State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Wisconsin Nurse Aide Program ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Wisconsin at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Wisconsin DHS Division of Quality Assurance, Nurse Aide Training and 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 Wisconsin CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
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).[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?
- New students complete a state-approved training program, review the DHS-linked Headmaster handbook and pass written-knowledge and skill testing.[1]
- DHS links Headmaster’s Wisconsin examination resources and Wisconsin TMU registry services.[1] [2]
- DHS links WisCaregiver Careers for eligible free training through participating skilled nursing facilities; eligibility and employer participation must be confirmed.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
Wisconsin DHS nurse aide training program locator ↗[1] [3] 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 school availability and the complete test-application fields directly.
Where did this information come from?
- Becoming a CNA in Wisconsin — DHS ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Revised July 24, 2026; new student steps, Headmaster handbook, training proof
- Wisconsin CNA — Headmaster ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Destination of current DHS candidate-handbook link
- Wisconsin Nurse Aide Training Program Locator ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · DHS map linked for new students
- Wis. Admin. Code ch. DHS 129: Certification of programs for training and testing nurse aides ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · DHS 129.07: 75-hour minimum training requirement, with the first 16 hours in a classroom before direct contact with clients; competency evaluation and orientation don't count toward the 75 hours.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Wisconsin?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Wisconsin DHS Division of Quality Assurance, Nurse Aide Training and Registry. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state active and good standing — Active good-standing out-of-state nurse aides.
Key requirement: 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.
Out-of-state inactive but good standing — Applicants not active on another registry.
Key requirement: Renew the other registry status or complete Wisconsin competency testing. Testing requires a state-approved 75-hour program including 16 clinical hours.
What are the first steps for Out-of-state active and good standing?
Start the out-of-state application
Use the DHS-linked Headmaster/TMU form.
Attach the evidence
Upload training or employment verification, Social Security card and valid US government photo ID.
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.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm current fees, verification-sender rules and prior-Wisconsin reinstatement with the agency.
- Confirm the current 75-hour training requirement with the state.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Wisconsin?
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 24 months. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | Paid work as a nurse aide under the supervision of an RN or LPN during the 24-month certification period. |
| CE or in-service | DHS's renewal instructions are based on paid nurse aide work; they don't list a continuing-education requirement. |
| Renewal window | Within 90 days of your expiration date, add your employer in TMU; your employer then approves the request, and DHS extends your eligibility for 24 months. Headmaster sends renewal reminders by email or text. If your employer isn't listed in TMU, use the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Form (F-03211). |
| If the credential lapses | If you haven't worked as a nurse aide in the past 24 months, you must pass both the skills test and the written test again. Wisconsin doesn't require retraining. |
Wisconsin nurse aide eligibility renews every 24 months. You need paid nurse aide work under RN or LPN supervision during that period. Within 90 days of expiration, add your employer in TMU; once your employer approves, your eligibility is extended 24 months. DHS's renewal instructions don't list continuing education. If you haven't worked in the past 24 months, you must retake the skills and written tests, but you don't need to retrain.
Source: Wisconsin Nurse Aide Program: Maintaining Registry Status ↗
Open the official Wisconsin registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state