Michigan

Michigan CNA Registry

Verify your certification status, check expiration dates, and find renewal information through the official Michigan Nurse Aide Registry.

Visit Official Registry

24 months

Renewal Period

40 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services within the 24-month registration period

Work Requirement

Yes

Accepts Reciprocity

Free

Online Lookup

How to Look Up Your Michigan CNA License

1

Open the BCHS Nurse Aide Public Registry

Go to LARA's online registry verification tool. The site is paperless and free to use, and is the only official source recognized by the Bureau of Community and Health Systems for Michigan CNA verification.

BCHS Nurse Aide Public Registry
2

Search by name or certification number

Enter the aide's last name, first name, or Michigan certification number. Partial-name searches return a list of matches so you can pick the right individual.

3

Review status and findings

Confirm that the record shows an active certification with an expiration date at least through your hire date, and check whether there are any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property listed on the public record.

4

Contact BCHS if anything is unclear

If the record does not appear, is expired, or shows findings you need to interpret, contact the LARA Nurse and Medication Aide Section at (517) 284-8961 or [email protected] for clarification before completing your hire.

LARA Nurse Aide Registry page

About the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry

The Michigan Nurse Aide Registry is operated by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through its Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS), specifically the Nurse and Medication Aide Section. BCHS administers Part 219 of the Michigan Public Health Code, which establishes nurse aide training, competency evaluation, and registration requirements, and the registry is the official source for verifying that a Michigan CNA is currently active and free of substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.

Since July 12, 2023, Michigan's nurse aide competency testing has been administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster), which replaced Prometric as the state's testing contractor. Headmaster delivers the knowledge and skills examinations through its TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform at mi.tmutest.com, and once a candidate passes both portions the result is transmitted to LARA so the aide can complete the registry application in MI-NATES.

Michigan launched the MI-NATES (Michigan Nurse Aide Training and Enforcement System) portal in 2023 to handle all registry transactions paperlessly. New aides, renewals, reinstatements, and out-of-state reciprocity applications all flow through MI-NATES via a MILogin account, and beginning March 23, 2026 Michigan CNAs must also attest in MI-NATES to completing at least 12 hours of continuing education each year within their 24-month renewal period.

Contact Information

Phone Number

(517) 284-8961

Mailing Address

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Community and Health Systems Nurse and Medication Aide Section 611 W. Ottawa Street PO Box 30664 Lansing, MI 48909

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET

Michigan CNA Testing Information

Testing Vendor

Michigan uses D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) to administer the nurse aide competency evaluation. The exam consists of a written (or oral) knowledge test and a skills demonstration.

Visit D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster)

Training Requirements

Michigan requires Minimum 75 hours, including 16 hours of classroom core curriculum before any direct resident contact and at least 16 hours of supervised skills training. Training programs must be approved by the state.

Find Michigan CNA Classes

Michigan CNA Renewal Requirements

Renewal Period

Michigan CNA certification is valid for 24 months from the date of initial certification or last renewal.

Work Requirement

You must perform at least 40 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services within the 24-month registration period during your certification period to be eligible for renewal.

Employer Verification

Your employer verifies your work hours directly through the registry system. Keep your contact information current with your employer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I verify a Michigan CNA's certification?

Use the free BCHS Nurse Aide Public Registry at nurseaideregistry.apps.lara.state.mi.us. The registry, maintained by LARA's Bureau of Community and Health Systems, lets you search by name or certification number and shows current status plus any substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.

Who administers the Michigan CNA exam?

Effective July 12, 2023, LARA ended its contract with Prometric and engaged D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) to deliver the Michigan nurse aide competency exam. Candidates schedule the knowledge and skills tests through Headmaster's TMU site at mi.tmutest.com or by calling (888) 401-0462.

How often must a Michigan CNA renew?

Michigan certifications are valid for 24 months. To renew through MI-NATES you must attest to performing at least 40 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services during that 24-month period, and starting March 23, 2026 you must also attest to completing at least 12 hours of continuing education each year of the renewal period.

What does it cost to be added to or renew on the Michigan registry?

LARA charges a $40 non-refundable fee, paid by credit or debit card in MI-NATES, for new applications, renewals, reinstatements, and out-of-state reciprocity. Testing fees paid to Headmaster for the knowledge and skills exams are separate from the $40 registry fee.

Does Michigan accept reciprocity from other states?

Yes. Under Section 333.21913 of the Michigan Public Health Code, an aide who is active and in good standing on another state registry whose program meets Michigan's 75-hour minimum may apply for reciprocity through MI-NATES. The applicant pays the same $40 fee and LARA verifies the out-of-state status directly with the home state.

How do I update my name or address on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry?

Michigan CNAs update name and address information through the MI-NATES (Michigan Nurse Aide Training and Enforcement System) portal using a MILogin account. Address changes can be made online. Name changes require legal documentation such as a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order. For help, contact the LARA Nurse and Medication Aide Section at (517) 284-8961 or [email protected]. Keeping your contact information current is required and ensures you receive MI-NATES renewal reminders.

Becoming a CNA in Michigan?

See the step-by-step requirements to become a CNA in Michigan, find approved training programs, or access free study materials.