How to Become a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) in Michigan

Checked against Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Community and Health Systems, Nurse and Medication Aide Section · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Required
Training: Required
Term: 2 years
State fee: $40 registration fee (paid in MI-NATES)
Certified by: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Community and Health Systems, Nurse and Medication Aide Section

Take the free CNA practice test →

Who can apply

There is no age requirement for training and testing; age rules apply only to employment (Youth Employment Standards Act).
You must complete a Michigan-permitted nurse aide training program.

Step by step

Complete a Michigan-permitted nurse aide training program.
Schedule and pay for the knowledge (written/oral) exam and the clinical skills exam with D&S Diversified Technologies-Headmaster.
Pass both parts within three attempts and within 24 months of finishing training.
Create a MILogin account, request access to MI-NATES, and submit a new nurse aide application with the $40 registration fee.
Print your certificate of registration from MI-NATES.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Michigan programs must meet a 75-hour minimum under the Michigan Competency-Driven Core Curriculum, the same as the 75-hour federal minimum (which includes at least 16 supervised practical hours). Classroom sessions may be virtual; labs and clinicals must be in person.

Exam: D&S Diversified Technologies-Headmaster gives the knowledge/audio exam and the skill test. Passing needs 74% on the knowledge exam and, on each skill, all critical steps plus 80% of other steps. You get three attempts within 24 months of finishing training, then must retrain.

Practice for the CNA written exam free — physical care skills, safety & infection control, and the nurse aide role →

What it costs in Michigan

Fixed amounts are set by the state. Items marked “your quote” are priced by private sellers, so enter what you’re quoted.

Michigan-permitted nurse aide training program tuition$
Headmaster knowledge and skills exams (first attempt, both parts)$175
Registration fee (paid in MI-NATES)$40

Estimated total in Michigan$215Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Headmaster exam fees: first attempt, both parts $175.00; knowledge retake $175.00; skill test retake $175.00 (as listed in the July 2026 candidate handbook).
Training tuition varies by program. LARA notes that aides who work in, or have a job offer from, a nursing home, county medical care facility or hospital long-term care unit can be reimbursed for training, testing and registration costs under federal rules.

Pay in Michigan

Before you compare job offers, see what a paycheck takes home in Michigan after taxes.

Starting out on an entry-level wage? Check the SNAP income limits in Michigan by household size.

What other sites get wrong about Michigan

Myth: Michigan CNAs renew through Headmaster for a $20 fee.

Fact: LARA took the registry over from Headmaster on July 26, 2023. You renew in the MI-NATES system, and the renewal fee is $40. source

Myth: Michigan CNAs don't need continuing education to renew.

Fact: For certificates expiring on or after March 23, 2026, you must attest to at least 12 hours of continuing education per year, including abuse, neglect and care plan training (Rule 400.315). source

Myth: The Michigan CNA exam costs $125.

Fact: Headmaster's July 2026 Michigan candidate handbook lists $175 for a first attempt at both parts. source

Staying on the registry

Renewal: Renew online in MI-NATES every 24 months for $40, attesting to at least 40 paid hours of nursing-related work in the last 24 months. For expirations on or after March 23, 2026, you must also attest to at least 12 hours of continuing education per year, including abuse, neglect and care plan training.

Online options: Training programs may teach classroom hours virtually, and Headmaster offers a remotely proctored option for the knowledge exam; skills testing, labs and clinicals are in person.

Good to know in Michigan

Transferring from another state: If you trained and tested in an approved state (Michigan lists 39, including California, Illinois, Louisiana, New York, Texas and Utah), apply in MI-NATES and pay the $40 fee.

Working before you test: A graduate of a permitted program can work as a temporary nurse aide for up to four months while waiting to pass the exam.

Renewal timing and lapses: You can start a renewal in MI-NATES no earlier than 45 days before expiration; LARA emails a notice 45 days ahead. A certificate lapsed less than 24 months can be renewed if you meet the 40-hour work requirement. If it lapsed more than 24 months, or you cannot attest to the work requirement, you are removed from the registry and must retrain, retest and apply as a new initial certification.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Community and Health Systems, Nurse and Medication Aide Section before you apply.