CNA Classes in Wisconsin

Before enrolling in a CNA program in Wisconsin, you must meet these requirements:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Have completed at least 8th grade (no high school diploma required)
• Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check (certain convictions may disqualify you)
• Complete required health screenings:
  • Negative TB test
  • Physical exam confirming ability to perform CNA duties (lifting, standing, etc.)
  • Up-to-date immunizations (MMR, Tdap, varicella, Hep B)
• Demonstrate English language proficiency (reading and speaking)
• Some programs may require a drug test or additional documentation
• Foreign-trained students may need to provide translated diplomas and proof of English proficiency

Wisconsin requires CNA students to complete a comprehensive training program that includes both classroom and clinical experience:

• 120 total hours of training:
  • 80 hours of classroom instruction (theory)
  • 40 hours of hands-on clinical training in a state-approved healthcare facility
• Clinical training must be supervised by a registered nurse and take place in a skilled nursing facility or similar setting
• The curriculum covers:
  • Infection control
  • Patient hygiene and safety
  • Vital signs and mobility assistance
  • Dementia care and communication skills
• Some programs may include state-mandated hours for specific topics such as abuse prevention or residents’ rights
• Program formats may be in-person, hybrid, or partially online, but all clinical hours must be completed in person
• Most programs last 4–12 weeks, depending on full-time or part-time scheduling

To qualify for certification, you must complete a program approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Approved training is available through:

• Community and technical colleges
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• High schools with health occupation programs
• Long-term care and rehabilitation facilities
• Private vocational schools

To verify program approval, check the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Training Program Directory on the state website.

Typical costs include:

• Tuition and fees: $800–$1,500
• Textbooks and study materials: $50–$150
• Uniforms and medical supplies: $50–$100
• Background check and health screening fees: $50–$100

Financial aid options:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grants
• Federal Pell Grants for eligible students
• Employer tuition reimbursement or free training for new hires (some facilities offer free programs in exchange for work commitments)
• State and local workforce scholarships and pipeline programs

After completing your training, you must pass the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam:

• Exam provider: Wisconsin’s contracted testing service (check the state website for current provider)
• Exam format:
  • Written test: 70 multiple-choice questions (oral version available for those with reading difficulties)
  • Skills evaluation: Demonstration of 5 randomly selected CNA skills in front of an evaluator
• Exam fee: Typically $125–$150 for both sections
• You must pass both sections within three attempts; if unsuccessful, you must retake the training program
• On exam day, bring:
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Social Security card
  • Proof of training completion
  • Wear scrubs or clinical attire
• Automatic failure may result from missing critical safety or hygiene steps during the skills evaluation

After passing both portions of the exam, your results are submitted to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. Here’s what to expect:

• Your school or the testing provider submits your information
• Most new CNAs appear as “active” in the registry within 2–3 weeks
• Employers use the registry to verify your certification status before hiring

• Registry Name: Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (managed by D&SDT-Headmaster)
• Website: Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry
• Phone: 888-401-0465
• Email: [email protected]

Services Provided:

• Verifying CNA certification status
• Processing renewal applications
• Managing license transfers and reciprocity requests
• Updating name or address changes
• Maintaining a searchable database for employers and CNAs

Certification Lookup:
Search or verify your active status on the TMU Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry by name, Social Security Number, or registration number.

Keeping your CNA certification active in Wisconsin is essential for continued employment in healthcare settings. Here’s what you need to know:

• Certification validity: 24 months
• Renewal frequency: Every 2 years
• Employment requirement: Must work at least 8 hours in a paid CNA position under RN or LPN supervision within the past 24 months at a federally certified facility (nursing home, hospice, home health agency, or similar)
• Renewal process:
  • Log in to your TMU account up to 90 days before your certification expires
  • Add your employer and submit employment details
  • Your employer must verify your work history online through TMU
  • Once verified, your certification is renewed for another 24 months
• Lapsed certification: If you have not met the work requirement, you must retake and pass the competency exam to regain certification. No retraining is required unless you fail the exam three times.
• Fees: No renewal fee for active CNAs; exam fees apply if retesting is needed
• Continuing education: Wisconsin does not require formal continuing education credits for renewal, but ongoing learning is encouraged for skill development

For more details or to start your renewal, visit the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry Renewal page.

If you are certified as a CNA in another state and want to work in Wisconsin, follow these steps for license transfer:

• Eligibility: Must hold an active CNA certification in another state and have completed at least a 75-hour state-approved nurse aide training program
• Application process:
  • Complete the online Out-of-State Application on the Headmaster Wisconsin portal
  • Upload proof of training (diploma, transcript, or letter from training program with name and date of completion)
  • Provide employment verification if you cannot provide proof of training (must show at least 2,088 hours worked as a CNA in the past 24 months under RN/LPN supervision)
  • Upload a copy of your Social Security card and valid government-issued photo ID
  • Pay the $25 administration fee
• Employer input: Your employer(s) must complete Section II of the employer verification form
• Testing requirements: If your previous competency exam is not substantially similar to Wisconsin’s, you may need to pass the Wisconsin exam before being placed on the registry
• Processing time: Most applications are processed within a few weeks

For more information and to access the application, visit the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry Reciprocity page.

While Wisconsin does not require formal continuing education credits for CNA renewal, ongoing education is highly recommended for career growth and improving patient care. CNAs can pursue additional learning through:

• Online courses: Flexible options from providers like NetCE
• Workshops and seminars: Offered by local healthcare organizations and community colleges
• In-service training: Many employers provide regular in-service sessions to keep staff updated
• Community colleges and vocational schools: Specialized courses to enhance your skills or prepare for advanced roles

Continuing education can help you expand your skills, qualify for more job opportunities, and stay current with healthcare advancements.