CNA Classes in Minneapolis, MN

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Minneapolis?

Tuition at Minneapolis programs runs $750 to $1,000 (about $875 on average). Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($270 total for knowledge and skills combined; $100 for written only; $170 for skills only), the application/registry fee ($0 — MDH does not charge a separate application fee for initial registry placement after passing both exam portions), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in Minnesota typically falls around $0-$1,800 depending on whether training is employer-sponsored, a Minnesota State college, or a private provider.

How to Become a CNA in Minneapolis, MN

1. 1

   Confirm you meet Minnesota's eligibility requirements

   You must be at least 16 years old to be listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. You must be willing to complete a Minnesota Department of Human Services background study through NETStudy 2.0; substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state registry will disqualify you. A high school diploma or GED is not required by MDH.

2. 2

   Enroll in an MDH-approved Nurse Aide Training Program

   Find a 75-hour nurse aide training program approved by the Minnesota Department of Health. Approved providers include Minnesota State colleges, many high schools (through CTE programs), nursing homes, and private schools. The program must provide at least 75 hours of instruction with a minimum of 16 hours of supervised practical training with live patients.

3. 3

   Complete training and have your instructor enter you into TMU

   Pass all classroom modules and demonstrate the required clinical skills. Your instructor enters your record into the D&SDT-Headmaster TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform — Minnesota's exclusive testing system since February 1, 2022 — which authorizes you to schedule the competency exam.

4. 4

   Schedule and pay for your competency exam

   Register through TMU and schedule both portions of your competency exam at an MDH-approved testing site. The combined fee is $270 (knowledge plus skills); written only is $100, skills only is $170. You may test at any approved site regardless of where you trained. You have up to 4 knowledge attempts and 3 skills attempts within 24 months of program completion.

5. 5

   Pass both portions of the Minnesota competency exam

   The knowledge test has 70 multiple-choice questions; you must answer 52 correctly (74%) to pass. The skills test asks you to perform 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills under a nurse evaluator's observation using printed checklist criteria. Pass both portions to qualify for registry placement.

6. 6

   Complete the DHS background study and get listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry

   Your employer (or the testing site for unemployed candidates) initiates a Minnesota DHS background study through NETStudy 2.0. Once results clear and Headmaster transmits your passing scores, MDH adds you to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry — typically within 1-2 weeks. Verify your status at nar.web.health.state.mn.us.

7. 7

   Begin working — and renew every two years

   Once you are listed as Active on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry you may work in any Minnesota-licensed nursing home or certified boarding care home, and most CNAs also work in hospitals and home health. To renew every 24 months you must complete at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related work during the renewal cycle and submit your renewal through the MDH online portal.

Becoming a CNA in Minnesota

Becoming a CNA in Minnesota is overseen by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), which approves all nurse aide training programs, maintains the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, and since February 1, 2022 contracts exclusively with D&SDT-Headmaster as the state's testing administrator using the TestMaster Universe (TMU) platform. Minnesota requires the federal minimum of 75 training hours, with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training with live patients — significantly less than Maryland's 100 hours or California's 160 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Minneapolis