Wisconsin CNA Requirements 2026
Becoming a certified nurse aide in Wisconsin requires completing a state-approved training program, passing a two-part competency exam, and being listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. Wisconsin-approved programs include required classroom and clinical components. The Department of Health Services oversees the program and sets eligibility standards for all candidates.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has jurisdiction over CNA credentialing in the state. The process follows a set sequence: approved training, a two-part competency examination, and placement on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. Once listed, a CNA must document at least eight paid hours of nurse aide work under RN or LPN supervision within every 24 months to keep that listing active.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, examination steps, the application process, and renewal information.
- Training Requirements
- Examination Requirements
- The Application Process
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Maintaining Your Registry Status
Training Requirements
Nurse aide training in Wisconsin must be completed through a state-approved program. Wisconsin-approved programs are commonly described as 120-hour programs and include required supervised clinical experience in a healthcare setting. The Department of Health Services maintains the list of authorized programs on its website. When selecting a program, candidates should confirm that it appears on the list and be cautious about programs that offer exclusively online coursework — nurse aide training requires hands-on clinical practice. Confirm current program requirements with DHS before enrolling.
Age and enrollment requirements may vary by program and employment setting; candidates should confirm eligibility directly with their DHS-approved training provider. Candidates and employers must also comply with Wisconsin’s caregiver background-check requirements. Specific eligibility determinations depend on state rules, employer screening, and any disqualifying findings.
Alternate Routes
Wisconsin recognizes several alternative pathways to exam eligibility. Currently enrolled nursing students and graduate nurses may pursue CNA certification. Internationally educated practical or professional nurses may sit for the CNA exam while waiting to take the NCLEX; they must demonstrate eligibility to sit for the NCLEX before applying.
Home health aides may qualify through alternate routes, but eligibility should be verified in accordance with the current DHS and Headmaster application instructions. Veterans may qualify if DHS determines their military education, training, and clinical experience satisfy Wisconsin nurse aide requirements. Military applicants submit qualifying documentation to the DHS Division of Quality Assurance, including academic reports, documentation of specialized training, and a statement signed by the non-commissioned training officer.
Examination Requirements
Wisconsin CNA candidates take the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam through the current DHS and Headmaster testing process. The exam has two components: a clinical skills evaluation and a knowledge test. Both components are held on the same day; candidates should confirm the current scheduling and format with the Headmaster before registering.
The skills evaluation assesses hand hygiene and five other randomly selected nurse aide tasks. At least one task involves measurement, such as taking blood pressure or counting pulse. Critical steps within each skill are identified in the candidate handbook — missing any of them affects the score. Candidates should review the current skills listing and expected steps in the Headmaster candidate handbook before testing.
The knowledge test is available in written or oral format. It is administered in English only. Candidates who prefer the oral format do not need to apply under the Americans with Disabilities Act to request it. A reading self-assessment in the candidate handbook helps candidates determine whether the oral option is a better fit. The oral exam includes ten word recognition questions. Confirm current language access, oral-test options, and accommodation procedures in the Headmaster candidate handbook.
Candidates should monitor their Wisconsin TestMaster Universe account and Headmaster communications for eligibility status, scheduling updates, and test results. Score reports are issued shortly after testing. A candidate who passes one component does not need to retake it.
Exam fees are set through the current Headmaster process and may change; verify the current fee schedule at the Headmaster Wisconsin testing page before registering. At the time this page was last reviewed, the full examination was $115, the skills component was $70, and the knowledge component was $45.
Graduates of Wisconsin-approved programs must pass both components within one year of completing their program. That window does not apply to candidates approved through some alternative pathways. A candidate who does not pass within the window must complete another DHS-approved training program before testing again.
The Application Process
Most candidates complete testing and registry steps through Wisconsin TestMaster Universe and Headmaster, following the route-specific instructions for their eligibility category. Graduates of state-approved programs must follow current TMU and Headmaster documentation requirements to confirm training completion and exam eligibility.
Student nurses, graduate nurses, and other alternate-route applicants use separate processes with distinct documentation requirements. Student nurses must first submit a verification form to the DHS Division of Quality Assurance. Graduate nurses may include an authorization letter from DHS with their application, or submit a copy of a current state nursing license as evidence of eligibility.
