Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant License
Wisconsin DHS
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Typically within 1 week
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.
- Application fee — $25
How to Apply
-
Complete a State-Approved Training Program ▾Enroll in and successfully complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) in Wisconsin. A list of approved programs is available on the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) website.
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Register and Schedule Competency Exam ▾Register and schedule your Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Exam through the official testing vendor, Pearson VUE, at www.pearsonvue.com/wi/nurseaides. Ensure your training program has submitted your completion information to Pearson VUE.
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Pass the Competency Evaluation Exam ▾Successfully complete both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the state-approved competency evaluation exam administered by Pearson VUE.
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Automatic Registry Placement ▾Upon successful completion of the exam and meeting all other state requirements, your name will be automatically added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). There is no separate application or fee directly to DHS for initial placement.
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Verify Registry Status ▾After passing the exam, check your official certification status on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry lookup tool at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/cna/registry.htm to confirm your active listing.
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Typically within 1 week
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Wisconsin DHS for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Submit Your Application ▾Apply through the Wisconsin DHS. The application fee is $25.
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Provide License Verification ▾Wisconsin 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.
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Await Board Processing ▾Plan for a processing timeline of about Typically within 1 week 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
No expiration, maintained through work verification every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Wisconsin DHS
Keeping Your License Active
Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew No expiration, maintained through work verification every 2 years. Contact the Wisconsin DHS for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Endorsement application | $25 |
Slow Downs
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 Wisconsin CNA endorsement cost?
▾
The endorsement application fee is $25. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required?
▾
No, fingerprints are generally not required for CNA endorsement in Wisconsin.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Wisconsin?
▾
Most endorsement applications take 2 to 4 Weeks.
Can I start working in Wisconsin while waiting?
▾
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.
Board Info
Sources