Mississippi CNA Certification Requirements
Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Mississippi
Official source: licensing in Mississippi is administered by the Mississippi State Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in Mississippi.
Apply on Official SiteHow do you renew a CNA certification in Mississippi?
Mississippi CNA certification renews every 2 years. You must have worked for pay as a nurse aide performing nursing or nursing-related services for at least eight consecutive hours in the previous 24 months, and your employer must verify it. Private-duty, doctor's office, laboratory and personal care home aide work does not count.
Source: Mississippi Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster, MSDH's registry manager), rev. 10/19/26: Registry Renewal, checked 2026-11-06.
1 Training Program Requirements
Program Requirements
Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program
Additional Requirements
- Mississippi requires 75 hours of training (federal minimum)
- Must include classroom and clinical training components
- Training must be completed at a state-approved program
2 Competency Examination
Exam Name
Nurse Aide Competency Exam
Test Provider
D&S Diversified Technologies
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
$95
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
CNAs work with vulnerable populations, so background checks are required in all states. Cost is typically $45.
4 Fees
Initial Certification
| Training Program | $500-$2,000* |
| Competency Exam | $95 |
| Background Check | $45 |
| 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
You must have worked for pay as a nurse aide performing nursing or nursing-related services for at least eight consecutive hours in the previous 24 months, and your employer must verify it. Private-duty, doctor's office, laboratory and personal care home aide work does not count.
Career Advancement
CNAs can advance to LPN or RN with additional education and training
Mississippi CNA Certification FAQs
How much does CNA certification cost in Mississippi?
Expect about $140 in total initial CNA certification costs in Mississippi, including a $95 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Mississippi State Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Mississippi?
Mississippi CNA certification renews every 2 years. You must have worked for pay as a nurse aide performing nursing or nursing-related services for at least eight consecutive hours in the previous 24 months, and your employer must verify it. Private-duty, doctor's office, laboratory and personal care home aide work does not count.
How long does it take to get CNA certification in Mississippi?
Most complete applications are processed in about 4 to 12 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.
Who issues CNA certifications in Mississippi?
The Mississippi State Department of Health - Nurse Aide Registry handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (601) 576-7400.
Nurse Aide Registry
Free Tools
Other License Types in Mississippi
Clinically reviewed by Clinical Review Team
Based on 2 official sources • Last verified: June 2026