If you’re pursuing a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in North Carolina, you need to know exactly what the state requires before you can start working. North Carolina has specific training, testing, and registry requirements that differ from other states, and getting them wrong can delay your career by weeks or months.
This guide covers everything you need to become a CNA in North Carolina in 2026 — training hours, the competency exam, state registry, renewal requirements, reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs, and what you can expect to earn.
Training requirements
State requires a minimum of 75 hours of training (meeting the federal minimum), including classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice.
CNA training programs in North Carolina are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, healthcare facilities, and the American Red Cross. When choosing a program, make sure it is state-approved — only graduates of approved programs are eligible to take the competency evaluation.
Competency exam
Competency evaluation administered by Pearson VUE, consisting of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills demonstration.
You must pass both portions of the exam to be placed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide Registry. If you fail, most states allow retakes, but check with the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation Nurse Aide Registry for North Carolina’s specific retake policy.
State registry
Once you pass the competency evaluation, your name is placed on the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation Nurse Aide Registry. Employers are required to verify your certification through this registry before hiring you.
You can verify your certification status or find more information at: North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation Nurse Aide Registry.
North Carolina note: North Carolina has growing demand for CNAs, especially in the Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham metropolitan areas. The state meets the federal minimum training requirement.
Average salary in North Carolina
CNAs in North Carolina typically earn $30,000-$36,000 per year. Pay varies by setting, experience, shift differentials, and geographic location within the state.
Top employers in North Carolina include Atrium Health, Duke Health, Novant Health, UNC Health, WakeMed, skilled nursing facilities statewide.
Renewal requirements
Certification is valid for 2 years. Must have worked as a CNA for compensation within the 24-month period to maintain active status.
Reciprocity (transferring from another state)
North Carolina accepts out-of-state CNA certifications through reciprocity. Must apply to the NC Nurse Aide Registry and have a clean record.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in North Carolina?
CNA training programs in North Carolina typically take 4-12 weeks to complete. State requires a minimum of 75 hours of training (meeting the federal minimum), including classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. After completing your training, you must pass the competency evaluation to be placed on the state registry.
How much do CNAs make in North Carolina?
CNAs in North Carolina typically earn $30,000-$36,000 per year. Pay varies by setting (hospitals generally pay more than skilled nursing facilities), shift differentials, and geographic location within the state. Major employers include Atrium Health, Duke Health, Novant Health, UNC Health, WakeMed, skilled nursing facilities statewide.
Can I transfer my CNA certification to North Carolina from another state?
North Carolina accepts out-of-state CNA certifications through reciprocity. Must apply to the NC Nurse Aide Registry and have a clean record. Contact the North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation Nurse Aide Registry for the most current reciprocity requirements.