North Carolina CNA exam at a glance
Exam format, fees and rules
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Testing vendor | Credentia (NNAAP exam) |
| Written exam | 70 multiple-choice questions (10 unscored), 2 hours |
| Oral option | English or Spanish: 60 questions + 10 reading comprehension |
| Skills evaluation | 5 randomly selected skills in 30 minutes; must pass all 5 |
| Fee (initial, written or oral + skills) | $140 now; $145 beginning January 1, 2027 |
| Retest fees | Written/oral only $40 ($45 from 1/1/2027); skills only $100 |
| Deadline | Pass both within 2 years of training or 3 attempts, whichever comes first |
What makes North Carolina different
- North Carolina has already announced a fee increase: $145 for the initial exam starting January 1, 2027.
- The deadline is whichever comes first - 2 years or 3 attempts.
- The Spanish oral exam reads the questions in Spanish and matches spoken words to English written words.
How to get certified in North Carolina
- Complete a state-approved Nurse Aide I program
Community colleges and approved proprietary schools offer NA I training.
- Register with Credentia
Apply and pay online; request the oral exam at registration if you want it.
- Take both parts
Written (or oral) exam and skills evaluation.
- Get listed
Passing both places you on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry.
Test day checklist
- Bring the identification required by Credentia; no guests, pets or children at test sites.
- You are told when 15 minutes remain on the written exam.
Registry and contacts
Official registry / agency page: ncnar.ncdhhs.gov.
Federal minimums that apply everywhere
Federal rules set the floor for every state: nurse aide training must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). States can require more. After you are certified, going 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work means retraining or retesting before you can work in a Medicare/Medicaid nursing home (42 CFR 483.35(d)).
CNA practice test (written exam)
CNA practice test (written exam)
Practice for the North Carolina CNA written exam
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Frequently asked questions
How do I become a CNA in North Carolina?
1) Complete a state-approved Nurse Aide I program. 2) Register with Credentia. 3) Take both parts. 4) Get listed.
Who runs the North Carolina CNA exam?
Credentia (NNAAP) administers testing; NC DHHS, Division of Health Service Regulation - Nurse Aide I Registry oversees certification and the registry.
How much does the North Carolina CNA exam cost?
$140 now; $145 beginning January 1, 2027 (verified 2026-09-23 from the official handbook or fee page).
How many questions are on the North Carolina CNA test?
70 multiple-choice questions (10 unscored), 2 hours.
How many times can I take the North Carolina CNA exam?
Pass both within 2 years of training or 3 attempts, whichever comes first.
Sources
- NC DHHS - N.C. Nurse Aide I Exam Fees (updated Jan 29, 2025) (accessed 2026-09-23)
- Credentia/NC DHHS - North Carolina Nurse Aide I Candidate Handbook (accessed 2026-09-23)
- NC DHHS - State Examination (accessed 2026-09-23)
- eCFR - 42 CFR 483.152 Requirements for approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (accessed 2026-09-23)