Do I Need A Social Security Number to Take Nursing Assistant Exam (NNAAP Examination)

[ConstanceKitty]

Hi folks,

I'm an international student on F-1 visa. I have just finished my first semester of nursing program in Washington State University. I want to take the exam to get a license for a nursing assistant in WA. But the application form for taking the exam requires a SSN. I called Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Service (NACES) several times and they all said it is required to have a SSN to take the exam. But I looked through the application forms in other states, they either said that providing a SSN is voluntary or there are other ways to substitute the SSN. I don't know why WA state has such a strict requirement... The Spokane campus is small so it's hard to get an on-campus job because there are little job openings for students.

Is there anyone having similar situation? Or do you have any suggestions?

I appreciate your help a lot!

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Do you have permission to work from you office of international students while on an F1 visa? If they get you work authorization that should make you eligible for a SSN.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

Each state can make their own requirements and if they require a US SSN then there is no way to get round it unless you apply for a work permission whilst on F1. My understanding however in the first year is that you are only allowed to work on campus. Suggest checking things out with your student adviser

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If the certifying agency says you cannot apply without a valid SSN there is no work around. If you do not have work rights (which would entitle you to apply for a SSN) what is the point of getting a CNA certification as a nursing student. US students do so to work while in nursing school.

[nube viajera]

I believe the best people to ask this question to is someone in doh Washington:

http://www.doh.wa.gov/portals/1/Documents/Pubs/600057.pdf