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Certified Nursing Assistant
Total cost: $137.75 (standard written knowledge + skills test)
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) / Division of Quality Assurance
Official website →Some details on this page are not yet confirmed against an official source. See sources below or contact the licensing board to verify.
75 hrs
Training Hours
D&S Diversified Technologies LLP / Headmaster LLP via TestMaster Universe (TMU)
Exam Provider
$137.75 (standard written knowledge + skills test)
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24-month certification period)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under RN or LPN supervision at a federally certified facility during the 24-month certification period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) / Division of Quality Assurance
888-401-0465
Program Approval Body
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) / Division of Quality Assurance
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
75
Total Hours
59
Classroom
16
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
Topics Covered
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Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies LLP / Headmaster LLP via TestMaster Universe (TMU)
Written Exam Details
75
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
76%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
35 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Up to 3 attempts within 1 year of training completion; after 3 failures, must retrain
Overall licensing difficulty: 1/100
Study recommendation: 1–2 weeks of focused review is usually sufficient
Practice with realistic exam questions
CNA Certification Exam
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Difficulty rating based on education, exam, and experience requirements. Individual experience may vary.
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CNA Competency Exam
Questions
75 questions
Time Limit
90 minutes
Passing Score
76%
Administered By
D&S Diversified Technologies LLP / Headmaster LLP via TestMaster Universe (TMU)
Cost of failing
Retake fee: $137.75 ($35.70 Knowledge Exam + $102.05 Skills Test)Invest in preparation to pass the first time.
How long should you study? Most candidates study 2–4 weeks before taking the CNA Competency Exam.
Study Materials & Exam Prep — CNA Certification Exam
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Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
Not sure if you need a cna license? Check whether your state requires one.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; WisCaregiver Careers program offers free training; skilled nursing facilities cannot charge employees for training | $500–$1,200 |
Competency Exam Fee Knowledge exam $35.70 + Skills exam $102.05; Audio knowledge exam $40.95 instead of written. Paid to D&S Diversified (Headmaster). All fees non-refundable | $137.75 ($35.70 Knowledge Exam + $102.05 Skills Test) |
State Registration Fee No separate registration fee; added to registry upon passing exam | $0 |
Background Check Fee Background check conducted by DHS at no cost to candidate | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Exam fee only ($137.75); no separate registration or background check fees; excludes training program tuition | $137.75 (standard written knowledge + skills test) |
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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-month certification period)
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related services under RN or LPN supervision at a federally certified facility during the 24-month certification period
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0 (no renewal fee referenced)
No renewal fee
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
If certification lapses, must retake both skills and written exams; no retraining required
Inactive Reinstatement
Must retake and pass both the knowledge and skills exams if certification has lapsed; Wisconsin does not require retraining if federal eligibility is lost, allowing candidates to test without completing a new training program
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 Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, provide verification of active certification from previous state
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.
Moving to another state? Use our Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Compare Wisconsin with other states →
See how requirements, costs, and timelines differ across all 50 states.
Wisconsin follows the federal 75-hour minimum. Uses D&S Headmaster/TMU for testing (not Pearson VUE). Knowledge exam has 75 questions with 76% passing score (unique). No renewal fee. No retraining required if certification lapses (just retest). Student aides can work up to 120 days while in training.
Wisconsin follows the federal OBRA minimum of 75 training hours (59 classroom + 16 clinical)
The competency exam is administered by D&S Diversified (Headmaster) via TMU, not Pearson VUE
Knowledge exam has 75 questions with a 76% passing score (higher than most states)
Skills evaluation requires 80% overall passing score with hand hygiene as a mandatory task
No renewal fee and no separate registration or background check fees
Student nurse aides may work up to 120 days while enrolled in training before certification
WisCaregiver Careers program offers free CNA training for qualifying individuals
Wisconsin does not require retraining if certification lapses; candidates can retake exams directly
Audio version of knowledge exam available for $40.95 (vs $35.70 for written)
Remotely proctored knowledge exam option available
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Audio Version of the Knowledge Exam: $40.95; Knowledge Exam (written): $35.70
CNA requirements in nearby states
Other professional licenses in Wisconsin
See how Wisconsin compares: CNA License Fees by State — Cheapest to Most Expensive →
Related Guides
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CNA Schools in Wisconsin
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Moving to Wisconsin? Use our free Transfer Tool to see what you need →
Already licensed elsewhere? See how to transfer your CNA license to Wisconsin →
Transfer your CNA license from Wisconsin to: Illinois → | Iowa → | Michigan → | Minnesota →
Wisconsin requires 75 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies LLP / Headmaster LLP via TestMaster Universe (TMU) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) / Division of Quality Assurance.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.