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How to become a CNA in Montana. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $97. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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54% of data points are verified against official sources. 16 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
$97
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services during the past 24 months
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
(406) 444-4980
Program Approval Body
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
50
Classroom
25
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Written Exam Details
72
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
75%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
3-4
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Both components must be passed within 6 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 test $20 + Skills test $77; oral knowledge test $31 instead of $20; paid to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) | $97 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee; online through BOUNDS portal | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Total exam fees (excludes training program tuition); $108 if oral exam chosen | $97 |
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
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services during the past 24 months
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
Online renewal through BOUNDS portal; no renewal fee listed
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
Interstate Endorsement available through the BOUNDS online portal for holders of current CNA certificates from other U.S. states or territories
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.
Montana requires all CNA applications and renewals to be completed online through the BOUNDS portal - paper applications are no longer accepted. Montana also offers a no-fee interstate endorsement for out-of-state CNAs.
Montana follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours with 25 hours minimum clinical
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) through the TMU platform
All applications and renewals must be completed online through the BOUNDS portal; paper applications are no longer accepted
Montana also offers Home Health Aide (HHA) endorsement for CNAs
Interstate endorsement applications have no fee
Headmaster Montana office contact: (406) 442-8656 or montana@hdmaster.com
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 Montana.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#24 of 51
Cost
#7 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$37,040
25th percentile
Median
$39,300
-1% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$46,220
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
4,800 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
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CNA
$39,300
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$39,300
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$59,750
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$81,560
MSN or DNP + national certification
$133,640
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: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Montana 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 Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.