CNA Entry-Level

Minnesota CNA Certification Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Minnesota

Training Hours

75+ hours

Total Initial Cost

$155

Program Duration

4-8 weeks for training program

Renewal Period

2 years

Official source: licensing in Minnesota is administered by the Minnesota Department of Health - Nursing Assistant Registry. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in Minnesota.

Apply on Official Site

How do you renew a CNA certification in Minnesota?

Minnesota CNA certification renews every 2 years. You must have been paid for nursing or nursing-related services for at least one documented day (for example, 8 consecutive hours) in the previous 24 months, shown by your most recent pay stub. Orientation, training and in-service hours do not count.

Source: MDH Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry Tutorial: Submitting Your Renewal Application, checked 2026-11-06.

1 Training Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program

75+

Minimum training hours

4-8 weeks for training program

Typical program length

Additional Requirements

Minnesota requires 75 hours of training (federal minimum)
Must include at least 16 hours of supervised clinical training
Training must be completed at a state-approved program

2 Competency Examination

Exam Name

Nurse Aide Competency Exam

Test Provider

Pearson VUE

Exam Components

Written/Oral Test

Multiple choice questions on nursing assistant knowledge and skills

Skills Demonstration

Perform 3-5 randomly selected nursing skills in front of an evaluator

Exam Fee

$120

Tip: You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the exam to be certified. Most states allow multiple retake attempts if needed.

3 Background Check

Criminal background check

CNAs work with vulnerable populations, so background checks are required in all states. Cost is typically $35.

4 Fees

Initial Certification

Training Program	$500-$2,000*
Competency Exam	$120
Background Check	$35
Application/Registry Fee	$0

*Many employers offer free CNA training programs with work commitment

Renewal

Renewal Fee (every 2 years)	Not confirmed
Work Requirement	8 hours in 24 months

Certification Renewal

2 years

Renewal cycle

8+ hours

Work requirement

You must have been paid for nursing or nursing-related services for at least one documented day (for example, 8 consecutive hours) in the previous 24 months, shown by your most recent pay stub. Orientation, training and in-service hours do not count.

Career Advancement

CNAs can advance to LPN or RN with additional education and training

LVN/LPN Licensing RN Requirements All Career Paths

Minnesota CNA Certification FAQs

How much does CNA certification cost in Minnesota?

Expect about $155 in total initial CNA certification costs in Minnesota, including a $120 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Minnesota Department of Health - Nursing Assistant Registry.

How do you renew a CNA certification in Minnesota?

How long does it take to get CNA certification in Minnesota?

Most complete applications are processed in about 4 to 10 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.

Who issues CNA certifications in Minnesota?

The Minnesota Department of Health - Nursing Assistant Registry handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (651) 201-4100.