Michigan CNA License: How to Get, Transfer, Renew & Verify (2025 Updated)

To obtain your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in Michigan, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry. If certified in another state, you may apply through reciprocity. To remain active, CNAs must renew every two years and meet work and education requirements. This guide explains how to earn your license, verify your status, renew or reinstate certification, and transfer your credential from another state—based on standards from the Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS) under the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

How to Get Your CNA License in Michigan

The CNA process in Michigan is regulated by LARA-BCHS. Testing is conducted by D&S Diversified Technologies (D&SDT)–Headmaster. To be licensed, you must complete training, pass the exam, and apply for registration through MI-NATES.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) approved by LARA-BCHS. Programs require at least 75 hours of instruction, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical practice before direct resident care.

Step 2: Create and Complete Your TMU Account

After training, your instructor will enter your record into the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. You will receive login details by email. To activate your account:

• Log in and reset your password
• Complete your demographic profile
• Confirm all information before scheduling the exam

If your profile is incomplete, you may be recorded as a no-show and forfeit fees.

Step 3: Take the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Exam

The exam, administered by Headmaster, has two parts:

• Knowledge Exam: 65 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes; available in written or audio format
• Skills Exam: Demonstration of 3–4 randomly assigned skills, including hand hygiene and one measurement skill

You must pass both parts within 24 months of training. Each may be attempted up to three times. If not passed, retraining is required.

Step 4: Apply for Registration in MI-NATES

Passing the exam does not automatically place you on the registry. Apply through the MI-NATES portal and pay the $40 fee. Steps include:

• Create or log in to your MILogin account and request MI-NATES access
• Select the Nurse Aide role and choose Apply for New Registration
• Validate exam results
• Review information, e-sign, and submit payment

Once approved, your registration number and status will appear in your MI-NATES dashboard. You may also print your certificate.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry

After approval, your name will appear on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry, confirming your eligibility to work as a CNA.

Neighboring States: Indiana • Ohio • Wisconsin

State-Approved CNA Programs in Michigan

CNA training programs must be approved by LARA-BCHS. Each program includes classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice in a licensed facility. When choosing a program, review tuition, duration, schedule, and clinical site placement to select the best fit. A list of approved programs in Michigan is provided below.

1. Bay College

   2001 N Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829

   (906) 786-5802

2. Glen Oaks Community College

   62249 Shimmel Rd, Centreville, MI 49032

   (269) 467-9945

3. Grand Rapids Community College

   143 Bostwick Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

   (616) 234-4000

4. Kalamazoo Valley Community College

   6767 W O Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

   (269) 488-4400

5. Kellogg Community College

   14055 26 Mile Rd, Albion, MI 49224

   (517) 630-8169

6. Kellogg Community College

   450 North Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49017

   (269) 965-3931

7. Lake Michigan College

   125 Veterans Blvd, South Haven, MI 49090

   (269) 637-7500

8. Lake Michigan College

   2755 E Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

   (269) 927-1000

9. Lake Michigan College

   2755 E Napier Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

   (269) 927-1000

10. Lake Michigan College

    1905 Foundation Dr, Niles, MI 49120

    (269) 695-1391

11. Lansing Community College

    515 Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933

    (517) 483-1957

12. Macomb Community College

    14500 Twelve Mile Rd, Warren, MI 48088

    (586) 445-7999

13. Mid Michigan College

    1375 S Clare Ave, Harrison, MI 48625

    (989) 386-6622

14. Monroe County Community College

    1555 S Raisinville Rd, Monroe, MI 48161

    (734) 242-7300

15. North Central Michigan College

    1515 Howard St, Petoskey, MI 49770

    (888) 298-6605

16. Ross Medical Education Center

    1624 Woodworth St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525

    (616) 588-2203

17. Ross Medical Education Center

    5177 W Main St Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49009

    (866) 815-5578

18. Ross Medical Education Center

    2600 N Saginaw Rd Suite B, Midland, MI 48640

    (989) 633-3068

19. Schoolcraft College

    18600 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152

    (734) 462-4400

20. Southwestern Michigan College

    58900 Cherry Grove Rd, Dowagiac, MI 49047

    (800) 456-8675

21. Washtenaw Community College

    4800 E Huron River Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

    (734) 973-3300

22. West Shore Community College

    3000 N Stiles Rd, Scottville, MI 49454

    (231) 845-6211

How to Verify Your CNA License in Michigan

The Michigan Nurse Aide Registry, managed by BCHS, is the official source for verifying CNA status and employment eligibility.

Step 1: Access the Registry

Visit the registry portal.

Step 2: Select Registration Type

From the Registration/Permit Type menu, choose Nurse Aide.

Step 3: Enter Search Criteria

• Enter your registration number, or
• Search by last and first name, optionally adding a city

Step 4: Submit Search

Click Search to view results.

Step 5: Review Search Results

The results table displays:

• Registration number
• Last name
• First name
• City
• Status — must show Active for eligibility

Step 6: View Record Details

Select the registration number to open the detailed record, which includes:

• Effective date
• Expiration date
• Original certification date
• Enforcement actions, if any

How to Renew Your CNA License in Michigan

CNA licenses must be renewed every two years through MI-NATES. Renewal is completed online after confirming eligibility.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You may renew if your status is Active or Lapsed less than 24 months and you attest to:

• Worked at least 40 hours in the past 24 months providing nursing or related services for pay
• Completed 24 hours of continuing education, including abuse, neglect, and care planning

Effective March 23, 2026: You must also attest to at least 12 hours per year of CE within the renewal period. Keep proof for audit.

Step 2: Log in to MI-NATES

Go to the MILogin portal and sign in. New users must create a MILogin account and request MI-NATES access. Use the setup guide for details.

