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

Checked against Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Nurse Aide Registry · Verified 2026-10-10

Exam: Required
Training: Not required
Term: Active while you work 8 paid hours every 24 months
State fee: See state office
Certified by: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Nurse Aide Registry

Take the free CNA practice test →

Who can apply

Complete an MDH-approved nursing assistant training and competency evaluation program, or pass the Minnesota competency test as a challenge (test-out) candidate.
Background studies are handled by the Minnesota Department of Human Services, not the registry.

Step by step

Complete an MDH-approved training program (at least 75 hours). Your program registers you with Headmaster.
Pay the testing fee (some programs prepay it) and schedule your knowledge and skills tests at a Minnesota State college or an MDH-approved in-facility site.
Pass the knowledge test (4 attempts allowed) and the skills test (3 attempts allowed) within 24 months of finishing training.
You are added to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry automatically and get a certificate number.

Official application →

Training and exam

Training: Approved programs must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training, which matches the 75-hour federal minimum. Training is not strictly required: some people may challenge (test out of) the competency exam.

Exam: D&S Diversified Technologies-Headmaster runs Minnesota's knowledge and skills tests. You have four attempts at the knowledge test and three at the skills test within 24 months of finishing training (or of your first test as a challenge candidate). Using up all attempts means you must complete another approved program.

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

What it costs in Minnesota

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

MDH-approved training program tuition (optional for challenge/test-out candidates)$
Knowledge and skills testing fee (set by the test site)$

Estimated total in Minnesota$0Plus 1 item with no state-set price. Add your quotes above to complete the total.

Cost details from the state

Testing fees: paid before scheduling; MDH and the Headmaster handbook tell candidates to ask the test site for the amount.
Interstate endorsement (transfer): MDH says there is no processing fee.
Training tuition varies by program. Federal rule: if a nursing home employs you, or has offered you a job, when you start training, you cannot be charged for the training or its books. If a nursing home hires you within 12 months after you finish, the state must arrange for you to be paid back for training costs (42 CFR 483.152(c)).

Pay in Minnesota

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

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

What other sites get wrong about Minnesota

Myth: You only get three tries to pass Minnesota's CNA tests.

Fact: You get four attempts at the knowledge test and three at the skills test, within 24 months of finishing training. source

Staying on the registry

Renewal: Renew online through your MDH registry dashboard: upload your most recent pay stub showing at least one day (e.g., 8 consecutive hours) of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the previous 24 months; orientation, training and in-service hours do not count, and you may be asked for a job description listing the direct care you performed. If your certificate expired within the past 24 months, submit work history and pay stubs to reactivate it; if it expired more than 24 months ago, you must retest and pass both the knowledge and skills tests.

Online options: Each test site decides whether to offer the knowledge test virtually or on site; the skills test is in person.

Good to know in Minnesota

Transferring from another state: If you are in good standing on another state's registry and worked at least 8 hours as a nursing assistant there in the past 24 months, email the Interstate Endorsement Forms to MDH. There is no processing fee.

Renewal tips: Employment through a health platform app does not count for renewal, and training or orientation hours are not allowed. MDH asks you to allow 30 business days for review and to submit at least 60 days before your certificate expires.

Challenge (test-out) candidates: If you challenge the test without completing an approved training program, you cannot work as a nurse aide until you pass both the knowledge and skills tests; you do not get the 4-month window to get on the registry.

Sources

General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change — confirm with Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), Nurse Aide Registry before you apply.