CNA Schools in Minnesota

The Minnesota Department of Health uses Pearson VUE to administer the certification examination, called the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program. The test is administered at several different testing sites in the state. Pearson VUE charges a fee of $64 for the full examination; the testing facility may charge an additional fee.

The Minnesota CNA test consists of two parts. The knowledge exam tests classroom knowledge. Students must pass this test by 75 percent. The written test includes 70 multiple-choice questions. Those who prefer to take the knowledge portion orally will face 60 multiple-choice questions as well as ten additional basic comprehension questions. Students are given up to two hours for this part.

The second part of the examination is the clinical skills portion, which tests five randomly selected CNA skills that must be performed in 30 minutes or less. One skill is always hand washing. These skills will be performed in front of an evaluator using the help of a volunteer actor.

Some Minnesota test sites allow applicants to walk in on the day of the test without pre-registering while other sites require pre-registering. Applicants must bring two forms of ID as well as all required fees, the completed application, a watch with a second hand, No. 2 pencils and an eraser. Those who do not pass the first time will only need to retake the section that they failed. Applicants are given up to three total chances to pass before being required to retrain.

CNAs who are moving to Minnesota from another state have the option of reciprocity in which Minnesota transfers their certification into the state. CNAs must be in good standing with their previous state and will need to undergo a criminal background check. They also must be able to prove that they have worked at least eight hours as a CNA within the past 24 months.

To apply, CNAs must fill out the endorsement application provided by the Minnesota Department of Health, include a copy of their current certification and attach a pay stub or W-2. They will then need to send it into their prior state for verification before it is sent on to Minnesota. The process is free.

Minnesota CNAs must renew their certifications every two years. Minnesota sends out a renewal reminder, but CNAs must keep their addresses up-to-date on the Department of Health’s registry. To renew, CNAs must have a clean record without accusations of patient abuse or neglect and must be able to prove that they have worked for pay as a CNA at least eight hours in the past 24 months. CNAs who are not working in a nursing home or home health agency must include a copy of their job description for renewal. Renewal is free but does take 30 days to process. Those who do not renew in time may not be allowed to work in the 30 days that it takes to process the paperwork.

Minnesota Candidate handbook
Endorsement Application
Application for renewal

Links

Minnesota Department of Health
Minnesota Board of Nursing
Minnesota Nurses Aide Information
Nurses Aide License Verification

Contacts

Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry
P.O. Box 64501
St. Paul, Minnesota 55164-0501
Email: [email protected]