Minnesota Certified Nursing Assistant License
Minnesota Dept of Health
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 to 2 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 — $0
How to Apply
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Complete Training Program ▾Successfully complete a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) approved Nursing Assistant training program.
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Create Headmaster D&S Account ▾Create a new user account on the Headmaster D&S website (hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/minnesota) to manage your exam application.
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Apply and Schedule Exam ▾Apply for the Nursing Assistant Competency Evaluation Exam (NACE), which includes both a written/oral and a skills portion, and schedule your exam dates through your Headmaster D&S account. Pay the required exam fee at the time of scheduling.
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Pass the Competency Exam ▾Successfully pass both the written/oral and skills portions of the Nursing Assistant Competency Evaluation Exam.
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Registry Listing ▾Upon successful completion of the exam, your name will be automatically added to the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH).
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
1 to 2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Minnesota Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Minnesota Dept of Health.
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Provide License Verification ▾Minnesota 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.
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Provide Proof of Training ▾Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
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Submit Your State Competency Exam Results ▾Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
-
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾Minnesota 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 Minnesota can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 1 to 2 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
Minnesota Dept of Health
Keeping Your License Active
Minnesota Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Minnesota Dept of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
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 Minnesota CNA endorsement cost?
▾
There is no application fee for CNA endorsement in Minnesota. However, background check fees may apply.
Is a background check required?
▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Minnesota.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Minnesota?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 6 Weeks.
Can I start working in Minnesota while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources