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How to become a CNA in Mississippi. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $135. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
56% of data points are verified against official sources. 15 fields based on preliminary research. 3 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
$135
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related services during the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Mississippi State Department of Health
601-364-2718
Program Approval Body
Mississippi State Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Mississippi State Department of Health
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Mississippi State Department of Health
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Not Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
73%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3-4
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Both exams must be passed within 24 months of training completion
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 exam $35 + Skills exam $100; paid to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) | $135 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee; exam fee includes registry placement | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Total exam fees (excludes training program tuition) | $135 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN/LVN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nursing-related services during the past 24 months
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$25
Biennial renewal fee
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed for more than 24 months without qualifying employment
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
Must apply for reciprocity through the state registry, provide verification of active certification from previous state, and pass a background check
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.
Mississippi follows the federal minimum of 75 hours and uses D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) for both testing and registry management through the TMU platform.
Mississippi follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) through their TMU platform
All CNAs must be listed on the state Nurse Aide Registry to practice
Renewal requires proof of at least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in past 24 months
Registry and testing services contact: 888-401-0462
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 Mississippi.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#50 of 51
Cost
#20 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$28,710
25th percentile
Median
$30,460
-23% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$35,100
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
13,130 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+292% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$30,460
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$30,460
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$48,850
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$74,470
MSN or DNP + national certification
$119,290
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: Mississippi State Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Mississippi State Department of Health — Licensing Requirements
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Mississippi 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 Mississippi State Department of Health.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.