Wisconsin CNA Registry Guide

A comprehensive guide to the Wisconsin CNA Registry: From application to renewal

Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Wisconsin! The Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.

Requirements to get on the Wisconsin CNA Registry

Fees

The application process is free of charge.

Minimum Age

Some training schools will require you to be at least 17 years old to apply.

Minimum Education

Training school may require to have a high school diploma or a GED.

Training Requirements

To qualify you must complete a state-approved program of 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical work.

Competency Test

To be certified on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, you must take the state-approved competency exam, which includes a written knowledge test and a skill test (costing around $125).

To schedule the Wisconsin competency examination, you must have completed an approved nurse aide training program or have a DHS-issued approval to test letter. All nurse aide candidates must be registered with D&SDT-HEADMASTER by their training program or alternate registration route in the TestMaster Universe (TMU©) software at wi.tmuniverse.com. See the Candidate Handbook for more information.

Background Check

Background checks will be dealt with by your employer.

Applying to appear on the Wisconsin CNA Registry

Where to apply

Upon completing an approved nurse aide training program and successfully passing the required knowledge and skill exams or completing an alternate approved route, individuals will be listed on the Registry at wi.tmuniverse.com. A newly trained nurse aide candidate must pass the knowledge and skill exams within 1 year of successfully completing a training program.

Required Documentation

This will be taken care of by the training program provider.

Restrictions

None, unless you fail to pass the examinations.

Processing Time

Unknown.

How to keep your license on the Wisconsin CNA Registry

Stay Active

The certification period is for 24 months, and you must renew every 2 years by providing verification that you have worked a minimum of eight hours during the 24-month time frame as a nurse aide in a federally certified facility. Paid work hours must be completed under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse.

Renew

You will be eligible to renew your federal certification 90 days before the certification expiration date. To renew your application, you must log in to TMU© at wi.tmuniverse.com and list your work hours and where you were employed. An email verification link will be sent to the employer contact
on record. When the employer verifies your documented work experience, your federal eligibility will be extended an additional 24 months. Please note out-of-state employers are not listed in TMU© but may still be eligible to renew certification.

Processing time: unknown.

Reactivate your expired license

If the certification expires, you must pass both components of the approved Wisconsin nurse aide competency examination. 

Wisconsin CNA reciprocity

For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Wisconsin CNA Reciprocity page.

Wisconsin Registry and contact details

Link to Registry: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/nurse-aide/nurse-aide.htm

Link to license lookup: https://wi.tmutest.com/search

Contact information:
Email: dhswidqa_natcep@dhs.wisconsin.gov
Phone: 888-401-0465
Address: Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Division of Quality Assurance, Attn: Nurse Aide Training Consultant, PO Box 2969, Madison, WI 53701-2969