Military applicants follow the current DHS military-training verification process and submit required documentation through DHS or Headmaster instructions. After passing both exam components, candidates should verify their registry placement through Wisconsin TMU and Headmaster.
Out-of-State CNAs
Out-of-state CNAs who completed a state-approved nurse aide training program and passed competency examinations in another state can apply for registry placement in Wisconsin. Out-of-state applicants who cannot document a qualifying state-approved training program may need to provide employer verification of qualifying nurse aide work, subject to current DHS requirements.
Out-of-state applicants should follow the current Wisconsin TMU and Headmaster out-of-state application instructions, including any registry verification, training documentation, identification, and employment documentation requirements. Reciprocity applications are submitted through Wisconsin TestMaster Universe at wi.tmutest.com/apply.
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Maintaining Your Registry Status
Once listed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, CNAs must document at least eight paid hours of nurse aide work under RN or LPN supervision within every 24-month eligibility period to maintain active status. CNAs who do not meet the 24-month paid-work requirement should follow DHS’s current inactive-status process — Wisconsin generally requires retesting (passing the knowledge and skills tests again) rather than completing a full training program. Still, candidates should confirm current reinstatement requirements directly with DHS.
Registry renewal and employment verification are managed through Wisconsin TestMaster Universe at wi.tmutest.com. Keeping contact information in the registry current ensures that renewal alerts are received on time.
For current contact details, verify directly at the Wisconsin DHS nurse aide program page. As of this writing, registry questions go to Headmaster at 888-401-0465 or [email protected], testing questions go to Headmaster at 888-401-0462, and program and eligibility questions go to the DHS Division of Quality Assurance at 608-261-9315.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Wisconsin CNA training program?
Wisconsin-approved programs are typically 120-hour programs with required supervised clinical experience. Program lengths and clinical requirements may change — confirm the current requirements directly with DHS and your training provider before enrolling.
What does the Wisconsin CNA competency exam cover?
The Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam includes a clinical skills evaluation and a knowledge test, both taken in the same testing session. The skills portion covers hand hygiene and five other randomly selected nurse aide tasks. The knowledge test is available in written or oral format and is administered in English only. Confirm current scheduling, format, and retesting rules through Headmaster before registering.
How do out-of-state CNAs transfer their certification to Wisconsin?
Out-of-state CNAs who completed a state-approved training program and passed competency exams in another state can apply for Wisconsin registry placement. The application — including any documentation of training, employment, and registry verification — is submitted through Wisconsin TestMaster Universe at wi.tmutest.com/apply.
How do Wisconsin CNAs renew their registry listing?
CNAs must document at least eight paid hours of nurse aide work under RN or LPN supervision within each 24-month eligibility period to maintain active registry status. CNAs who have not met the work requirement generally need to retest — passing the knowledge and skills tests again — rather than complete full retraining. The renewal process is managed through TestMaster Universe.
Can veterans qualify for the Wisconsin CNA exam without completing a standard training program?
Veterans whose military education, training, and clinical experience satisfy Wisconsin nurse aide requirements may qualify to test without completing a standard approved program. Applications and documentation are submitted to the DHS Division of Quality Assurance. Confirm current military pathway requirements with DHS before applying.
Key Takeaways
- State-approved training required — Wisconsin CNA candidates must complete a DHS-approved training pathway or approved alternate route and pass the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam.
- Two-part exam, same day — The Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam covers a clinical skills evaluation and a knowledge test, both taken in a single testing session.
- One-year testing window — Graduates of Wisconsin-approved programs must pass both exam components within one year of completing training or must complete another DHS-approved program before retesting.
- Registry renewal every 24 months — CNAs must document at least eight paid hours of nurse aide work under RN or LPN supervision per renewal period to maintain active listing on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.
- Multiple entry pathways — Nursing students, graduate nurses, home health aides, qualifying veterans, and out-of-state CNAs can pursue Wisconsin CNA certification through alternative routes with separate documentation requirements.
Prospective CNAs can compare Wisconsin DHS-approved nurse aide training programs by location, schedule, clinical requirements, and enrollment information.