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 (oral) examination and the skills evaluation within two (2) years of successfully completing a state-approved training program, or within 3 attempts, whichever comes first. If a candidate does not meet these conditions, then they will be required to retrain and retest. In addition, a change in eligibility route may also require a candidate to retrain and retest.

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 Registered Nurse or Practical Nurse licensure.

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.