A comprehensive guide to the Minnesota CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Minnesota! The Minnesota CNA Registry serves as the authoritative hub, ensuring the qualification, competence, and adherence to standards for all CNAs in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the Minnesota CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status. If you’re just starting your CNA journey and need to complete your training first, visit our guide to CNA programs in Minnesota.
Requirements to get on the Minnesota CNA Registry
Fees
The application process is free of charge. However, the competency exam costs $270 for both the knowledge and skills tests combined ($100 for written only, $170 for skills only), paid to Headmaster.
Minimum Age
You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for registration. Some training schools may have higher age requirements.
Minimum Education
It is not necessary to have finished high school education, however, it is strongly encouraged and some training schools will require a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
To qualify you must complete a 75-hour MDH-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training with a live person in a lab or clinical setting. Hybrid delivery is permitted, but all clinical hours must be completed in person. If you’re looking for approved training programs in Minnesota, check out our comprehensive list of CNA programs in Minnesota.
Competency Test
The Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Exam is administered by D&SDT-Headmaster through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform. You must pass both a knowledge test (70 multiple-choice questions, 74% to pass) and a hands-on skills test within 24 months of completing your training program. The knowledge test is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.
Background Check
Minnesota requires a Department of Human Services (DHS) Background Study — not a standard criminal background check — before starting clinical rotations. The Background Study is initiated through NETStudy 2.0 by the training program or employer.
Applying to appear on the Minnesota CNA Registry
Where to apply
As of January 8, 2024, all applications must be submitted online through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry portal. MDH no longer accepts paper applications by mail or email. Your training provider enters your record into the TMU platform, which authorizes you to schedule the competency exam.
Required Documentation
Proof of completion from an MDH-approved NATCEP, a valid government-issued photo ID for exam day, and DHS Background Study clearance. Passing exam scores are transmitted electronically by Headmaster to MDH.
Restrictions
Individuals with substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or theft on any state registry are ineligible. Certain disqualifying convictions under Minnesota’s DHS Background Study standards also prevent registry placement.
Processing Time
You will typically be listed on the Registry within a few business days after passing both parts of the exam and clearing the DHS Background Study.
How to keep your license on the Minnesota CNA Registry
Stay Active
To remain active on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, you must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related duties every 24 months, performed under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Volunteer work does not qualify.
Renew
Renewal is submitted online through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry portal every 24 months. There is no renewal fee and no continuing education requirement beyond federal in-service requirements. Employers verify employment through the registry system.
Reactivate your expired license
If you have not performed qualifying paid work for more than 2 years, you must register as a “Challenge” or “Test-Out” candidate through Headmaster’s TMU platform and retake both the knowledge and skills competency tests. Retraining is not required if you previously completed an MDH-approved NATCEP. Full exam fees apply.
Minnesota CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Minnesota CNA Reciprocity page.
Minnesota Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/nursingassistant/index.html
Link to license lookup: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/nursingassistant/checkregistry.html
Contact information:
Email: Health.FPC-NAR@state.mn.us
Phone: 651-215-8705 (toll-free in MN: 1-800-397-6124)
Address:
Nurse Aide Registry, P.O. Box 64501, St. Paul, MN 55164-0501