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How to become a CNA in Missouri. Training: 175 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $125. 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.
71% of data points are verified against official sources. 9 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
175 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam Provider
$125
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services within each 24-month period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
573-526-5686
Program Approval Body
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
175
Total Hours
75
Classroom
100
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
75
Questions
60 min
Time Limit
80%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3-4 (handwashing is mandatory)
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
All attempts must be completed within 90 days of first exam; both exams must be passed within 1 year of training start
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 | $1,000-$2,000 |
Competency Exam Fee Skills exam $95 + Knowledge exam $30; audio format adds $10; paid to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) | $125 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Total exam fees (excludes training program tuition) | $125 |
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 hours of paid nursing-related services within each 24-month period
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$20
Biennial renewal fee
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed 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 hold an active CNA certification in another U.S. state and apply for reciprocity through the Missouri registry
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.
Missouri requires 175 total training hours (75 classroom + 100 clinical), one of the highest in the nation. Missouri also has a unique Employee Disqualification List (EDL) and offers CMT (Certified Medication Technician) certification as an advancement pathway for CNAs.
Missouri requires 175 training hours (75 classroom + 100 clinical), well above the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) through the TMU platform
All CNAs must be listed on the state Nurse Aide Registry to practice
Missouri also offers Certified Medication Technician (CMT) certification for CNAs who wish to administer medications
High school Vo-Tech students may enroll in CNA programs under age 18
In-service training of 12 hours/year is required for long-term care facility employees only
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 Missouri.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#51 of 51
Salary
#38 of 51
Cost
#17 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$34,770
25th percentile
Median
$37,170
-6% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$40,170
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
32,650 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+240% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$37,170
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$37,170
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$59,030
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$79,770
MSN or DNP + national certification
$126,370
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: 9–25 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services — Licensing Requirements
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Missouri requires 175 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 Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.