State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Mississippi certification and training ↗ · terminology checked November 6, 2026.
Mississippi at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Mississippi State Department of Health; D&S/Headmaster |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Mississippi CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Mississippi?
Federal rules require every nurse aide training program to include at least 75 clock hours, with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). MSDH's CNA page doesn't list a separate Mississippi hour total, so confirm your program's total hours before you enroll.[4] [1] 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?
- MSDH directs new candidates to a Mississippi-approved nurse-aide training program followed by competency examination; the registry and current testing services are managed by Headmaster/TMU.[1]
- The currently linked directory identifies training providers by county and includes approval status.[2]
Where can you find training programs?
MSDH Nurse Aide Training Programs (August 25, 2026) ↗[2] [1] 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 should you confirm with the state?
- MSDH's CNA page doesn't state a Mississippi-specific training-hour total. Confirm your program's total hours and clinical hours with the program.
Where did this information come from?
- CNA Certification and Training ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Certification, Renewal and Training; Training Courses; current Headmaster/TMU links
- Nurse Aide Training Programs in Mississippi ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Agency-linked training-program directory dated August 25, 2026; county and approval status
- Mississippi Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Current linked handbook; initial eligibility and training details.
- 42 CFR 483.152: Requirements for approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · (a): at least 75 clock hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. This is the federal minimum for every state.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Mississippi?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Mississippi State Department of Health; D&S/Headmaster. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Active out-of-state reciprocity — Active good-standing CNA from another state
Key requirement: Show eight work hours in a nursing home, hospital or hospice with a paystub/W-2 from the past 24 months.
Reactivation by examination — Mississippi aide without eight paid nursing-related hours in 24 months
Key requirement: Request authorization through TMU; one attempt at both exam components is allowed, then MSDH-approved retraining if either fails.
Out-of-state certification reactivation review — Lapsed out-of-state CNA, or active credential nearing expiry without renewal work history
Key requirement: The handbook describes an out-of-state reactivation application and one approved exam attempt; review the exact category with Headmaster.
What are the first steps for Active out-of-state reciprocity?
Submit the TMU reciprocity form
Attach all required evidence and complete payment.
What else should you know?
- Renewal requires eight consecutive paid hours within 24 months; TMU sends the selected employer an email verification link.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the agency’s manual verification procedure.
- The out-of-state reactivation rules mention a lapsed credential and a credential expiring within 60 days without work. Confirm which category applies to you.
What will the Mississippi planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Active out-of-state reciprocity, Reactivation by examination, Out-of-state certification reactivation review)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Mississippi? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Mississippi?
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 8 consecutive hours of paid work as a nurse aide, doing nursing or nursing-related services, in the past 24 months. |
| CE or in-service | The candidate handbook's renewal section lists paid work hours, not continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Renew online in TMU by listing your work hours and choosing your last employer; your employer gets an email to verify your work. Reminders go out by email and text 60 days before expiration. You can renew up to 30 days after your certification expires. |
| If the credential lapses | If your certification has been expired more than 30 days, or you haven't worked in 24 months, you must pass both parts of the competency exam to recertify. You get one attempt; if you fail either part, you must complete an MSDH-approved training program. |
Mississippi nurse aide certification renews every 24 months. You need at least 8 consecutive hours of paid nurse aide work in that period. Renew online in TMU, where your employer verifies your work by email; reminders go out 60 days ahead, and you have 30 days after expiration to renew. The handbook's renewal section doesn't list continuing education. After that, you must pass both parts of the exam in one attempt, or complete an approved training program.
Source: CNA Certification and Training ↗ Mississippi Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook ↗
Open the official Mississippi registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state