State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). North Dakota certified nurse aide information ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
North Dakota at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | North Dakota Health and Human Services — Health Facilities Unit |
|---|---|
| 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 North Dakota CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in North Dakota?
North Dakota CNA training must be at least 75 hours, with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. If you work in a nursing facility while training, you need 16 classroom hours before any hands-on contact with residents (NDAC 33-43-01).[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?
- The HHS Health Facilities Unit approves CNA training programs and maintains the registry.[1]
- The current agency hub links D&S Headmaster’s North Dakota candidate handbook and online results.[1]
- Use the HHS-approved training list and the linked candidate handbook for training and competency testing; confirm active registry status through current HHS online services.[1] [3]
Where can you find training programs?
HHS certified nurse aide training program list ↗[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?
- Confirm the current handbook version and initial application steps with the state.
Where did this information come from?
- Certified Nurse Aide Information ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Training program list and linked D&S Headmaster candidate handbook
- ND Administrative Code 33-43-01 ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 33-43-01-04(1), CNA-specific requirements; official PDF reviewed.
- Nurse Aide Registry Online Services ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Current services directory.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to North Dakota?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: North Dakota Health and Human Services — Health Facilities Unit. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Interstate registry endorsement — Applicants certified in another jurisdiction
Key requirement: Supply proof of meeting the other jurisdiction’s certification requirements and North Dakota active-status requirements.
What are the first steps for Interstate registry endorsement?
Prepare the application
Upload requested records. Personal-background Yes answers require explanations and supporting records.
Arrange all-state verification
Request verification from every state where you hold or held registry status; upload a verification copy where that state offers online verification.
What exceptions apply?
- No qualifying paid work within a continuous 24 months — Section -11(1)(e) requires approved training and competency evaluation, or an approved competency evaluation, to renew after fewer than eight qualifying paid hours.
What else should you know?
- Use the current nurse-aide directory and CNA endorsement application.
- The application advises using Save for Later rather than the browser Back button to review earlier answers.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the prior North Dakota inactive-listing procedure with the registry.
- Confirm later application screens and applicant-specific decisions with the agency.
What will the North Dakota planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Interstate registry endorsement)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in North Dakota? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in North Dakota?
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 | Your registration period is 24 consecutive months. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work, under a licensed nurse's direction, in your current 24-month registration period. Your employer (or past employer) completes the employment section of the renewal. |
| CE or in-service | North Dakota's CNA renewal instructions list paid work, not continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Renew online through ND HHS. There is no fee for CNA renewal. |
| If the credential lapses | If you haven't done at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work in the past 24 months, you can't renew and must complete a new competency evaluation to register again. |
North Dakota CNA registrations renew every 24 months, online and free. You need at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work under a licensed nurse's direction in that period, and your employer completes the employment section. The renewal instructions don't list continuing education. Without the 8 hours, you must complete a new competency evaluation.
Source: Certified Nurse Aide Information ↗ North Dakota CNA renewal application instructions ↗
Open the official North Dakota registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state