CNA Classes in Minnesota
7 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training programs across 1 city in Minnesota. Minnesota requires 75 hours minimum of training, with the competency exam administered by D&SDT-Headmaster (the MDH-approved test contractor since Feb 1, 2022) using the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform.
Training Hours
75 hours minimum
Exam Vendor
D&SDT-Headmaster (the MDH-approved test contractor since Feb 1, 2022) using the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform
$270 total for knowledge and skills combined; $100 for written only; $170 for skills only
Time to Certify
4-10 weeks from program start to Nurse Aide Registry listing
Minimum Age
16
Cost: $0-$1,800 depending on whether training is employer-sponsored, a Minnesota State college, or a private provider
What makes Minnesota different: Minnesota allows up to 4 knowledge-test attempts and 3 skills-test attempts within 24 months of training completion — significantly more generous than most states — and the registry uses the TestMaster Universe platform exclusively since February 2022
CNA Classes by City in Minnesota
Becoming a CNA in Minnesota
Becoming a CNA in Minnesota is overseen by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), which approves all nurse aide training programs, maintains the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, and since February 1, 2022 contracts exclusively with D&SDT-Headmaster as the state's testing administrator using the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform. Minnesota requires the federal minimum of 75 training hours, with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training with live patients — significantly less than Maryland's 100 hours or California's 160 hours.
Minnesota is more generous than most states on exam retakes: you have up to 4 attempts at the knowledge test and 3 attempts at the skills test within 24 months of completing your training program. The 70-question knowledge test requires answering 52 questions correctly (74% to pass), and the skills test requires performing 5 randomly selected skills in front of a nurse evaluator. Combined exam fees are $270, with the option to pay $100 for the written portion only or $170 for the skills portion only if you need to retake just one part.
Once you pass both portions and clear a Minnesota DHS background study through NETStudy 2.0, MDH adds your name to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry — typically within 1-2 weeks. You can verify your status at nar.web.health.state.mn.us. From that point you are authorized to work as a CNA in any Minnesota-licensed nursing home or certified boarding care home, and most CNAs also find employment in hospitals, home health agencies, and assisted living facilities. To maintain your registry status you must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing services every 24 months.
How to Become a CNA in Minnesota
- 1
Confirm you meet Minnesota's eligibility requirements
You must be at least 16 years old to be listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. You must be willing to complete a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study through NETStudy 2.0; substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state registry will disqualify you. A high school diploma or GED is not required by MDH.
- 2
Enroll in an MDH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program
Find a 75-hour nurse aide training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health. Approved providers include Minnesota State colleges, many high schools (through CTE programs), nursing homes, and private schools. The program must provide at least 75 hours of instruction with a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training with live patients.
- 3
Complete training and have your instructor enter you into TMU
Pass all classroom modules and demonstrate the required clinical skills. Your instructor enters your record into the D&SDT-Headmaster TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — Minnesota's exclusive testing system since February 1, 2022 — which authorizes you to schedule the competency exam.
- 4
Schedule and pay for your competency exam
Register through TMU and schedule both portions of your competency exam at an MDH-approved testing site. The combined fee is $270 (knowledge plus skills); written only is $100, skills only is $170. You may test at any approved site regardless of where you trained. You have up to 4 knowledge attempts and 3 skills attempts within 24 months of program completion.
- 5
Pass both portions of the Minnesota competency exam
The knowledge test has 70 multiple-choice questions; you must answer 52 correctly (74%) to pass. The skills test asks you to perform 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills under a nurse evaluator's observation using printed checklist criteria. Pass both portions to qualify for registry placement.
- 6
Complete the DHS background study and get listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry
Your employer (or the testing site for unemployed candidates) initiates a Minnesota DHS background study through NETStudy 2.0. Once results clear and Headmaster transmits your passing scores, MDH adds you to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry — typically within 1-2 weeks. Verify your status at nar.web.health.state.mn.us.
- 7
Begin working — and renew every two years
Once you are listed as Active on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry you may work in any Minnesota-licensed nursing home or certified boarding care home, and most CNAs also work in hospitals and home health. To renew every 24 months you must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work during the renewal cycle and submit your renewal through the MDH online portal.
Accelerated CNA Programs (≤4 weeks)
3 fast-track options for students who want to start working quickly.
All CNA Programs in Minnesota (7)
Midwest Career Institute
Minneapolis, MN
Certified Nursing Assistant
- Duration:
- 6 weeks (95 hours)
- Cost:
- $750
Lighthouse Training Center
Minneapolis, MN
Certified Nursing Assistant
- Duration:
- 4 weeks
- Cost:
- $1,000
Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Minnesota
Who administers the Minnesota CNA exam?
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Since February 1, 2022, the Minnesota Department of Health has contracted exclusively with D&SDT-Headmaster as the state's nurse aide testing administrator. Tests are scheduled through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform. This is NOT Prometric, Credentia, or Pearson VUE — Minnesota uses Headmaster only. You can register at hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/Minnesota/MN_CNA_Home.htm.
How many times can I retake the Minnesota CNA exam?
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Minnesota is among the most generous states for retakes: you have up to 4 attempts at the knowledge test and 3 attempts at the skills test within 24 months of completing your training program. The knowledge-only fee is $100 and the skills-only fee is $170 if you need to retake only one part. If you exhaust your attempts you must retrain before testing again.
How much does the Minnesota CNA exam cost?
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The combined knowledge plus skills exam fee through D&SDT-Headmaster is $270. Written only is $100, skills only is $170. These fees include both administrative charges and Headmaster's testing fee. There is no separate MDH application fee for initial registry placement after you pass.
What is the minimum age to become a CNA in Minnesota?
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Minnesota requires CNAs to be at least 16 years old to be listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. Many Minnesota high schools offer CNA training as part of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs starting at age 16. There is no formal high school diploma or GED requirement for the exam or for registry placement.
How does the Minnesota DHS background study work?
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Minnesota requires a background study through the Department of Human Services (DHS) NETStudy 2.0 system before you can be listed on the Nurse Aide Registry or work in a long-term care setting. Your employer (or the testing site) initiates the study, which checks Minnesota criminal records and certain federal databases. Substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state registry are permanent disqualifiers.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Minnesota?
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Most candidates complete the entire process in 4 to 10 weeks. Full-time programs can finish 75 hours in 2-3 weeks; part-time evening or weekend programs run 6-8 weeks. After passing the exam and clearing your DHS background study, your name typically appears on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry within 1-2 weeks.