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

To earn your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in Mississippi, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to apply for certification, verify your status, renew or reinstate your license, and transfer an active credential from another state—based on current regulations from the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH).

How to Get Your CNA License in Mississippi

Follow these steps to become a CNA in Mississippi.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Program

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) approved by MSDH. The program must include at least 75 total hours, with a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training completed before any direct care. Your training provider will record your completion in the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system.

Step 2: Activate and Complete Your TMU Account

After your record is entered in TMU, you will receive an email with login instructions. Sign in to TMU, change your password, and complete your demographic profile. If you cannot access your account, use Forgot Your Password? or call D&SDT-Headmaster at (888) 401-0462.

Step 3: Pay for the CNA Exam

Once your account is complete and training verified, TMU will notify you when you are eligible to test. If your program has not pre-paid, submit payment through your TMU account:

Payments must be made online using a credit or debit card.

Step 4: Schedule and Take the Exam

After payment, log in to TMU to select a test date and location. You must pass both components:

• Knowledge Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions; passing score 73%
• Skills Exam: Perform 3–4 tasks; complete all bolded steps and score at least 80%

You are allowed up to three attempts per component and must pass both within 24 months of program completion. Otherwise, you must retake the training program.

Step 5: Get Listed on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry

Once you pass both exams, your name will be added to the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your listing online using your name or registration number.

Neighboring States: Alabama • Arkansas • Louisiana • Tennessee

State-Approved CNA Programs in Mississippi

The following CNA training programs are approved by MSDH. When choosing a program, consider tuition, schedule, location, clinical site, and job placement support.

1. Copiah-Lincoln Community College

   1028 JC Redd Dr, Wesson, MS 39191

   (601) 643-8707

2. East Mississippi Community College

   1512 Kemper St, Scooba, MS 39358

   (662) 476-5000

3. Itawamba Community College

   3200 Adams Farm Rd, Belden, MS 38826

   (662) 407-1537

4. Meridian Community College

   3240 Friars Point Rd, Clarksdale, MS 38614

   (662) 627-2571

5. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

   51 Main St, Perkinston, MS 39573

   (601) 928-5211

6. Northeast Mississippi Community College

   101 Cunningham Blvd, Booneville, MS 38829

   (662) 728-7751

7. Pearl River Community College

   101 US-11, Poplarville, MS 39470

   (601) 403-1000

How to Verify Your CNA License in Mississippi

Use the TMU system to confirm your CNA license status and work eligibility.

Step 1: Access the Registry

Visit the Mississippi CNA Registry Search page.

Step 2: Select a Search Option

Choose from the Search By dropdown menu:

• Registration number
• Full name

Step 3: Enter Search Information

Input your details in the Look For field and click Search.

Step 4: Review Your Record

Your search result will display:

• Full name
• Certification number
• Status: must show Active
• Issue and expiration dates

How to Renew Your CNA License in Mississippi

You must renew your CNA license every 24 months through TMU. Follow these steps to maintain active certification.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You are eligible to renew if you have:

• Worked at least 8 consecutive hours in paid CNA employment within the past 24 months
• Worked in an approved setting, such as:
  • Nursing home
  • Hospital
  • Home health agency
  • Hospice
  • ICF/IID facility
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

Step 2: Log in to TMU

Visit the Mississippi TMU portal and sign in with your email and password.

• Use Forgot Your Password? if needed
• If unable to access your account, call (800) 393-8664
• First-time users must activate their account by calling Headmaster

Step 3: Begin the Renewal

After signing in:

• Click the renewal message if shown
• If not, go to the Employment tab
• Click Add Employment Renewal

Step 4: Enter Employment Details

Complete the following fields:

• Certification: Nurse Aide
• Employer: Choose from dropdown list (staffing agencies not accepted)
• Start/End Dates: Enter work dates (leave end date blank if still employed)

If not currently employed, use your most recent eligible employer.

Step 5: Pay the Renewal Fee

After entering employment details:

• Select Credit Card or Sponsor Payment
• Pay the $25 fee (waived for state-funded facility employees)

Click Pay Now or Create. Your status will show as Pending Employer Approval.

Step 6: Await Employer Verification

TMU will notify your employer to verify hours. Track your status in your TMU account or the Mississippi CNA Registry.

Step 7: Maintain Active Status

Once verified, your license will be renewed for 24 months. TMU will send reminders by email or text. Keep your contact information current.

How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Mississippi

If your CNA certification has been expired for more than 24 months, you must complete Reactivation by Examination to return to active status on the registry.

Step 1: Apply for Reactivation by Examination

Go to the TMU Applications Page and select Reactivation by Examination. Provide your legal name, Social Security number, and valid email. TMU will send your login credentials once submitted.

