CNA License in Minnesota

How to Get a CNA License in Minnesota

Follow these steps to obtain your CNA certification, as required by MDH.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Program

Enroll in a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) that includes:

• At least 75 hours of instruction
• A minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training

You must finish the program before scheduling the exam.

Step 2: Activate Your TMU® Account

Once your training provider creates your TMU® account, log in to:

• Complete or correct demographic information
• Ensure all entries match MDH records
• Submit corrections if needed using the demographic form

Step 3: Take the CNA Competency Exam

After your training information is entered in TMU, you may test. The exam is administered by Headmaster and includes:

• Knowledge Test: 70 multiple-choice questions, 74% required to pass. Available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong, with an oral format option.
• Skills Test: Perform 3–4 tasks. All key steps must be completed with at least 80% overall accuracy.

You have up to four attempts for the knowledge exam and three attempts for the skills test within 24 months of program completion. Testing fees apply unless covered by your training provider.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams, your certification is automatically added to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. You may verify your status by name or certificate number.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Minnesota

The following programs are approved by MDH. Consider tuition, location, schedule, and clinical site access when selecting a program.

1. Alexandria Technical & Community College

   1601 Jefferson St, Alexandria, MN 56308
   (320) 762-0221

2. Anoka Technical College

   1355 US-10, Anoka, MN 55303
   (763) 576-4700

3. Century College

   3300 Century Ave N, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
   (651) 779-3300

4. Hennepin Technical College

   9000 Brooklyn Blvd, Minneapolis, MN 55445
   (952) 995-1300

5. Minnesota North College

   1100 Industrial Park Dr, Eveleth, MN 55734
   (218) 550-2615

6. Minnesota State Community & Technical College

   1414 College Way, Fergus Falls, MN 56537
   (877) 450-3322

7. Normandale Community College

   9700 France Ave S, Bloomington, MN 55431
   (952) 358-8200

8. Northland Community & Technical College

   1101 State Hwy 1, Thief River Falls, MN 56701
   (218) 683-8800

9. Northwest Technical College

   905 Grant Ave SE, Bemidji, MN 56601
   (218) 333-6600

10. Ridgewater College

    2101 15th Ave NW, Willmar, MN 56201
    (320) 222-5200

11. South Central College

    1920 Lee Blvd, North Mankato, MN 56003
    (507) 389-7200

12. St. Cloud Technical & Community College

    1540 Northway Dr, St Cloud, MN 56303
    (800) 222-1009

How to Verify a CNA License in Minnesota

Use the official registry to confirm certification and work eligibility.

Step 1: Access the Registry

Go to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry Search page.

Step 2: Enter Your Information

Search using one of the following:

• Certificate number, or
• Full name and the last four digits of your Social Security number

Step 3: View Results

Click the blue Search button to display your record. Results include registry status, testing history, employment eligibility, and any substantiated findings.

How to Renew a CNA License in Minnesota

Follow these steps to renew certification through the MDH registry system.

Step 1: Confirm Work Eligibility

You must have completed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months.

Step 2: Access the Registry

Log in to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry with your email and password. If you do not have an account, register first.

Step 3: Start the Application

Select Renewal Application on your dashboard. Update your contact information and correct errors before proceeding.

Step 4: Submit Employment Details

• Select facility or staffing agency
• Search and confirm facility with the correct HFID and address
• Enter employment dates
• Upload your pay stub (PDF only)
• Upload a job description (PDF) if requested

Step 5: Sign and Submit

Type your full name as your signature and click Finish. Status will appear as Received.

Step 6: Monitor Application Status

Allow up to 30 business days for review. If corrections are required, you will receive email or text alerts to log in and update your application.

How to Reinstate a CNA Certification in Minnesota

If your certification has been expired for more than 24 months, you must complete reinstatement through testing.

Step 1: Check Your Status

Log in to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry to confirm eligibility for reinstatement.

Step 2: Register for Testing

Contact an approved test site to schedule both exams. The site will create your TMU account.

