CNA Courses in North Dakota

The North Dakota Department of Health requires aspiring CNAs to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program administered by Pearson VUE. The Board has also approved Headmaster through D&S Diversified Technologies to administer the test. This two-part test is administered at nine North Dakota locations and tests both CNA knowledge as well as clinical skills. The cost for the test is $120 for the Pearson VUE option or $68 for the Headmaster option. Headmaster charges an additional $10 for candidates who choose the oral version.

The Pearson VUE test begins with the knowledge examination, which has 70 multiple-choice questions to be completed in two hours or less. The skills examination must be completed in 30 minutes or less, and students are asked to perform five CNA skills. One skill is always hand washing, and the other skills are chosen randomly.

The Headmaster test also begins with the knowledge examination, which has 72 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes or less. Students will then complete a skills section with five randomly chosen tasks, which they will have 30 minutes to complete.

With both tests, students have up to three chances to pass each section. Both sections must be passed within two years from the end of training. Those who do not pass in this time will have to retrain. Headmaster sends test results by mail within five days of the test; Pearson VUE sends test results by mail within ten days of the test.

Because North Dakota goes by the federal minimum for a number of training hours required for CNAs, it is easier to transfer one’s certificate here through endorsement than it is in many other states. To be eligible for endorsement, CNAs must be listed as active and in good standing on their former state’s registry with no accusations of patient abuse, neglect or maltreatment. Individuals must fill out an endorsement application, including questions related to disciplinary history and felony charges, before sending it into North Dakota. North Dakota will then check the certification with the former state. Individuals who take care to fill out the application completely and accurately should hear back from the state within a few days. The endorsement is free in North Dakota.

North Dakota CNAs must renew their certifications every two years to remain active on the state’s registry. The state sends out renewal notifications approximately two months before expiration. CNAs will need to renew online. To be eligible to renew, CNAs must have worked at least eight hours for pay performing nursing-related duties in the past 24 months. These hours do not have to be consecutive. They will also need to be in good standing with the state with no complaints of patient abuse or professional misconduct. Those who allow their certifications to lapse will need to retake the competency examination with all of the associated fees. Renewal is free.

North Dakota Endorsement Application

Links
North Dakota Department of Health
ND Board of Nursing
Nurse Aide Registry
Verify your North Dakota CNA license

Contacts
CNA Registry
600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 301
Bismarck N.D., 58505-0200
Phone: 701-328-2353
Fax: 701-328-1890
Email: [email protected]