Note: Incomplete or inaccurate applications may be delayed.

Step 2: Sign In and Complete Your TMU Account

Visit the TMU portal, log in with your temporary credentials, update your password, and complete your demographic profile.

If you forget your credentials, use Forgot Your Password? or call Headmaster at (888) 401-0462.

Step 3: Pay the Exam Fees

Submit payment through TMU:

• Knowledge Exam: $35
• Skills Exam: $100

Total: $135. Pay by card or select Sponsor Payment if your employer is covering the cost.

Step 4: Schedule Your Exams

After payment, go to Test Events in TMU to schedule your Knowledge and Skills exams. Testing may be at regional sites, in-facility, or remote (Knowledge exam only).

Note: Reschedule requests must be made at least one business day in advance to avoid forfeiting fees.

Step 5: Pass the Competency Exam

• Knowledge Exam: 70 multiple-choice questions (passing score 73%)
• Skills Exam: Perform 3–4 tasks with at least 80% accuracy, including all bolded steps

You are allowed one attempt. If unsuccessful, you must complete a new training program before reapplying.

Step 6: Verify Certification Status

If you pass both exams, your license will be reinstated on the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry. Verify through your TMU account or the public registry.

How to Transfer Your CNA License to Mississippi

If you are certified in another state, you may transfer your CNA license to Mississippi through reciprocity.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Active CNA certification in another U.S. state
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation
• Meet one of the following:
  • Worked at least 8 hours in a nursing home, hospital, or hospice in the past 24 months
  • Or, if certified less than 6 months and not yet employed, submit a training completion certificate

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Pay stub or W-2 from qualifying work or training certificate with completion date
• Copy of your out-of-state CNA certificate
• Copy of your Social Security card
• Copy of valid U.S. government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport)

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Access the CNA Reciprocity Application on TMU. Enter your details and upload all required documents in PDF or image format.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the $25 non-refundable fee online with Visa or Mastercard.

Step 5: Submit and Monitor Your Application

After submission, D&SDT-Headmaster will review your application. If more documentation is needed, you will have 30 days to respond. Failure to respond results in denial and loss of fee.

Step 6: Verify Your Certification

If approved, your name will be listed as Active in the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry.

Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry

The Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry, managed by D&SDT-Headmaster under contract with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), is the official record of certified nurse aides authorized to work in the state. It tracks certification status, training history, exam results, and substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Employers use it to verify eligibility, while CNAs use it to confirm active status, renew certification, and update personal information through the TestMaster Universe (TMU™) system.

Contact Information

• Registry Provider: D&SDT-Headmaster
• Mailing Address: PO Box 418, Findlay, OH 45839
• Phone: (888) 401-0462
• Email: mississippi@hdmaster.com
• TMU™ Registry Search: Mississippi CNA Registry Search
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. CT

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update my name or address in TMU?

Update your address, email, and phone number directly in your TMU profile. To change your legal name, submit a Demographic Change/Correction Request Form with supporting documents, such as a court order or marriage certificate.

Can I take the CNA exam if I completed training as a nursing student?

Yes. If you completed a basic nursing course in an approved LPN or RN program, you may qualify to test without completing a nurse aide program. Submit transcripts or training verification to D&SDT-Headmaster for approval before scheduling.

How do I schedule a remotely proctored knowledge exam?

Log in to your TMU account and select a remote testing event. You must meet technical requirements, including a webcam, secure testing environment, and stable internet. Instructions are provided in advance.

What can I expect on CNA test day?

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Bring a valid, government-issued photo ID. Wear scrubs and closed-toe, non-skid shoes. Personal items and guests are not allowed in the testing area.

Is there a grace period for expired CNA certification?

Yes. You have up to 30 days after expiration to renew. After this grace period, you must apply for reactivation and pass both exams.

Can I request removal of a finding of neglect from my record?

Yes. You may submit a Petition for Removal of a Finding of Neglect through your TMU account one year after the finding date. Supporting documents and employer references are required. Only one finding may be removed; a second petition is final.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Enroll in an MSDH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) with at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice.
• Pass both exam components: Complete the knowledge and skills exams administered by D&SDT-Headmaster through the TMU™ system.
• Appear on the state registry: After passing both exams, your active status is added to the Mississippi Nurse Aide Registry.
• Renew every two years: Provide proof of at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months and submit renewal through TMU™ with employer verification.
• Reinstate if expired: If inactive more than 24 months, complete a new MSDH-approved training program before retesting.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit the CNA Reciprocity Form in TMU™, include required documentation, and pay the $25 processing fee.
• Verify status online: Use the official TMU™ registry search to confirm certification and work eligibility.

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