Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The state of North Carolina has established specific guidelines to determine who is eligible to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP®) examination.

To be placed on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry, candidates must:

• Pass both the written (or oral) examination and the skills evaluation
• Do so within two (2) years of successfully completing a state-approved training program
  OR
• Pass within three (3) examination attempts, whichever comes first

If a candidate does not meet these conditions, they will be required to re-take a state-approved training program and competency exam. A change in eligibility route may also require retraining and retesting.

Light Duty Policy

Candidates on restricted activity or light duty due to medical reasons are not permitted to take the skills evaluation.

• Candidates must be physically able to perform all required skills during the skills evaluation.
• Candidates on light duty may still take the written (or oral) exam.
• Medical documentation confirming return to full, unrestricted activity is required to be eligible for the skills evaluation.

Eligibility Routes

E1 – North Carolina State-Approved Nurse Aide I Trained Candidates

Candidates who have successfully completed a North Carolina state-approved Nurse Aide I training program.

E3 – North Carolina State-Approved Refresher Course Trained Candidates

Candidates who have successfully completed a North Carolina state-approved Nurse Aide I refresher course.

E5 – North Carolina State-Approved Student Nurse Training Candidates

Candidates currently enrolled in a North Carolina state-approved nursing education program preparing for licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) or Practical Nurse (PN).

E8 – Other Trained

Candidates who meet at least one of the following qualifications:

• Active Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Unencumbered out-of-state licensed nurse
• Unlicensed nursing graduate who completed nurse aide equivalent training within the last 24 months
• Unlicensed nursing student who completed nurse aide equivalent training within the last 24 months
• Military veteran with medical/nursing training credentials from the U.S. Armed Forces

E9 – Out-of-State Trained

Candidates who completed a state-approved Nurse Aide I training program in another state (excluding NC) within the last 24 months and are not currently listed on any state’s nurse aide registry.

E10 – NC Registry Candidates

Candidates already listed as active and in good standing on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry, but who do not meet the renewal requirements.
These individuals must successfully pass the NNAAP® examination before their registry listing expires.