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How to become a CNA in Michigan. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $215. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS)
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
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75 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam Provider
$215
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
24 hours per renewal cycle (12 hours per year); must include abuse, neglect, and care planning training hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 40 hours of paid CNA or nursing-related work in the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS)
(517) 241-2500
Program Approval Body
LARA – Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
LARA – Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
65
Questions
60 min
Time Limit
Skills Evaluation Details
3-4 randomly assigned skills
Skills Tasks
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Both parts must be completed within 24 months of training; up to 3 attempts per component
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; some employers cover training costs | $500–$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Knowledge + skills exam $175; knowledge only $175; skills only $175 (paid to Headmaster) | $175 |
State Registration Fee Registry registration fee paid through MI-NATES online system | $40 |
Total Initial Fees $175 exam fee + $40 registry registration; excludes training program tuition | $215 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 40 hours of paid CNA or nursing-related work in the past 24 months
Work Requirement
24 hours per renewal cycle (12 hours per year); must include abuse, neglect, and care planning training
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$40
Biennial renewal fee paid online
Inactive Reinstatement
If lapsed under 24 months, may renew with attestation; if over 24 months, must retrain and retest before reapplying
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Submit application through MI-NATES online portal with proof of active out-of-state certification; $40 non-refundable application fee; must be from a Michigan-approved state
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
Michigan has significantly higher renewal requirements than most states: 40 paid work hours (vs federal 8) and 24 CE hours (vs federal 12) per 2-year cycle. The exam fee is a flat $175 whether taking one or both components. Minimum age for training (16) differs from minimum age for registry application (17). May work temporarily for 4 months after training while awaiting exam results.
Michigan follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours (59 classroom + 16 clinical)
Michigan uses D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for competency evaluation, not Prometric or Pearson VUE
Michigan requires 40 hours of paid work and 24 hours of CE per renewal cycle (much higher than the federal 8-hour/12-hour minimums)
Effective March 23, 2026: at least 12 CE hours annually required per Rule 400.315
CE must include abuse, neglect, and care planning training
Minimum age is 16 for training, 17 for registry application
May work as a temporary nurse aide for up to 4 months after completing training
MI-NATES is the online system for registration and renewal management
Exam fee of $175 is the same regardless of taking one or both components
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Michigan.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#26 of 51
Cost
#43 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$37,180
25th percentile
Median
$38,900
-2% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$43,320
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
40,230 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+223% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$38,900
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$38,900
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$63,810
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$85,670
MSN or DNP + national certification
$125,620
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 6–20 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Michigan requires 75 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) – Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.