State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Montana Nurse Aide Registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Montana at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Montana DPHHS Certification Bureau, Nurse Aide Registry |
|---|---|
| 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 Montana CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Montana?
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.[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?
- DPHHS administers the CNA registry and publishes approved training programs. The RN/LPN Board does not issue CNA credentials.[1]
- D&S Headmaster administers Montana CNA exams.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
DPHHS approved nurse aide training programs spreadsheet ↗[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?
- The reviewed curriculum excerpt does not clearly state total minimum training hours. Confirm the current total with the state.
- The approved-program link is current. Confirm the school’s approval before enrolling.
Where did this information come from?
- Montana Nurse Aide Registry ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Approved program list, CNA by Exam, challenge and nursing-student routes
- CNA/HHA Core Curriculum Requirements ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Current agency-linked core curriculum.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Montana?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Montana DPHHS Certification Bureau, Nurse Aide Registry. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
CNA interstate endorsement — Applicants holding at least one current CNA registration in a US state or territory.
Key requirement: At least one current out-of-state CNA number is required.
What are the first steps for CNA interstate endorsement?
Create the portal account
Use the BOUNDS link and activate the account through its email.
Finish the endorsement application
Select Certified Nurse Aide and CNA Interstate Endorsement; account activation alone is not application completion.
Verify the resulting listing
Check the official online verification after processing.
What exceptions apply?
- Home health aide endorsement — Interstate HHA endorsements are not accepted; the page describes Montana CNA plus additional Montana HHA training.
What else should you know?
- Paper and PDF CNA applications are not accepted. Use the current BOUNDS application.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the fee, uploads, screening questions and inactive-credential return steps with the agency.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Montana?
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. Renew online through the BOUNDS portal beginning 90 days before expiration. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | Montana's registry page does not publish a state-specific work-hour total. The federal registry rule applies when there are 24 consecutive months without paid nursing or nursing-related services. |
| CE or in-service | Montana's Nurse Aide Registry page doesn't list a continuing-education requirement for renewal. |
| Renewal window | Renew online through the BOUNDS portal, starting 90 days before your certificate expires. Each CNA needs their own BOUNDS account and email address. Renewals by paper or email aren't accepted. |
| If the credential lapses | Contact the Montana Nurse Aide Registry for the current reinstatement route. After 24 consecutive months without compensated nursing or nursing-related services, the federal rule requires a new training and competency evaluation program or a new competency evaluation program. Retraining is not the only option under the federal rule. |
Montana CNA certificates renew online through the BOUNDS portal, starting 90 days before expiration. The registry page does not publish a state-specific work-hour total or continuing education requirement. The federal registry rule applies after 24 consecutive months without paid nursing or nursing-related services. Contact the registry for the current reinstatement route; paper and email renewals are not accepted.
Source: Montana Nurse Aide Registry ↗ DPHHS: Federal and state regulations for CNAs ↗ 42 CFR 483.35(d)(6): Required retraining ↗
Open the official Montana registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state