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How to become a CNA in North Dakota. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Total initial fees: $275. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
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60% of data points are verified against official sources. 14 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
$275
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have completed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related duties in North Dakota within the past 24 months (hours do not have to be consecutive)
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS)
Program Approval Body
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Health Facilities Unit
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Health Facilities Unit
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
72
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
75%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5 (including hand hygiene and indirect care evaluation)
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
3 attempts per component; retraining required after 3 failures; exams must be taken within 24 months of training
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 Skills + Knowledge exam $250; Knowledge retake $120; Skills retake $170; paid to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) | $250 |
State Registration Fee Non-refundable application fee paid to NDHHS | $25 |
Total Initial Fees Exam $250 + Application $25 (excludes training tuition) | $275 |
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 completed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related duties in North Dakota within the past 24 months (hours do not have to be consecutive)
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
No 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
Apply through the NDHHS CNA Endorsement Application with official verification from all states where certification is or was held
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.
North Dakota has one of the highest initial CNA exam fees at $250 but charges no renewal fee. Reciprocity applicants must provide verification from ALL states where certification is or was held, not just the most recent state. Work hours for renewal must be performed specifically in North Dakota.
North Dakota follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)
Exam fees are $250 for both components - among the highest initial exam fees nationwide
No renewal fee - renewal is free
Work hours for renewal do not need to be consecutive
Must be worked in North Dakota specifically (not just any state)
Reciprocity requires verification from ALL states where CNA certification was held
Headmaster contact: (800) 393-8664 or northdakota@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 North Dakota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#17 of 51
Cost
#48 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$36,060
25th percentile
Median
$44,190
+12% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$46,880
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
6,920 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+179% salary growth potential
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CNA
$44,190
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$44,190
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$60,820
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$78,260
MSN or DNP + national certification
$123,220
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: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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North Dakota 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 North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.