Montana Certified Nursing Assistant License
Montana Board of Nursing
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 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 a State-Approved Training Program ▾Successfully complete a Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS).
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Create an Account with Headmaster LLP ▾Navigate to the Headmaster LLP website (https://www.hdmaster.com/), click 'Candidate Login', select Montana, and register for a new candidate account.
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Apply for the Competency Examination ▾Log into your Headmaster LLP account, select the 'Examination Application' option, and complete the application form, indicating your eligibility path.
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Schedule and Pass the Examination ▾Pay the required examination fees through Headmaster LLP, then schedule and successfully pass both the written (or oral) and skills competency examinations.
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Be Added to the Montana Nurse Aide Registry ▾Upon successful completion of the competency examination, Headmaster LLP will notify the Montana Nurse Aide Registry, and your name will be added to the registry, granting you CNA certification.
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Montana Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Montana Board of Nursing.
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Provide License Verification ▾Montana 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 ▾Montana 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 Montana can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 to 4 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
Montana Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
Montana Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Montana Board of Nursing 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 Montana CNA endorsement cost?
▾
There is no application fee for CNA endorsement in Montana. However, background check fees may apply.
Is a background check required?
▾
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Montana.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Montana?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 8 Weeks.
Can I start working in Montana while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources