How to Become a CNA in Michigan 2026
To become a CNA in Michigan, complete a state-approved nurse aide training program, pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, and apply for placement on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry through the MI-NATES system. Programs typically run 4 to 8 weeks. Michigan CNAs must renew their registration every two years by documenting paid work experience and completing continuing education.
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Michigan regulates nurse aide certification through the Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS), a division of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). BCHS approves training programs and oversees the registry where all certified aides must be listed before working in a paid role. The process follows a fixed sequence: complete an approved training program, pass the competency evaluation, then apply for registry placement through MI-NATES, Michigan’s online Nurse Aide, Training, and Enforcement System.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, the competency evaluation, and registry and renewal information.
- Complete a state-approved training program
- Pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation
- Apply for registry placement through MI-NATES
- Renew your CNA registration
- Reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs
Training Program Requirements
Michigan nurse aide training programs must be specifically approved by BCHS. Only candidates who complete an approved program are eligible to sit for the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. LARA publishes a list of approved nurse aide training programs on its website, organized by region of the state. Programs follow a state training curriculum and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical hours, with a minimum of 75 total training hours required.
Candidates who completed a nurse aide program approved in another state may be eligible for a training exemption if BCHS determines the out-of-state program was substantially equivalent to Michigan’s requirements. You must apply for the exemption within one year of completing the program, and you must complete the competency evaluation within two years of program completion. The exemption review typically takes three to five weeks. Licensed RNs and LPNs are not eligible for training exemptions, and CNAs with expired certifications are also excluded.
If you’re employed at a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facility, or receive a job offer from one within 12 months of completing training, federal law requires the employer to cover your training and testing costs, including required course materials. You can pay upfront and seek reimbursement if you begin working at a qualifying facility within that 12-month window.
The Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation
All Michigan nurse aide candidates must pass the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, including those who received a training exemption. The evaluation has two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills test. First-time candidates take both parts on the same day.
The clinical skills portion evaluates five competencies: indirect care skills, handwashing, and three additional skills assigned at random on exam day. Candidates must pass all five. The knowledge test is multiple choice. Candidates who pass one section but not the other are only required to retake the section they failed. Each part can be attempted up to three times within 24 months of completing the training program. Failing to pass within three attempts means completing a new state-approved training program before retesting.
Preparation materials, including a candidate information bulletin and sample questions, are available through Headmaster, L.L.P. (also known as HDMaster or D&S Diversified Technologies), the company BCHS contracts with to administer the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. Contact Headmaster at (888) 401-0462, email [email protected], or visit hdmaster.com for Michigan-specific scheduling information, current fees, and exam materials.
How to Apply for the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry
Passing both sections of the competency evaluation doesn’t automatically place you on the registry. Registry placement is a separate application step. You need to create a MILogin account through the Michigan government portal, then request access to MI-NATES to complete your registration application and set up your profile. BCHS has published instructional videos on both steps, available through the LARA nurse aide training programs page.
Michigan follows the federal nurse aide regulations (42 CFR 483.35) that allow training program completers to work as temporary nurse aides in qualifying facilities for up to four months while awaiting exam results and registry placement. This means you can start earning before certification is finalized, as long as your employer is a federally certified nursing care facility. Once your application is submitted and approved through MI-NATES, you pay the $40 registration fee. Your registration is valid for two years from the issue date, and employers are required to verify your registry status through MI-NATES before hiring you as a nurse aide.
Renewing Your Michigan CNA Registration
Michigan CNA registrations are valid for two years. To renew, you need to document paid nursing or nursing-related work under the supervision of a licensed RN during the prior 24-month period and complete the required continuing education. Michigan Administrative Rule R 400.315 requires nurse aides to complete 12 hours of CE annually, effective March 23, 2026. Care plan development is one of the required CE topics. You can begin the renewal process through MI-NATES no earlier than 45 days before your registration expires, and a renewal fee applies.
Renewal is not available if you’ve been flagged on the registry for resident abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property. CNAs who can’t document qualifying paid work hours during the renewal period are ineligible and would need to complete a new state-approved training program and pass the competency evaluation again. Verify current renewal fees and documentation requirements through MI-NATES or the LARA nurse aide pages, as these details are subject to change.
