Huduma CNA ProgramsCNA certification in Washington costs roughly $1,400 to $1,500 all in for most students who take a private 108-hour program: about $1,100 in tuition, $105 in books and supplies, $155 in state exam fees ($100 for the skills test and $55 for the knowledge test), plus the Department of Health (DOH) application fee on the current fee schedule and small personal costs such as scrubs. Active Home Care Aides pay less because the 40-hour bridge program costs $800 in tuition instead of $1,100. Tuition is the only large variable; the exam fees are fixed statewide.
This article itemizes every cost, shows what changes between routes, and lists the legitimate ways to lower the total.
Every cost, itemized
| Cost item | Amount | Who you pay | Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition, CNA Traditional (108 hours) | $1,100 at Huduma CNA Programs | Training program | Yes, unless you qualify for the bridge |
| Tuition, HCA–CNA Bridge (40 hours) | $800 at Huduma CNA Programs | Training program | Alternative to the above for active HCAs |
| Books and supplies | About $105 | Training program | Yes |
| Skills test (Part 1) | $100 | Test site | Yes |
| Knowledge test (Part 2) | $55 | Credentia | Yes |
| NA-C application fee | Per current DOH fee schedule | DOH | Yes |
| Background check (DOH, name-based) | Included with application; fingerprint check, if required, carries its own cost | DOH / fingerprint vendor | Yes |
| Pre-clinical background check | Varies by program | Program or vendor | Yes, before clinical placement |
| Scrubs, non-slip shoes, watch with second hand | Typically under $100 combined | Retailer | Yes, for lab and clinical |
| Immunization records, TB test, CPR card | Varies; often low or no cost through a clinic or employer | Clinic | Usually required by the clinical facility |
| Annual renewal | Per current DOH fee schedule | DOH | Yes, every year on your birthday |
The DOH revises its nursing assistant fee schedule from time to time, so this article deliberately does not quote application or renewal dollar amounts. Check the current schedule before you budget.
Tuition: the big variable
Tuition is where Washington programs differ most, and where a student has the most control. Three broad categories:
- Private career schools. Short, frequent cohorts, often four weeks. Huduma CNA Programs in Federal Way charges $1,100 for the CNA Traditional program, with day and weekend patterns and the skills test administered on site.
- Community colleges. Tuition is calculated per credit and can be comparable to or higher than a private program once fees are included, and the schedule usually spans a full quarter.
- Employer-sponsored programs. Some nursing facilities and hospital systems train their own aides at no tuition in exchange for a work commitment, or reimburse tuition after a set period of employment.
When comparing tuition figures, confirm what is included. Some schools bundle books, the background check, or the skills test fee; others list a low tuition and add those later. Ask for a written total before you enroll.
Exam fees: fixed statewide
Since October 1, 2023, the Washington nursing assistant exam has two parts taken in order:
- Skills test: $100, paid to the test site, which is usually your training program.
- Knowledge test: $55, paid to Credentia when you register online after your skills pass is recorded.
That is $155 for both parts on the first attempt. A retake of either part means paying that part's fee again, so the most effective way to protect your budget is thorough preparation and mock testing before the real thing. The Washington CNA exam cost article goes into retake scenarios.
DOH fees: application, background check, renewal
After passing both parts you apply for the Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) credential through the DOH online portal. Three charges can appear:
- Application fee, on the DOH nursing assistant fee schedule.
- Fingerprint-based background check, only if the DOH requires it, which is most common for applicants who recently lived outside Washington. The standard name-based statewide check is part of the application.
- Annual renewal fee, due on your birthday each year. There is no continuing education cost for a standard NA-C, so renewal is the fee alone. Details are in the Washington CNA renewal guide.
If you also hold a Nursing Assistant-Registered (NAR) credential while training, that is a separate application fee and its own renewal.
