Michigan — sleeping bear dunes lakeshore

Michigan Certified Nursing Assistant License

Michigan LARA

Total Fee
$20
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Proof of Training — Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
  • State Competency Exam Results — Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
  • Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
  • Application fee — $20

How to Apply

  1. Complete Approved Training Program ▾
    Enroll in and successfully complete a Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). You must receive at least 75 hours of training, including 16 hours of supervised practical training.
  2. Register for and Pass the Competency Exam ▾
    Once training is complete, register for and successfully pass both parts (written/oral and skills) of the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Examination administered by Prometric. Visit Prometric.com/nurseaide/mi for exam registration and information.
  3. Placement on the Nurse Aide Registry ▾
    Upon successful completion of the Prometric examination, Prometric will report your results to LARA. Your name will then be added to the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry, certifying you as a CNA in Michigan. No separate application is generally required for initial certification by examination.
  4. Apply for Endorsement (Out-of-State CNAs) ▾
    If you are a CNA certified in another state, download and complete the 'Nurse Aide Registry Application' (LARA-NURS-APP-001) from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Nurse Aide Registry page. Submit the completed application with all required documentation, including proof of current certification in good standing from your previous state, to LARA via mail.
Total Fee
$20
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Michigan LARA for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application ▾
    Apply through the Michigan LARA. The application fee is $20.
  2. Provide License Verification ▾
    Michigan requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
  3. Provide Proof of Training ▾
    Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
  4. Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾
    Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
  5. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾
    Michigan requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Michigan can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  6. Await Board Processing ▾
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 4 to 6 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization for CNAs during the endorsement process. Contact the state nurse aide registry directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Michigan LARA

Keeping Your License Active

Michigan Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Michigan LARA for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$20
Endorsement application$20

Slow Downs

Fingerprinting delays ▾
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents ▾
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors ▾
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.

Questions

How much does Michigan CNA endorsement cost? ▾
The endorsement application fee is $20. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required? ▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Michigan.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Michigan? ▾
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 Weeks.
Can I start working in Michigan while waiting? ▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.

Board Info

Michigan LARA
Phone517-335-9300
Sources