington portal at credentia.com/test-takers/wa/. The total exam fee is $155 ($55 written/oral + $100 skills). DOH must issue an Authorization to Test before you can register with Credentia. Both portions must be passed to upgrade from NA-R to NA-C.

7. 7

   Convert to NA-C status with DOH

   Once you pass both exam portions, Credentia transmits your results to the Washington DOH and your NA-R credential is replaced by NA-C (Nursing Assistant Certified). You can verify your status at fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/. NA-C authorizes you to work in any DOH-licensed healthcare setting, not just nursing homes. Both NA-R and NA-C require annual renewal on or before your birthday for $95.

Becoming a CNA in Washington

Becoming a CNA in Washington — formally called a Nursing Assistant-Certified or NA-C — follows a uniquely flexible two-tier pathway that no other state quite matches. You can either apply for the full NA-C credential after completing training, or apply first for the entry-level Nursing Assistant-Registered (NA-R) credential, start working in a nursing home for pay, and then complete the full NA-C training and exam within four months under federal OBRA rules. Most no-experience candidates choose the NA-R-first pathway because it lets them start earning a CNA wage 4 to 6 weeks earlier than the traditional training-then-test sequence.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Olympia