State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Montana Nurse Aide Registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Montana DPHHS Certification Bureau, Nurse Aide Registry.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Montana?
Route to review: CNA interstate endorsement. Check all the conditions for this route. 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 Montana?
DPHHS administers the CNA registry and publishes approved training programs. The RN/LPN Board does not issue CNA credentials.
- D&S Headmaster administers Montana CNA exams.
- After approved training and passing exams, or an authorized challenge and passing exams, complete the BOUNDS CNA by Exam application. Passing results alone do not replace that application.
Official training directory: DPHHS approved nurse aide training programs spreadsheet ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
CNA interstate endorsement
Applicants holding at least one current CNA registration in a US state or territory.
- At least one current out-of-state CNA number is required.[1]
Create the portal account
Use the BOUNDS link and activate the account through its email.[1]
Finish the endorsement application
Select Certified Nurse Aide and CNA Interstate Endorsement; account activation alone is not application completion.[1]
Verify the resulting listing
Check the official online verification after processing.[1]
Official route: Online BOUNDS only. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Montana?
Current Montana credentials use the portal renewal route. Email or access.gov submissions that do not appear in verification must be reapplied through BOUNDS.[1]
Who sends registry verification?
The published entry instructions require a current CNA number. Confirm the portal-specific verification fields with the agency.[1]
What exceptions apply?
Home health aide endorsement
Interstate HHA endorsements are not accepted; the page describes Montana CNA plus additional Montana HHA training.[1]
What else should you know?
Paper and PDF CNA applications are not accepted. Use the current BOUNDS application.[1]
What fees does the state publish?
The reviewed source does not publish an amount for the following item: Application and third-party charges. Confirm the current charge with the agency before paying.
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the fee, uploads, screening questions and inactive-credential return steps with the agency.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Montana planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (CNA interstate endorsement)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Montana? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Montana Nurse Aide Registry ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Nurse Aide Registry Applications / Interstate Endorsement
- Agency-linked BOUNDS portal ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Portal entry page.
- DPHHS: Federal and state regulations for CNAs ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · 42 CFR 483.156 registry removal after 24 months without nursing or nursing-related services
- 42 CFR 483.35(d)(6): Required retraining ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Paragraph (d)(6): a new training and competency evaluation program OR a new competency evaluation program after 24 consecutive months without compensated nursing or nursing-related services.