State terminology: Certified nurse assistant (CNA). Missouri CNA registry guidance ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Health Education Unit.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Missouri?
Compare the reviewed application routes to see which one fits your situation. An out-of-state credential alone does not establish eligibility.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in Missouri?
Missouri’s basic CNA course requires 75 hours of instructional training and 100 hours of supervised on-the-job training, for a total of 175 hours.
- The final competency examination has a written or oral part and a practicum part; the written exam contains 75 questions.
- Missouri uses D&S Headmaster/TMU for CNA testing and registry profiles.
Official training directory: Missouri approved facility and school training agencies ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Online reciprocity request
Active CNA in good standing in another state
- Upload verification of out-of-state certification and other evidence requested by the application.[1] [2]
Submit once through the linked TMU form
Do not email reciprocity documents unless a named representative arranged it; approval allows certificate printing.[1]
Official route: Agency-linked online TMU form. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
Inactive Missouri challenge review
Missouri record inactive after a two-year employment break
- An inactive aide without qualifying work may challenge; failure requires the full Missouri course. A five-year employment break is described as expired and may require retraining.[2]
Official route: Health Education Unit challenge review. [2] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Missouri?
Check the existing Missouri record. Documented eight-hour work in each 24-month period supports renewal; TMU sends evidence to the employer for verification after its $20 renewal payment.[2]
Who sends registry verification?
Missouri directs other states to its public registry and says its registry team will not fill out other states’ reciprocity verification forms.[2]
What exceptions apply?
No additional exception is listed in the reviewed sources.
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Reciprocity fee. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- The application link opens a TMU form-selection page. Confirm the correct form with the state.
- Confirm the five-year lapse boundary, document list and fee in the current application.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Missouri planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Online reciprocity request, Inactive Missouri challenge review)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Missouri? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- What is Reciprocity in Missouri ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · How to apply; online form; no email submissions without prior arrangement
- CNA Registry Frequently Asked Questions ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · General CNA Questions; TMU Login, CNA Renewals, and Challenges
- Missouri DHSS: CNA renewals and work updates ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Reviewed from a printout dated November 4, 2026: documentation of at least one day (8 hours) of nursing or nursing-related work in each 24-month period; renewal through TMU with a fee for each renewal (amount not listed); out-of-state and private-duty work can be submitted.
- Missouri Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, version 15.0 (D&SDT-Headmaster) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Updated September 2026. Registry renewal: every 24 months; at least 8 consecutive paid hours of nursing or nursing-related services in the previous 24 months; self-attest in TMU; reminders 60 days before expiration; self-pay or sponsor payment. Knowledge test: 75 multiple-choice questions.
- Health Education Unit News – CNA Renewals (Missouri DHSS) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Posted June 14, 2024; reviewed from a printout dated November 4, 2026. Renew every 24 months with 8 hours of nursing services per 24-month period; proof can be a W-2 or pay stub; renewals are electronic through TMU and a $20.00 fee is required; reminders 60 days before the inactive date.
- 19 CSR 30-84 Training Program for Nursing Assistants ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 19 CSR 30-84.010, reviewed from a copy saved November 4, 2026. (4): basic course of 75 instructional hours and 100 supervised on-the-job hours. (18): 8 hours of documented work every 24 months; inactive less than 5 years without work proof must challenge the final exam; inactive more than 5 years must complete the basic course.
- CNA Challenge (Missouri DHSS) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Reviewed from a printout dated November 4, 2026. Challengers get one attempt at the written and skills exam; failing means completing the full CNA course and exam. CNAs on inactive status may apply to challenge.