CNA Requirements in Michigan
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Michigan: the training, exam, background check, and timeline you need to plan for.
Find Michigan CNA Training ProgramsMichigan CNA Requirements at a Glance
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
75 hours
Time to Certification
5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)
Exam Vendor
D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) — Michigan switched from Prometric in July 2023
Becoming a CNA in Michigan
Becoming a CNA in Michigan changed significantly in 2023 when LARA — the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs — switched testing vendors from Prometric to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) and launched MI-NATES (Michigan Nurse Aide Training and Enforcement System) as the state's first fully paperless registry portal. If you took a Michigan CNA exam before July 2023, you tested with Prometric; everyone since takes the Headmaster TMU exam at mi.tmutest.com. This is a recent change, and outdated study materials still reference Prometric, so make sure your prep is current.
Michigan's training requirement is the federal minimum of 75 hours under Part 219 of the Michigan Public Health Code. Most full-time programs at Michigan's community college system — Wayne County Community College, Macomb, Grand Rapids, Lansing, and others — can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks at a typical cost of $400 to $1,200 for residents. Several Michigan LTC chains in metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, Flint, and Lansing sponsor CNA training in exchange for a 3 to 12 month work commitment, particularly in markets with acute staffing shortages.
All registry transactions in Michigan flow through MI-NATES via a MILogin account: new applications, the $40 LARA registry fee, renewals, reinstatements, and out-of-state reciprocity. Starting March 23, 2026, Michigan CNAs will also attest in MI-NATES to completing at least 12 hours of continuing education each year of their 24-month renewal period. The minimum age for CNA training is 16, and there is no formal high school diploma requirement from LARA. Background screening requires both an ICHAT check from the Michigan State Police and a federal FBI fingerprint clearance, which can typically be completed in parallel with your training.
Detailed Michigan CNA Requirements
Regulatory Body
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Community and Health Systems
Minimum Age
You must be at least 16 years old to begin CNA training in Michigan.
Education Requirement
No high school diploma or GED required by LARA, though most training programs require basic English literacy
Training Hours
75 hours required.
Minimum 75 hours total, including 16 hours of classroom core curriculum before any direct resident contact and at least 16 hours of supervised skills training
Background Check
Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check plus federal FBI fingerprint clearance
Competency Exam
Administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) — Michigan switched from Prometric in July 2023. Two-part exam: a written (or oral) knowledge test plus a hands-on skills evaluation, administered through Headmaster's TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform
Cost: Varies; check Headmaster's TMU Michigan fee schedule (typically $90–$130 total for both portions)
Application Fee
$40 non-refundable LARA registry fee paid through the MI-NATES portal
Total Cost Estimate
$0 (employer-sponsored) to $1,500 (private program)
Where You Can Work
Skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, hospice programs, and other LARA-licensed healthcare settings throughout Michigan
What's Different About Michigan
Michigan switched its CNA testing vendor from Prometric to D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) in July 2023 and uses an online portal called MI-NATES (Michigan Nurse Aide Training and Enforcement System) for all registry transactions
How to Become a CNA in Michigan: Step by Step
Confirm you meet the prerequisites
You must be at least 16, free of disqualifying convictions under Michigan healthcare worker background check rules, and able to read and write English. There is no formal high school diploma requirement from LARA, though most training programs require basic English literacy.
Find a LARA-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP)
Look for a 75-hour state-approved program under Part 219 of the Michigan Public Health Code. Approved programs are offered through Michigan's community college system (Wayne County Community College, Macomb Community College, Grand Rapids Community College, Lansing Community College), the American Red Cross, nursing facilities, and private career schools. Many Michigan LTC operators in metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing sponsor training in exchange for a work commitment.
Complete the 75-hour training program
Pass all 75 hours, including 16 hours of classroom core curriculum before any direct resident contact and at least 16 hours of supervised skills training. Your program registers you with Headmaster for the competency exam through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform.
Complete ICHAT and FBI background screening
Submit fingerprints for both Michigan State Police Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) check and federal FBI fingerprint clearance. Processing usually takes 1 to 3 weeks. Disqualifying offenses include violent felonies, theft, fraud, sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and vulnerable-adult abuse.
Schedule and pass the Headmaster competency exam
Schedule the two-part exam through Headmaster's TMU site at mi.tmutest.com or by calling (888) 401-0462. The exam includes a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation. Both portions must be passed for registry listing.
Create a MILogin account and pay the $40 LARA registry fee
After passing the exam, log in to MI-NATES (Michigan Nurse Aide Training and Enforcement System) using a MILogin account. Pay the $40 non-refundable LARA registry fee by credit or debit card. This fee is separate from the Headmaster exam fees.
Get listed on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry
Once your application is processed through MI-NATES, LARA adds you to the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your status at nurseaideregistry.apps.lara.state.mi.us. From that point you are authorized to work as a CNA in any Michigan LARA-licensed healthcare facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum requirements to become a CNA in Michigan?
You must be at least 16, complete a LARA-approved 75-hour Nurse Aide Training Program (with 16 hours of classroom core before any resident contact and 16 hours of supervised skills training), pass a Michigan ICHAT state and federal FBI fingerprint background check, pay the $40 LARA registry fee through MI-NATES, and pass both portions of the Headmaster competency exam. A high school diploma is not required by the state.
Why did Michigan switch from Prometric to Headmaster for CNA testing?
On July 12, 2023, LARA ended its contract with Prometric and engaged D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) to administer the Michigan nurse aide competency exam. Headmaster now delivers the knowledge and skills tests through its TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform at mi.tmutest.com. Candidates testing after July 2023 use Headmaster only — older Prometric study materials and procedures no longer apply. Headmaster candidate support is (888) 401-0462.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Michigan?
Most full-time programs run 4 to 6 weeks. Add 2 to 4 weeks for the Headmaster exam and MI-NATES registry processing, plus 1 to 3 weeks for ICHAT and FBI background checks (usually done in parallel with training). Total time from program start to working as a CNA is typically 5 to 10 weeks.
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Michigan?
Michigan community college programs typically cost $400 to $1,200 for residents. Private programs may run higher. Many Michigan LTC operators sponsor training in exchange for a work commitment. The Headmaster exam fees are typically $90 to $130 for both portions. The $40 non-refundable LARA registry fee is paid through MI-NATES. Background checks add approximately $40 to $80. Total out-of-pocket cost ranges from $0 (employer-sponsored) to about $1,500.
Do I need a high school diploma to become a CNA in Michigan?
Not from the state — LARA does not require a high school diploma or GED for CNA certification. However, many individual training programs do require a diploma, GED, or current high school enrollment. Several Michigan school districts and career-technical education centers offer CNA training as part of their healthcare career pathway starting at age 16.
What is MI-NATES and how do I use it?
MI-NATES (Michigan Nurse Aide Training and Enforcement System) is the LARA online portal that handles all Michigan CNA registry transactions paperlessly. After passing the Headmaster exam, you create a MILogin account at MI-NATES to submit your initial application, pay the $40 non-refundable LARA registry fee, complete renewals, request reinstatements, and apply for out-of-state reciprocity. Starting March 23, 2026, you will also attest in MI-NATES to completing at least 12 hours of continuing education each year of your 24-month renewal period.
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