CNA Training
The Department of Health Professions (DHP) clarified that nurse aides who have completed their training have two years to complete the exam.
We sought clarification from DHP after CMS issued the blanket CMS 1135 waiver. Under the blanket waiver, CMS was waiving the requirement that a facility may not employ anyone for longer than four months unless they met certain training and certification requirements under § 483.35(d). CMS is waiving these requirements to assist in potential staffing shortages seen with the COVID-19 pandemic. That waiver item does not address state testing requirements which is as follows:
18VAC90-25-71. Certification by examination.
B. An applicant who fails to take the board-approved skills and written portions of the state examination within two years of completion of the training or who has failed the examination in three attempts shall reenroll and successfully complete another approved nurse aide training program before reapplying.
The Board of Nursing also wanted us to share that if there are any unique situations with nurse aides regarding testing, to please have that individual reach out to the board at (804) 367-4400.
The testing date is from the date of completion, not from the date they receive a message from Pearson Vue.