Cost by route: traditional vs bridge
| Route | Tuition | Books and supplies | Exam fees | Subtotal before DOH fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNA Traditional, 108 hours | $1,100 | About $105 | $155 | About $1,360 |
| HCA–CNA Bridge, 40 hours | $800 | About $105 | $155 | About $1,060 |
The bridge saves $300 in tuition and three weeks of class time, but it is available only to people who hold an active Washington HCA credential. If you are not yet an HCA, going through 75 hours of HCA training first to reach the bridge costs more in total than the traditional route, not less. See CNA Traditional vs HCA–CNA Bridge for the full decision.
Ways to pay less
Employer sponsorship. Nursing facilities and hospital systems in the Puget Sound area regularly recruit trainees and either train them in house or reimburse an outside program. Ask the HR department of any facility you would want to work for whether they sponsor training before you pay tuition yourself.
Workforce and training funds. WorkSource offices and workforce development councils in King and Pierce counties administer training grants for eligible job seekers, and healthcare is a priority sector. Eligibility and funding vary, so contact the office directly.
Union and employer training benefits. Members of SEIU 775, the union representing many Washington caregivers, have historically had access to training benefits through the SEIU 775 Benefits Group, including support for HCAs advancing to NAC. Confirm current offerings with the benefits group.
Payment plans. Many private programs split tuition into installments. Ask about options at enrollment.
Tax treatment. Tuition for job training may qualify for certain education tax credits or deductions depending on your situation; a tax professional can confirm.
The cost of delays and mistakes
The most expensive mistakes are the avoidable ones:
- Failing the skills test costs another $100 plus lost weeks. Programs must allow at least four attempts, but each one is a new fee.
- Failing the knowledge test costs another $55 and a new registration.
- Letting the credential lapse costs the renewal fee plus a late fee for the first three years, and a full retrain and retest after that.
- Enrolling at an unapproved program costs the entire tuition, because the state will not admit you to the exam. Verify approval with the Washington State Board of Nursing before paying.
Return on the investment
Job-posting data from Indeed in August 2026 puts the average Washington CNA wage at about $23.62 per hour, with Everett around $24.89 and Seattle around $23.80. Against the 2026 state minimum wage of $17.13, that is a difference of roughly $6.50 per hour, or about $260 per 40-hour week before differentials. At that rate, the total certification cost is recovered in about five to six weeks of full-time work. Evening, night, and weekend differentials of $1.50 to $4 per hour shorten it further. The CNA salary in Washington State article has regional detail.
Frequently asked questions
How much does CNA training cost in Washington? Tuition at Huduma CNA Programs is $1,100 for the 108-hour traditional program or $800 for the 40-hour HCA bridge, plus about $105 in books and supplies. Other schools set their own tuition.
How much is the CNA exam in Washington? $155 total: $100 for the skills test paid to the test site and $55 for the knowledge test paid to Credentia.
Is there a fee to apply for the CNA credential with the DOH? Yes. The application fee is set on the DOH nursing assistant fee schedule, and renewal is charged annually on your birthday.
Can I get CNA training for free in Washington? Sometimes. Employer-sponsored programs, workforce training grants, and union benefits can cover tuition for eligible people. Exam and DOH fees still apply unless the sponsor pays them.
Do I have to pay for the exam again if I fail? Yes, for the part you failed: $100 for the skills test or $55 for the knowledge test.
What is the cheapest way to become a CNA in Washington? If you already hold an active HCA credential, the bridge route saves $300 in tuition. Otherwise, an employer-sponsored program is the lowest out-of-pocket option, followed by a short private program with on-site testing.
For current start dates and payment options, see the schedules page and the HCA–CNA Bridge program page.
Which path may fit you?
Already an eligible HCA?
Review the HCA–CNA Bridge Program and confirm the active Washington HCA credential requirement before choosing a class.
Explore the HCA–CNA Bridge ProgramStarting CNA training?
Review CNA Traditional, the complete training route for learners who are not entering through the HCA bridge route.
Explore the CNA Traditional Program