Step 3: Submit Renewal Application

From your dashboard, select Nurse Aide and click Renew My Nurse Aide Registration. Complete:

• Applicant Information: Review details or request a name change
• Employment Information: Attest to work and CE requirements
• Pay and Submit: E-sign and submit payment

Step 4: Pay the Renewal Fee

Pay the $40 fee online. Once processed, your application moves forward for review.

Step 5: Print Your Certificate

After approval, your certificate appears in your dashboard. You may view, save, or print it. Renewed registrations remain valid for 24 months from the previous expiration date.

Step 6: Verify Registry Status

Confirm your renewed status in the registry.

How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Michigan

Reinstatement depends on how long your CNA license has been expired. All reinstatements are processed through MI-NATES.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Lapsed Less Than 24 Months: Renew in MI-NATES if you attest to:
  • At least 40 hours of paid nurse aide work in the last cycle
  • 24 hours of continuing education, including abuse, neglect, and care planning
• Lapsed More Than 24 Months: Retrain and retest before applying as new.

Step 2: Complete an Approved Training Program (If Required)

If expired more than 24 months, or ineligible for renewal, complete a Michigan-approved CNA program with:

• 75 hours of instruction
• At least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice

Step 3: Pass the Michigan CNA Exam

After training, pass both parts of the exam through Headmaster:

• Knowledge Test: Written or oral
• Skills Evaluation: Demonstration of required tasks

Results are reported directly to MI-NATES.

Step 4: Apply in MI-NATES

1. Log into MILogin and access MI-NATES
2. Select Nurse Aide and choose Renew My Nurse Aide Registration (if under 24 months) or Apply for New Registration (if retrained and retested)
3. Validate eligibility or exam results
4. Review information, e-sign, and pay the $40 fee

Step 5: Print Your Certificate

After approval, log in to MI-NATES and select View/Print Certificate. Your status will show as Active.

How to Transfer Your CNA License to Michigan

If you hold an active CNA license in another state, you may apply for Michigan certification through reciprocity. Applications are submitted online in MI-NATES. You cannot work in Michigan until your status is Active on the registry.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Active CNA certification from a Michigan-approved state
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

Check the reciprocity section of the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry for approved states.

Step 2: Create a MILogin Account

Go to the MILogin portal to create an account. After signing in, request MI-NATES access under LARA.

Step 3: Complete the Reciprocity Application

After logging into MI-NATES, select the Nurse Aide role and begin a new application:

• Choose Apply for New Registration
• Select Reciprocity
• Enter out-of-state certification details
• Attest that your certification is active and in good standing

Step 4: Pay and Submit

Sign electronically, accept terms, and pay the $40 non-refundable fee online by credit or debit card.

Step 5: Confirmation

Once processed, your Michigan registration number will be issued and your status updated to Active. From your dashboard, select View/Print Certificate to download or print your CNA certificate.

Michigan Nurse Aide Registry

The Michigan Nurse Aide Registry, administered by BCHS within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), is the official record of certified nurse aides in the state. All registrations, renewals, reinstatements, and reciprocity applications are processed through MI-NATES. Employers use the registry to verify certification, while nurse aides use it to apply, confirm status, renew, reinstate, and update information.

Contact Information

• Mailing Address: PO Box 30664, Lansing, MI 48909
• Phone: (517) 284-8961
• Email: BCHS-CNA-Registry@michigan.gov
• Registry Search: Michigan Nurse Aide Registry Search

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum age to start CNA training in Michigan?

You must be at least 16 years old to begin a state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program. To apply for certification in MI-NATES and be listed on the registry, you must be at least 17.

How long does it take to become a CNA in Michigan?

Most candidates complete training, testing, and registration within 4 to 8 weeks, depending on schedules, exam availability, and application submission.

Does Michigan offer a remotely proctored CNA Knowledge exam?

Yes. Michigan offers a Remotely Proctored Knowledge Test. Candidates may test at home using a computer with a webcam, internet, and private space. Scheduling is through Headmaster’s TMU system.

What should I expect on CNA exam day in Michigan?

Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Bring two forms of ID, including one government-issued photo ID. Wear closed-toe shoes and clinical attire. Personal items, devices, and guests are not allowed in the testing area.

What happens if I fail the CNA exam three times?

You have three attempts within 24 months of training to pass both exams. If unsuccessful, you must retrain before reapplying.

Can I work as a CNA in Michigan before passing the exam?

Yes. After completing training, you may work as a temporary nurse aide for up to four months. To continue, you must pass the exam and complete MI-NATES registration.

How do I update my name or address on the CNA registry?

Log in to your MI-NATES account and select Review/Update Information. Legal documents, such as a marriage certificate or court order, are required for name changes. Updates are reviewed by the registry.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a LARA-BCHS approved NATCEP with at least 75 hours of instruction, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice.
• Pass both exam components: Take the knowledge and skills exams through Headmaster within 24 months of training.
• Apply in MI-NATES: Create a MILogin account, submit the registration application, and pay the $40 fee to be added to the registry.
• Appear on the registry: Once approved, your number and active status are posted, confirming eligibility to work.
• Renew every two years: Attest to at least 40 hours of paid CNA work and 24 hours of CE per cycle. Beginning March 2026, complete at least 12 CE hours each year.
• Reinstate if expired: If lapsed under 24 months, renew with attestation. If over 24 months, retrain and retest before reapplying.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit an application in MI-NATES with proof of active out-of-state certification and pay the $40 non-refundable fee.

Amanda Jordan Amanda writes clear, regulatory-focused content that guides and supports healthcare professionals in their practice.