North Dakota CNA License Guide: Get, Verify, Renew & Transfer – 2025

To earn your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in North Dakota, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the competency exam, and be listed on the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains how to become certified, verify status, renew or reinstate your license, and transfer an out-of-state credential—based on regulations from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS).

How to Get Your CNA License in North Dakota

Follow these steps to earn CNA certification in North Dakota.

Step 1: Complete an Approved CNA Program

Enroll in an NDHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP). Programs require at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical training before resident contact.

Training covers:

• Communication, safety, infection control, and resident rights
• Basic nursing and personal care skills
• Support for cognitively impaired residents
• Mental health, restorative care, and social services

Once complete, your program will register you in the TMU portal.

Step 2: Activate Your TMU Account

You will receive login credentials from D&SDT-Headmaster. Log in to:

• Reset your password
• Complete your demographic profile

Your account must be complete before scheduling your exam.

Step 3: Submit Exam Payment

Pay through the TMU portal unless covered by your program:

Step 4: Schedule and Take the Exam

Schedule your test in TMU. Exams are administered by D&SDT-Headmaster.

Knowledge Exam

• 72 multiple-choice questions
• Time limit: 90 minutes
• Passing score: 75%

Skills Exam

• Five randomly assigned tasks
• Includes mandatory hand hygiene and indirect care
• Passing score: 80% with all key steps correct

You are allowed three attempts per component. After three failures, retraining is required.

Exam Day Requirements

Bring:

• Valid, non-expired U.S. government-issued photo ID
• Original Social Security card

Both must match your TMU profile exactly.

Step 5: Apply for Certification

After passing both exams, complete the Nurse Aide Initial Application. The non-refundable fee is $25.

You must provide:

• Full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number
• Mailing address, phone, and email
• Background documentation if required

Step 6: Verify Your Status

Once approved, your name will appear in the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. Use the Print Registrant Card tool to access your listing.

State-Approved CNA Programs in North Dakota

The following CNA programs are approved by NDHHS. Compare tuition, schedule, clinical sites, and job placement support to choose the best option.

1. Bismarck State College

   1500 Edwards Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501

   (800) 445-5073

2. Lake Region State College

   1801 College Dr N, Devils Lake, ND 58301

   (701) 662-1600

3. North Dakota State College of Science

   800 6th St N, Wahpeton, ND 58075

   (800) 342-4325

4. Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College

   220 8th Ave E, New Town, ND 58763

   (701) 627-4738

5. Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center

   1500 University Ave W, Minot, ND 58703

   (701) 857-9600

6. Turtle Mountain Community College

   10145 BIA Rd 7, St John, ND 58369

   (701) 477-7862

How to Verify Your CNA License in North Dakota

Use the NDHHS Nurse Aide Registry Verification tool to confirm certification, employment eligibility, and any disciplinary actions.

Step 1: Visit the Verification Portal

Go to the verification page.

Step 2: Search by Name

Enter your full name to view:

• Registry type and certification status
• Any substantiated findings

Step 3: View Full Details

To unlock full results, enter:

• Registrant ID
• Date of birth
• Last 4 digits of your SSN

Step 4: Confirm Status

Your profile will show issue and expiration dates and any findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.

How to Renew Your CNA License in North Dakota

CNA licenses must be renewed every 24 months through the NDHHS Renewal Portal.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You are eligible if you:

• Completed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related duties
• Worked in North Dakota within the past 24 months

Step 2: Access the Renewal Application

Select the CNA renewal form (not NA, HHA, or MA unless applicable).

Step 3: Submit Employer Verification

Your employer must complete the form. Upload background documents if required.

Step 4: Submit the Renewal

Log in with:

• Last name
• Last four digits of SSN
• Registry ID

There is no fee for CNA renewal.

Step 5: Verify Renewal

Check the registry to confirm your renewed status.

How to Reinstate Your CNA License in North Dakota

If your certification is expired and not eligible for renewal, you must complete Reactivation by Examination.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Previously certified in North Dakota
• Completed an approved CNA program
• Did not earn original certification by challenge

Step 2: Apply Online

Submit the Reactivation by Examination application. Upload proof of training.

Step 3: Complete TMU Profile

Use your temporary login to update password and demographic details in TMU.

Step 4: Schedule the Exam

Use the Test Site List to find a location.

Step 5: Pass the Exam

• Knowledge: 72 questions, 90 minutes, 75% passing score
• Skills: 3–4 tasks, 80% accuracy, all key steps correct

Step 6: Verify Certification

Once passed, your status will be updated in the registry. Use the verification tool to confirm.

How to Transfer Your CNA License to North Dakota

If certified in another state, apply for endorsement through the NDHHS CNA Endorsement Application.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

• Current CNA certification in another U.S. state
• Good standing with no disciplinary findings

Step 2: Obtain State Verifications

Upload online verifications or request state registries to send verification directly.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

• Copy of out-of-state CNA certificate
• Verification from all applicable states
• Background documents if needed

Step 4: Submit the Application

Upload all documents. Use “Save for Later” as needed. Avoid the browser back button.

Step 5: Monitor Your Application

Processing takes 3–5 business days. Check status online or by email.

Step 6: Confirm Your Certification

Once approved, your listing will appear as Active in the registry.

North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry

The North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS), is the official database of certified nurse aides eligible to work in the state. The registry records certification status, renewal eligibility, training history, and any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property. Employers must verify a CNA’s active status before hire, while nurse aides use the registry to confirm certification, renew or reinstate credentials, and update personal information.

Contact Information

• Agency: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS), Health Facilities Unit
• Address: 1720 Burlington Drive, Suite A, Bismarck, ND 58504-7736
• Phone: (701) 328-2353
• Fax: (701) 328-1890
• Email: naregistry@nd.gov
• Registry Search: North Dakota CNA Registry Lookup

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get CNA certification in North Dakota with a criminal record?

Possibly. You must disclose any convictions in your application. NDHHS reviews each case individually, and supporting documentation may be required.

Are ADA testing accommodations available?

Yes. Submit an ADA Accommodation Request in TMU with supporting documentation. Approval is required before scheduling.

How should you prepare for the knowledge exam?

Review the North Dakota Candidate Handbook. Use official Headmaster practice tests and cover all required topics.

What identification is required for the exam?

Bring a valid, signed, non-expired U.S. government-issued photo ID and your original Social Security card. The name on both must match your TMU record.

What should you wear for the skills exam?

Wear scrubs and closed-toe shoes. Clinical attire is recommended but not required. Remove all jewelry and accessories before testing.

How do you update your name or address?

Use the NDHHS Change Request Form. You will need your last name, last four digits of your SSN, and Registry ID to log in.

Can you work before you are certified?

No. You may not perform CNA duties until your name appears on the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish an NDHHS-approved nurse aide training program before testing.
• Pass both exam components: Take the knowledge and skills exams through D&SDT-Headmaster within 24 months of training.
• Appear on the state registry: After passing both exams, your active status is posted on the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry.
• Renew every two years: Complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work under RN or LPN supervision in the past 24 months. No renewal fee applies.
• Reinstate if expired: If not eligible for renewal, submit a Reactivation by Examination application in TMU and retake both exams.
• Transfer by endorsement: Apply through the NDHHS CNA Endorsement Application with official verification from each state where you hold or have held certification.
• Verify status online: Use the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry search tool to confirm your certification status.

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