How to Reinstate Your Lapsed CNA License in Washington
Washington State requires 12 CE hours AND a background check before you can sit for the reinstatement competency exam — but you still avoid a full training program if you're within 24 months.
Reinstatement window
24 months
CE hours required
12 hrs
Exam fee
$130
Typical timeline
6–10 wks
Registry & Authority
Washington State Nurse Aide Registry
WA Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)
Official registry websiteExam Provider & Fees
Prometric
Register at prometric.com/wa-cna after completing CE requirements.
Step-by-step reinstatement process in Washington
Follow these steps in order to reinstate your Washington CNA certification.
Verify your WA DSHS registry status
Contact DSHS Residential Care Services at (360) 725-2300 or search the WA NAR online. Confirm your listing status and 24-month eligibility from your last day of employment.
Complete 12 hours of continuing education
Washington requires 12 CE hours before reinstating. These must come from DSHS-approved providers covering topics like infection control, safety, abuse prevention, and clinical skills updates.
Pass a new background check
Washington requires a current background check (WATCH) as part of the reinstatement process. Your employer or the DSHS office can guide you through the WATCH background check system.
Schedule the competency exam with Prometric
After completing CE and background check requirements, schedule at prometric.com/wa-cna. Testing locations are available throughout Washington state.
Prepare for written and clinical skills portions
Question count, timing, skills selection, and passing criteria vary by state and testing vendor. Review the current handbook.
DSHS reinstates your listing
Prometric reports results to DSHS. Your active listing is restored within 7–14 business days of passing all requirements.
Always verify with the official registry
State requirements change. Confirm current reinstatement rules with WA Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) before scheduling your exam. The information above reflects publicly available guidance as of 2025–2026.
Prepare for the Washington 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
- Washington-aligned state requirements displayed throughout
- Cancel when you pass — month-to-month from $24.99
2 free modules, no credit card required
Cost comparison: Washington
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.
Washington CNA reinstatement: frequently asked questions
Reinstatement guides for other states
Your Washington 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