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How to become a CNA in Wisconsin. Training: 75 hours required. Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) via TestMaster Universe (TMU). Total initial fees: $137.75. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) / Division of Quality Assurance
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
65% of data points are verified against official sources. 13 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs 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) via TestMaster Universe (TMU)
Exam Provider
$137.75
Total Initial Fees
2 years
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
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) 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
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; 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 |
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 |
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 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
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.
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.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Wisconsin.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#20 of 51
Cost
#24 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$38,500
25th percentile
Median
$43,250
+9% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$45,920
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
27,480 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+197% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$43,250
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$43,250
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$61,040
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$86,070
MSN or DNP + national certification
$128,580
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.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Wisconsin requires 75 hours of training and passage of the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) 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.