CNA Requirements in Kansas

Becoming a CNA in Kansas is overseen by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), specifically the Health Occupations Credentialing section based at 503 S Kansas Ave in Topeka. Kansas requires 90 hours of state-approved training — 15 hours above the federal minimum of 75 — split evenly between classroom education and supervised clinical practice in a licensed adult care home. The state contracts with Headmaster LLP (D&SDT) as the sole competency exam vendor using the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform.

Kansas is one of only a handful of states with a true two-part training pathway. After completing Part I (20 hours classroom + 20 hours lab/clinical), an RN can sign off on your Part I task checklist and you become eligible to work as a Trainee II in a licensed adult care home for up to four months while you complete Part II. This staged approach lets Kansas students earn a paycheck partway through training, which is uncommon — most states require the full curriculum and exam before any paid work is allowed.

Once you pass both portions of the Headmaster exam, KDADS adds your name to the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, typically within 2-3 weeks. To stay active you must complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA work (not in a doctor's office or clinic) during each 24-month renewal cycle and submit the Employment Verification Form to KDADS. The renewal fee is approximately $135 paid to KDADS for a standard paper renewal. The state distinguishes CNAs from Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) and Home Health Aides (HHAs), all of which are credentialed through the same Health Occupations Credentialing office.