State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Wisconsin Nurse Aide Program ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Wisconsin DHS Division of Quality Assurance, Nurse Aide Training and Registry.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Wisconsin?
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 Wisconsin?
Wisconsin nurse aide training programs must be at least 75 hours, and the first 16 hours must be classroom training before you work directly with residents (DHS 129.07).
- New students complete a state-approved training program, review the DHS-linked Headmaster handbook and pass written-knowledge and skill testing.
- DHS links Headmaster’s Wisconsin examination resources and Wisconsin TMU registry services.
Official training directory: Wisconsin DHS nurse aide training program locator ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state active and good standing
Active good-standing out-of-state nurse aides.
- Provide proof of a state-approved 75-hour training program with its name and completion date. Alternatively, an employer may verify 2,088 RN/LPN-supervised nurse-aide hours during the preceding two years when training proof is unavailable.[1]
Start the out-of-state application
Use the DHS-linked Headmaster/TMU form.[1]
Attach the evidence
Upload training or employment verification, Social Security card and valid US government photo ID.[1]
Official route: Online Headmaster/TMU out-of-state application. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
Out-of-state inactive but good standing
Applicants not active on another registry.
- Renew the other registry status or complete Wisconsin competency testing. Testing requires a state-approved 75-hour program including 16 clinical hours.[1]
Confirm the testing route
Use the out-of-state application and DHS instructions; no direct active transfer is assumed.[1]
Official route: DHS/Headmaster reviewed application and testing route. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Wisconsin?
Prior destination credentials require agency confirmation; a new interstate application is not assumed to replace renewal or reinstatement.
Who sends registry verification?
Follow the receiving agency’s verification instructions.
What exceptions apply?
Only certified in Alabama; trained there more than two years ago
Additional employer verification of RN/LPN-supervised nurse-aide work during the preceding two years is required.[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 current fees, verification-sender rules and prior-Wisconsin reinstatement with the agency.
- Confirm the current 75-hour training requirement with the state.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Wisconsin planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Out-of-state active and good standing, Out-of-state inactive but good standing)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Wisconsin? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Wisconsin Becoming a CNA, revised July 24 2026 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Out-of-state active and good standing / inactive and good standing
- DHS-linked Wisconsin TMU ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Out-of-state application entry.
- Wisconsin Nurse Aide Program: Maintaining Registry Status ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Renew your work eligibility