How to Get Your CNA Certification in Kansas (KS): 2026 Guide
Kansas uses D&S Headmaster for CNA testing. Training is 90 hours (above federal minimum) and the combined exam runs about $100.
If you want to work as a Certified Nurse Aide in Kansas, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the Kansas nurse aide competency exam through D&S Headmaster, and be listed on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. Kansas requires more training hours than the federal 75-hour minimum (90 hours), and D&S Headmaster administers both parts of the exam through its TMU testing platform.
This guide walks you through the program requirements, the exam structure, costs, the Kansas registry, and the testing sites you'll likely use.
Kansas CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: D&S Headmaster (hdmaster.com)
- Training hours: 90 total (above federal minimum)
- Exam format: knowledge test (about 100 multiple-choice questions) + skills test
- Passing score: contact Headmaster for the current passing standard
- Exam fee: approximately $100 for both parts combined
- Registry: Kansas Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by KDADS
- Renewal: 24 months with qualifying paid nursing-related work
Who oversees CNA certification in Kansas
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), specifically the Health Occupations Credentialing unit, approves Kansas nurse aide training programs and maintains the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry. D&S Headmaster administers the Kansas competency exam under state contract.
KDADS reviews training program applications, conducts state-level audits of approved programs, and processes reciprocity applications for out-of-state CNAs.
Training programs in Kansas
Kansas requires a 90-hour state-approved program — about 15 hours more than the federal minimum of 75 hours. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, Butler CC, Johnson County CC, Hutchinson CC, Coffeyville CC)
- Technical schools and vocational training centers
- Long-term care facilities with approved in-house training programs
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most programs run 4–8 weeks, mixing daytime classroom, lab practice, and supervised clinical rotations in nursing homes. Tuition typically ranges from $600 to $1,400 for the program itself, plus $100–$200 for textbooks, uniforms, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation background check, and the BLS certification course.
The Kansas CNA exam: Headmaster details
The Kansas nurse aide exam has two parts administered by D&S Headmaster:
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Knowledge Test — approximately 100 multiple-choice questions covering Kansas-specific nurse aide standards, basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, resident rights, and safety. The test is administered at Headmaster's TMU testing centers.
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Skills Test — a hands-on evaluation of randomly assigned skills in front of a Headmaster nurse evaluator. The skills are drawn from the standard NNAAP/Headmaster skill bank.
Candidates must pass both parts within 3 attempts and within 24 months of completing the training program, or restart training.
How much does the Kansas CNA exam cost?
- Both parts combined — ~$100
- Knowledge retake — ~$50
- Skills retake — ~$50
- Kansas KBI background check — $20
- State registry listing — included
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $600–$1,400.
Where to take the test in Kansas
- Wichita — frequent testing at Headmaster/TMU testing partner sites
- Kansas City / Overland Park — multiple partner sites; high scheduling availability
- Topeka — periodic testing; scheduled through partner programs
- Manhattan — scheduled through Flint Hills-area partner programs; limited dates
- Lawrence — limited dates; book early
Kansas's testing footprint is concentrated in the I-35 corridor (Kansas City to Wichita) and the I-70 corridor (Kansas City to Topeka). Western Kansas (Garden City, Dodge City, Liberal) candidates may travel 1–3 hours to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring a government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your Headmaster test confirmation, and clinical scrubs for the skills portion. The knowledge test and skills test may be scheduled on the same day at sites that allow it, or on separate days at smaller sites.
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled slot. Headmaster evaluates the knowledge test immediately and reports passing scores before the skills portion.
After you pass: Kansas certification and renewal
D&S Headmaster reports passing scores to KDADS, which lists you on the Kansas Nurse Aide Registry within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the public KDADS registry verification portal. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, document at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work during the certification period under the supervision of an RN or LPN, and complete the Kansas renewal form.
Common pitfalls specific to Kansas
- Headmaster TMU portal: Register through the Kansas-specific Headmaster TMU page; do not use the generic Headmaster site.
- 90-hour requirement: Above the federal minimum; do not assume a 75-hour program qualifies in Kansas.
- Rural site rotation: Western Kansas sites rotate through partner programs; verify the schedule before planning travel.
- KBI background turnaround: Kansas Bureau of Investigation background checks take 2–4 weeks; submit fingerprints early in training.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Kansas? Most students finish training in 4–8 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
Can I bring an out-of-state CNA license to Kansas? Yes. Apply through KDADS's reciprocity program. Some candidates trained in states with shorter programs may need Kansas-approved supplementary coursework.
How much does CNA training in Kansas cost? Plan $600–$1,400 for tuition plus $150–$200 for supplies, the KBI background check, and the exam fee.
Does Kansas require continuing education to renew? No. Kansas renewal is based on paid work hours, not CE.
Practice for the Kansas CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