Step 3: Complete Your TMU Profile

Log in to your TMU account to update your password and demographic information. Submit corrections if necessary.

Step 4: Pass the Exams

• Knowledge Test: 70 questions, 74% required to pass
• Skills Test: Perform 3–4 tasks, 80% required

Tests are administered by Headmaster and may be taken at regional, in-facility, or remote sites.

Step 5: Check Certification Status

Once you pass, log in to your registry account to confirm your updated status. You may print your certificate online.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Minnesota

If you are certified in another state, you may apply through interstate endorsement if you have worked or tested there within the past 24 months.

Step 1: Create a Registry Account

Go to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry and select Register. Choose Interstate Endorsement Candidate as your registration type.

Step 2: Enter Personal Information

Provide your legal name (capitalized), birth date, Social Security number, contact details, and mailing address.

Step 3: Provide Endorsement Details

• Select the endorsing state
• Enter your CNA certificate number
• Confirm whether you worked or tested there in the past 24 months

Step 4: Add Employer Information

Enter employer or staffing agency details. Ensure the information matches your pay stub or supporting documents.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents (PDF only)

• Out-of-state CNA certificate
• Recent pay stub showing CNA duties
• Other documents if requested

Step 6: Sign and Submit

Enter your name as an electronic signature and click Finish. A confirmation will appear on your dashboard.

Step 7: Monitor Application Status

Log in regularly to check for updates. MDH review may take up to 30 business days.

Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry

The Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), is the official record of certified nurse aides authorized to work in licensed nursing homes and certified boarding care homes in the state. The registry includes certification status, employment eligibility, training and testing history, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. Employers must verify a nurse aide’s active status before hire, while CNAs use the system to confirm certification, submit renewals, update information, and apply for placement or interstate endorsement.

Contact Information

• Agency: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
• Mailing Address: PO Box 64501, St. Paul, MN 55164-0501
• Phone: (651) 215-8705 or (800) 397-6124 (Minnesota only)
• Email: health.fpc-nar@state.mn.us
• Registry Search: Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. CT

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the fastest way to become a CNA in Minnesota?

You can become a CNA quickly by enrolling in a state-approved accelerated three- to four-week program. After completion, you must pass both the knowledge and skills exams through Headmaster. Once successful, your name is added to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry and you are eligible to work.

Can you challenge the CNA exam in Minnesota without completing a training program?

Yes. Candidates with prior nurse aide training or experience in another state or country may be eligible to challenge the exam without completing a Minnesota-approved program.

Can you work as a CNA in Minnesota before passing the exam?

Yes. If you are enrolled in or have completed a state-approved program, you may work in a certified facility for up to 120 days. You must pass both exams within that period to continue working as a CNA.

What should you know before CNA exam day in Minnesota?

You must complete your TMU account at least 48 hours before testing. Bring an unexpired U.S. government-issued photo ID that matches your TMU profile. Wear scrubs and closed-toe shoes. Arrive 20–30 minutes early. Personal items and electronic devices are not allowed in the testing area.

Can you switch languages during the knowledge exam?

Yes. The exam is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong. You may switch between English and your selected language during the test. Set your language preference in your TMU account before scheduling.

How do you update your name, address, or contact details on the Nurse Aide Registry?

Log in to your registry account and update your contact information under “My Information.” To correct your name or Social Security number, select the appropriate option and upload the required documentation in PDF format. MDH will review and process all updates.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Enroll in an MDH-approved program with at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice.
• Pass both exam components: Complete the knowledge and skills exams administered by Headmaster to earn certification.
• Appear on the state registry: Create an account in the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry to be officially listed and manage your record.
• Renew every 24 months: Submit a renewal application with proof of at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the past two years. Orientation, training, and in-service hours are not accepted.
• Reinstate if expired: If your certification has been inactive for more than 24 months, complete a new training program and retake both exams.
• Transfer by endorsement: Apply through interstate endorsement if you have worked or tested in your certifying state within the past 24 months.
• Verify certification: Employers and CNAs can confirm active status through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry search tool.