Get Certified!
You've finished your nursing assistant training and now you're looking to get certified.
The next step is to take the Nursing Assistant Knowledge and Skills Tests.
The Nursing Assistant Tests measure the preparedness of nursing assistant students to enter the field. To become a Certified Nursing Assistant you'll need to pass both tests.
The Nursing Assistant Tests consists of two exams:
- The Knowledge Test — which can be administered virtually or in-person depending on the testing site.
- The Skills Test — which is administered in-person at a testing site.
See the links below to find dates, times, and locations that meet your needs. Please check back for additional testing dates and locations. There are options to take the knowledge and skills test on the same or different days.
Find and Register for the Nursing Assistant Tests
Reminder — you will need to pass both tests to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Minnesota State offers large group testing events. Contact your campus for further details. Not sure who to contact? Fill out a form on the Contact Us page.
For information regarding nurse aides working under the 1135 waiver during a public emergency please visit: https://www.health.state.mn.us/facilities/providers/nursingassistant/index.html
Challenge/Test Out Candidates
You are eligible to test as a Challenge candidate if you have not completed a MN state approved Nursing Assistant training program within the last two years. To get started as a Challenge candidate, please register for the test date and location of your choice. Then, we will create an account for you in the TMU testing platform and will schedule you for your test events approximately one week before the test date. During the test registration process, if asked, please make sure you note that you are a Challenge candidate.
The Minnesota Nurse Aid Testing Services page provides the Minnesota Candidate Handbook and the Minnesota Mock Skills free for students preparing for the tests.Other resources on the Minnesota Nurse Aid Testing Services page include:
- A free knowledge test question of the day
- Practice tests for purchase with questions randomly generated by Headmaster, LLC
- Minnesota Mock Skills
- Minnesota Candidate Handbook
You may also register for a Nursing Assistant Review at one of the Minnesota State colleges and universities.
The Minnesota Department of Health recently transitioned to a new nursing assistant test vendor, Headmaster LLP. Test candidates will now benefit from streamlined communication, more consistent test site processes, and quick/easy access to test results.
Testing Attire
- You must be in full clinical attire (scrubs)
- No open-toed shoes allowed
- Long hair must be pulled back
Other Changes
- Please follow campus COVID-19 protocols as outlined in your confirmation email
- Please check the Minnesota Candidate Handbook and the Minnesota Mock Skills on The Minnesota Nurse Aid Testing Services page for updates on vocabulary list and Skills Test procedure changes.
Employer Reimbursement
For participating certified nursing facilities, the cost of nursing assistant test may be covered by the Department of Human Services (DHS) Nursing Facility Scholarship program. Participating nursing facilities can claim the allowable costs and receive reimbursement. Certified Nursing facilities that have questions about what is and isn’t reimbursable under this scholarship program should contact Munna Yasiri.
Note for Nursing Assistant candidates: Not all nursing assistant employers are required to reimburse for nursing assistant training and testing fees. Other criteria may also apply, so please check with your employer before signing up for a test if you are seeking reimbursement. More information can be found on Minnesota Department of Health’s website.
Dislocated worker or WIOA funds
The cost of the test may be covered by dislocated worker or WIOA funds. Please contact your dislocated worker or WIOA career navigator to learn more.
Contact Us
Whether you are looking for training for your workforce, help connecting to industry experts, or any other need, our trained support staff is available to answer your questions and connect you with resources.
Live chat, email questions, or call us to connect to solutions for your workforce. We look forward to assisting you!
Toll-free: 833-905-WORK
International: +1-651-5568456
MN Relay: 800-627-3529
