How to Reinstate Your Lapsed CNA License in North Carolina
North Carolina CNAs can reinstate a lapsed certification within 24 months by passing the competency evaluation — the same exam taken by new CNAs, but without repeating a training program.
Reinstatement window
24 months
CE hours required
None
Exam fee
$130
Typical timeline
4–7 wks
Registry & Authority
North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry
NC Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR)
Official registry websiteExam Provider & Fees
Prometric
Register at prometric.com/nc-cna. $130 fee covers both written and skills components.
Step-by-step reinstatement process in North Carolina
Follow these steps in order to reinstate your North Carolina CNA certification.
Verify your NC registry status
Look up your listing at the NC DHSR registry portal. Confirm your expiration date and 24-month eligibility.
Schedule with Prometric ($130)
Register at prometric.com/nc-cna. Statewide testing locations include Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Wilmington.
Prepare for the written knowledge exam
Question count, timing, and passing criteria vary by state and testing vendor. Review the current content outline.
Complete the 5-skill clinical evaluation
Evaluator observes 5 randomly selected skills. Always announce yourself, provide privacy, and explain each step — communication counts toward your score.
NC DHSR reinstates your listing
Results posted to registry within 5–14 business days of passing. Verify your active status before accepting employment.
Always verify with the official registry
State requirements change. Confirm current reinstatement rules with NC Division of Health Service Regulation (DHSR) before scheduling your exam. The information above reflects publicly available guidance as of 2025–2026.
Prepare for the North Carolina competency evaluation with a state-specific plan
You've done this before. CNA-Ready's reinstatement track targets exactly what lapsed CNAs need to refresh — without making you relearn what you already know.
- Diagnostic quiz identifies your weak spots immediately
- All 17 CNA study modules — study at your own pace
- 1,000+ practice questions with rationales
- North Carolina-aligned state requirements displayed throughout
- Cancel when you pass — month-to-month from $24.99
2 free modules, no credit card required
Cost comparison: North Carolina
Full retraining program
Varies by state
Provider-specific · Confirm with the registry
CNA-Ready reinstatement prep
Best valueFrom $24.99/mo
Self-paced · Cancel anytime
Plus $130 exam fee regardless of which prep path you choose.
North Carolina CNA reinstatement: frequently asked questions
Your North Carolina reinstatement window is open.
Start prep today — timing and eligibility depend on your state and testing vendor. Confirm current requirements with the official registry.
Start Free — No Credit Card RequiredFrom $24.99/month · Cancel anytime