CNA Classes in Sioux Falls, SD

How Much Does CNA Training Cost in Sioux Falls?

Beyond tuition, plan for the state exam fee ($159.50 total ($70.50 written or $80.50 oral + $89 skills) through Headmaster), the application/registry fee (No fee charged by SDBON for initial CNA registration), a background check, and uniforms or supplies. All in, total CNA training cost in South Dakota typically falls around $400-$1,200 including tuition (often free at facilities), Headmaster testing, and any optional fingerprint costs.

How to Become a CNA in Sioux Falls, SD

1. 1

   Confirm eligibility and find a Board-approved training program

   You must be at least 16 years old to enroll. The South Dakota Board of Nursing maintains an approved list of Nurse Aide Training Programs at community colleges, technical institutes (Southeast Tech, Lake Area Tech, Mitchell Tech, Western Dakota Tech), tribal colleges, and dozens of long-term care facilities that train and hire in-house.

2. 2

   Complete a 75-hour training program

   South Dakota's curriculum mirrors the federal floor at 75 hours but is heavily front-loaded with at least 16 hours of pre-clinical safety and resident-rights instruction. Programs typically take 3 to 6 weeks, and many rural facilities sponsor candidates by paying tuition and a stipend in exchange for a short post-certification work commitment.

3. 3

   Register for Headmaster testing in the TMU system

   Your training coordinator will create your candidate profile in D&SDT-Headmaster's TestMaster Universe platform. You pay $70.50 for the written test (or $80.50 oral) and $89 for the skills evaluation, for a combined total of $159.50. Both portions must initially be taken on the same day.

4. 4

   Pass both knowledge and skills components

   The written test contains 60 multiple-choice items and is offered in English, with an oral option for ESL candidates. The skills evaluation consists of five randomly assigned tasks plus mandatory hand hygiene. You have up to two years from training completion to pass both components, with up to three attempts per part.

5. 5

   Apply to the South Dakota CNA Registry through SDUAP

   Submit the initial application at sduap.org/CNA/apply/. The Board of Nursing does not charge an application or registration fee. Once Headmaster reports your passing scores, your name is typically added to the registry within 5-10 business days, and you receive a CNA registration number.

6. 6

   Complete employer-side background checks at hire

   South Dakota law requires the employing facility to obtain a DCI and FBI fingerprint check before a CNA performs direct resident care for pay. You will self-disclose any past convictions on your initial registry application, and the Board of Nursing may conduct further review if disqualifying offenses are reported.

7. 7

   Renew every two years through the SDUAP portal

   Renewal is free and is completed online at sduap.org/renew/. You must attest to at least 12 hours of paid CNA employment under licensed nurse supervision in the prior 24 months, plus 24 hours of approved in-service training. Failure to meet the work requirement means you must retake the Headmaster competency exam to reinstate.

Becoming a CNA in South Dakota

South Dakota is one of a small group of states where Certified Nurse Aides are regulated directly by the Board of Nursing rather than the Department of Health. SDBON's Unlicensed Assistive Personnel Program (SDUAP) maintains the official CNA registry, approves training programs, contracts with D&SDT-Headmaster for competency testing, and acts on disciplinary findings.

Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Sioux Falls