1.6 From First Step to Certification

A Practical Candidate Timeline

A Washington NAC plan should begin with the route you are using. Most new candidates think in terms of a traditional Washington training program. On that path, the candidate completes a state-approved program with at least 108 hours: 35 classroom or theory hours, 33 skills lab hours, and 40 facility or clinical hours. Other candidates may use a reviewed route, such as certain nursing student situations or military medic or corpsman training.

Non-routine routes need a complete DOH Credentialing application and Authorization to Test before registering, and candidates cannot test without Authorization to Test where it is required.

Once the route is clear, the exam map is easier to follow. Current WABON information says candidates should take the skills test first and are expected to pass skills before registering for the written test. The skills test is in person. Most training programs provide skills testing, and WABON regional scheduling is available when needed. After the skills-first step, the candidate moves to the online knowledge test handled by Credentia. The knowledge exam may be written or oral, and the oral option must be requested on the application.

Use this sequence as a checklist:

• Confirm whether you are a traditional program candidate or a reviewed-route candidate.
• Complete required Washington training or complete the credentialing review steps for your route.
• Follow program or WABON instructions for the in-person Skills Test.
• Register for the Credentia online written or oral knowledge exam only when your route allows it.
• Enter your NAC credential number correctly for competency exams to avoid delays.
• Watch for score reports through the proper system rather than expecting phone results or employer delivery.

The credential number detail is easy to overlook. The brief says exam candidates need their NAC credential number to take competency exams and must enter it correctly in Credentia to avoid delays. A typo can create avoidable administrative problems even when a candidate has completed the right training and chosen the right exam. Build a habit of checking names, numbers, routes, and exam types before submitting any scheduling step.

This timeline should not be read as a promise of passing, employment, or immediate credential issuance. It is a map of the official process facts in the brief. Washington candidates must pass both the in-person skills test and the online knowledge test to be considered for certification. The best use of this chapter is to keep the process straight: NAC is the official credential name, Washington's current flow is skills first, Credentia handles the online knowledge exam, and state credentialing requirements determine when a candidate is actually eligible to test and become certified.

Keep that order visible while studying so exam readiness and administrative readiness develop together.