CNAs considering a career move can explore CNA-to-RN bridge programs or review the full RN licensing requirements in Michigan for the path from nurse aide to registered nurse.
Out-of-State CNAs
Michigan grants reciprocity to CNAs who are currently certified and in good standing in another approved state. You apply through MI-NATES without completing a Michigan training program. You’ll need to submit copies of your out-of-state certificate, verification forms from each state where you’ve held registration, including expired registrations, and documentation of recent work experience if your certificate doesn’t include an expiration date. CNAs who have changed their legal name since certification must provide supporting documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Check the current list of approved reciprocity states on the LARA Nurse Aide Registry page before applying, since the list of eligible states is updated periodically. If your state isn’t on the approved list, you’ll need to complete a Michigan-approved training program before applying for the registry. Contact BCHS directly at [email protected] to confirm any exam requirements that apply to your specific situation.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Michigan?
Most Michigan nurse aide training programs run 4 to 8 weeks. After completing your program, you’ll schedule and pass the competency evaluation through Headmaster, then apply for registry placement through MI-NATES. From program start to active registry status, most candidates complete the process in two to three months. Per federal nurse aide regulations (42 CFR 483.35), training completers can also work as temporary nurse aides in qualifying facilities for up to four months while awaiting exam results and registry placement, so you can start earning before the process is fully finished.
Who administers the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation?
The exam is administered by Headmaster, L.L.P., also known as HDMaster or D&S Diversified Technologies. BCHS contracts with Headmaster to conduct all Michigan nurse aide certification exams. You can reach Headmaster at (888) 401-0462, email [email protected], or visit hdmaster.com for Michigan-specific scheduling, fees, and exam preparation materials. Note that Headmaster no longer maintains the nurse aide registry. That function moved to MI-NATES in 2023, but Headmaster continues to administer the competency evaluation.
Can I work as a CNA in Michigan with a certification from another state?
Michigan grants reciprocity to CNAs who are currently certified and in good standing in an approved state. You apply through MI-NATES without completing a Michigan training program. Check the current approved reciprocity states list on the LARA Nurse Aide Registry page before applying, as the list is updated periodically. Contact BCHS at [email protected] to confirm any specific exam or documentation requirements for your situation.
What happens if I don’t pass the Michigan nurse aide exam on the first attempt?
You can attempt each section of the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation up to three times within 24 months of completing your training program. If you pass one section but not the other, you only retake the section you failed. You don’t have to repeat the full evaluation. Failing to pass within three attempts requires completing a new state-approved training program before you can retest.
What are the renewal requirements for a Michigan CNA registration?
Michigan CNA registrations renew every two years. You need to document paid nursing or nursing-related work during the prior 24 months and complete the annual continuing education requirement under Administrative Rule R 400.315, which took effect March 23, 2026. Renewal is processed through MI-NATES. Visit the LARA Nurse Aide Registry page or contact [email protected] for current fees and documentation requirements, as specifics can change between publication cycles.
Key Takeaways
- BCHS approval is required — Michigan nurse aide training programs must be approved by the Bureau of Community and Health Systems. Completing an unapproved program makes you ineligible to sit for the competency evaluation.
- Two-part competency evaluation — The Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation includes a written knowledge test and a clinical skills test. Candidates must pass all five assessed skills in the hands-on portion.
- Registry placement is a separate application — Passing the exam doesn’t automatically add you to the registry. You must apply through MI-NATES using a MILogin account before you’re authorized to work as a paid nurse aide in Michigan.
- Four-month temporary work provision — Federal nurse aide regulations (42 CFR 483.35) allow training completers to work as temporary nurse aides in qualifying facilities for up to four months while waiting for exam results and registry placement.
- Two-year renewal cycle — Michigan CNAs renew every two years through MI-NATES by documenting paid work experience and completing the required annual CE hours under Administrative Rule R 400.315.
Find state-approved CNA training programs in Michigan that meet BCHS requirements and prepare you for the Michigan Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation.