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CNA Classes in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, WA has 7 state-approved CNA training programs in our directory. Published tuition ranges from Free to $1,590, averaging about $1,273. 1 program offers no-cost training. Every program below meets Washington's 85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours) training requirement and prepares you for the Credentia competency exam. Washington operates a unique two-tier system: Nursing Assistant-Registered (NA-R) is an entry-level credential that lets you start paid work in a nursing home immediately while completing your training, and Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) is the full credential earned after passing the NNAAP exam. Both are separate from the Home Care Aide (HCA) credential.

Last updated June 2026 · 7 programs listed

Programs in Tacoma

7

Tuition Range

Free to $1,590

State Required Hours

85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours)

Exam Vendor

Credentia

Free in Tacoma

Avamere at Pacific Ridge

1 free program available

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Fastest in Tacoma

Bates Technical College

5 weeks

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Compare CNA Programs in Tacoma

All 7 programs side by side. Tuition and duration are as published by each school; call to confirm current cohort dates.

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Tacoma?

Tuition at Tacoma programs runs Free to $1,590 (about $1,273 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). Note that 1 Tacoma program offers free training — see the highlighted options above.

How to Become a CNA in Tacoma, 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.

Full Washington Requirements Washington License Lookup All Washington CNA Programs

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Tacoma

How many CNA training programs are available in Tacoma, WA?

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Our directory lists 7 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs in Tacoma, WA. All programs must meet Washington's minimum of 85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours) and prepare graduates to sit for the Credentia competency exam.

How much does CNA training cost in Tacoma?

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Published tuition for CNA programs in Tacoma ranges from Free to $1,590. Avamere at Pacific Ridge lists the lowest tuition at Free (tuition and testing fees covered). 1 program in Tacoma offers no-cost training (employer-paid, federally funded, or scholarship-based). Total out-of-pocket cost also includes the state exam fee ($155 total ($55 written/oral + $100 skills)), background check, and uniforms.

What is the fastest CNA program in Tacoma?

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Bates Technical College offers the shortest published program in Tacoma at 5 weeks. Washington requires 85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours) of state-approved training, so any accelerated program must compress the required hours into a shorter calendar window through full-time scheduling. Call (253) 680-7002 for current cohort start dates.

How do I become a CNA in Tacoma, WA?

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To work as a CNA in Tacoma, you must meet a Washington-approved training program of at least 85 hours minimum (most programs run 108+ hours), pass the Credentia competency exam (Two-part National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam: a 70-question multiple-choice written (or oral) knowledge test plus an in-person skills evaluation), and clear a Washington State Patrol criminal background check plus federal FBI fingerprint clearance. Most candidates complete the full process in 5–10 weeks for entry-level NA-R; full NA-C requires up to 4 additional months under federal OBRA rules.

Are there free CNA classes in Tacoma?

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Yes. 1 Tacoma program on this directory offers no-cost CNA training: Avamere at Pacific Ridge. Free training is typically employer-paid (nursing facilities sponsoring trainees in exchange for a work commitment), federally funded (Job Corps), or scholarship-based.

CNA Training in Other Washington Cities

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