State terminology: Nurse aide. Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Minnesota at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Minnesota Department of Health |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Agency confirmation needed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Minnesota CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Minnesota?
Minnesota-approved nurse aide training programs must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training with a live person.[1] [2] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- Candidates have four attempts to pass the knowledge examination and three attempts to pass the skills examination within 24 months of completing the training program.[2] [3]
- MDH contracts with Headmaster for the knowledge and skills competency evaluation used for placement on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry.[2]
Where can you find training programs?
MDH Nurse Aide Registry training and testing entry points ↗[4] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What are the steps?
Choose an MDH-approved program
Confirm the program uses an MDH-approved curriculum and provides at least 75 hours including 16 supervised practical hours.[1]
Register for the competency evaluation
Follow the program’s Headmaster registration instructions and the current attempt limits.[2]
Verify registry placement
Use the MDH registry search after testing.[4]
What should you confirm with the state?
- Program availability, cost and admission requirements vary. Confirm them directly with the school.
- Confirm current handbook details with the testing provider.
Where did this information come from?
- MDH Nurse Aide Registry: How to start a NATCEP ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Approved program must be at least 75 clock hours, including 16 hours supervised practical training
- MDH NATCEP provisional application form ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Minimum 75 clock hours and 16 supervised practical; four knowledge and three skills attempts within 24 months; MDH contracts with Headmaster
- MDH Nurse Aide Registry: Training Program Test Data ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Training programs must be at least 75 hours; four knowledge and three skills attempts
- MDH Nurse Aide Registry ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Registry, training-program and testing entry points
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Minnesota?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Minnesota Department of Health. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Online interstate endorsement review — Aide endorsing from another state without a prior Minnesota active record
Key requirement: Current tutorial requires work or testing in the sending state within 24 months; reported employment must be in that state.
Renew or restore a Minnesota record — Former Minnesota registrant, including expiry within 24 months
Key requirement: Submit employment history and paystub PDF showing at least one documented day, such as eight consecutive hours, of compensated nursing/nursing-related work in the prior 24 months. Training/orientation hours do not qualify.
What are the first steps for Online interstate endorsement review?
Start at the current registry hub
Use Interstate Endorsement Candidate, upload the requested PDF evidence and monitor the dashboard.
What else should you know?
- The current renewal tutorial excludes training/orientation hours and currently excludes employment through a health-platform app for renewal employment updates.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm who must send Minnesota registry verification and which form to use.
What will the Minnesota planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Online interstate endorsement review, Renew or restore a Minnesota record)
- Have you previously been listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Minnesota?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Every two years. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least one documented day (for example, 8 consecutive hours) of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the previous 24 months, shown on your most recent pay stub. Orientation, training and in-service hours don't count. |
| CE or in-service | MDH's renewal tutorial asks for proof of paid work; it doesn't list a continuing-education requirement. |
| Renewal window | Renew online through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry and upload your most recent pay stub. MDH encourages you to apply at least 60 days before your certificate expires and asks you to allow 30 business days for review. |
| If the credential lapses | Expired within the past 24 months: submit your employment history and pay stubs online; if approved, your certificate becomes current. Expired more than 24 months: you must pass both the knowledge test and the skills test again. |
Minnesota nurse aide certificates renew every two years. You need at least one documented day (such as 8 consecutive hours) of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the previous 24 months, shown on your most recent pay stub; orientation, training and in-service hours don't count. Apply online at least 60 days before expiration and allow 30 business days for review. The tutorial doesn't list continuing education. If your certificate expired more than 24 months ago, you must retest.
Source: Submitting Your Renewal Application: Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry Tutorial ↗ Nurse Aide Registry ↗
Open the official Minnesota registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state