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How to become a CNA in Minnesota. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $270. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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57% of data points are verified against official sources. 13 fields based on preliminary research. 4 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
75 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam Provider
$270
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have completed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months; orientation, training, and in-service hours do not count
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – Nurse Aide Registry
(651) 201-4200
Program Approval Body
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – Nurse Aide Registry
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
74%%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3-4 tasks
Skills Tasks
Attempts Allowed
4 for knowledge, 3 for skills
Retest Waiting Period
Must complete within 24 months of program completion; 4 attempts for knowledge, 3 for skills
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 Includes administrative and Headmaster fees; fees may vary by testing site; some training providers cover exam costs | $270 (knowledge + skills); $100 (written only); $170 (skills only) |
State Registration Fee MDH no longer accepts paper applications; online system used | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Exam fees (knowledge + skills); may vary by testing site; excludes training program tuition | $270 |
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 completed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months; orientation, training, and in-service hours do not count
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
Submit renewal via Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry online system; allow up to 30 business days for review
Inactive Reinstatement
If certification has lapsed due to insufficient work history, must retake and pass the competency exam to be reinstated on the registry
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
Interstate endorsement available for CNAs certified in another state who have worked or tested in that state within the past 24 months; apply through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry online system
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.
Minnesota offers the knowledge exam in 4 languages (English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong) reflecting its diverse population. The knowledge exam has a unique 74% passing score and 70 questions. Knowledge and skills exams have different attempt limits (4 vs 3). At $270 total, Minnesota has among the highest CNA exam fees nationally. Trainees may work up to 120 days before passing the exam.
Minnesota follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours (59 classroom + 16 clinical)
Minnesota uses D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for competency evaluation
As of January 27, 2025, the knowledge test is available in English, Spanish, Somali, and Hmong
Knowledge exam has 70 questions with a 74% passing score; skills require 80% accuracy
Knowledge exam allows 4 attempts; skills exam allows 3 attempts
Minimum age is 16 years old
May work up to 120 days while enrolled in a program before passing the exam
MDH no longer accepts paper applications for registry; all applications are online
Exam fees are $270 total ($100 knowledge + $170 skills) but may vary by testing site
Contact: NAR at (651) 201-4200 or toll-free 1-800-397-6124 (MN only) or health.FPC-NAR@state.mn.us
Contact Headmaster at (800) 393-8664 or minnesota@hdmaster.com for exam questions
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 Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#9 of 51
Cost
#47 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$39,790
25th percentile
Median
$45,580
+15% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$48,100
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
26,970 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+182% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$45,580
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$45,580
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,870
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$100,870
MSN or DNP + national certification
$128,570
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.
Source: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – Nurse Aide Registry — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – Nurse Aide Registry — Licensing Requirements
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Minnesota 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 Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – Nurse Aide Registry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.