How to Get Your CNA Certification in Michigan (MI): 2026 Guide
Michigan switched to Headmaster in 2022. Training is 75 hours (59 classroom + 16 clinical) and the combined exam fee is about $175.
Michigan moved its CNA competency exam to Headmaster in February 2022. Candidates complete a 75-hour state-approved program and then take the Headmaster nurse aide exam. This guide covers the Michigan program, costs, exam structure, testing sites, and the Temporary Nurse Aide (TNA) pathway that some legacy candidates may still be eligible for.
Michigan CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Headmaster (TMU)
- Training hours: 75 total (59 classroom + 16 clinical minimum)
- Exam format: knowledge test + skills evaluation
- Exam fee: approximately $175 combined
- Registry: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) approves training programs and maintains the Nurse Aide Registry. Headmaster administers the competency exam under state contract through its TMU portal.
Training programs in Michigan
Michigan requires a 75-hour state-approved program, of which at least 16 hours must be supervised clinical practice. Programs are offered at:
- Community colleges (Lansing Community College, Macomb Community College, Wayne County Community College District, Henry Ford College, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Muskegon Community College, Grand Rapids Community College)
- Private training academies
- Long-term care facilities with in-house programs
- Some high school career and technical education programs
Most programs run 4–8 weeks. Tuition typically ranges from $700 to $1,500, plus $80–$200 for textbooks, uniforms, and the Michigan criminal background check (ICHAT).
The Michigan CNA exam: Headmaster details
The Headmaster/TMU exam has two parts:
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Knowledge Test — multiple-choice questions covering resident care, safety, infection control, communication, and basic nursing skills.
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Skills Test — hands-on demonstration of randomly selected skills in front of a Headmaster nurse evaluator.
Register through Headmaster's TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal at mi.tmutest.com. Michigan transitioned from Prometric to Headmaster in February 2022; older candidates who prepared for the Prometric exam must reregister.
How much does the Michigan CNA exam cost?
- Both parts combined — ~$175
- Knowledge retake — ~$75
- Skills retake — ~$100
- ICHAT background check — $10–$15
- State registry listing — included
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $700–$1,500.
Where to take the test in Michigan
- Detroit — frequent testing; Henry Ford-area partner sites
- Grand Rapids — regular sessions; multiple partner sites
- Lansing — periodic testing; Lansing Community College-area dates
- Ann Arbor — scheduled through partner programs; limited dates
- Flint — limited dates; book early
- Saginaw — limited dates; book early
- Traverse City — limited dates; book early in northern Michigan
- Marquette — limited dates; book early in the Upper Peninsula
Michigan's testing footprint covers the population centers well. Rural Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula candidates may travel 60–120 minutes to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your TMU test confirmation, and clinical scrubs. The written portion may be available online through Headmaster's TMU Plus, or in person at approved Michigan sites. Skills tests are always in person.
After you pass: Michigan certification and renewal
Headmaster reports passing scores to the LARA Nurse Aide Registry. Your name appears on the public registry within 7–14 days, and a paper certificate is mailed to the address on file. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, complete at least 8 hours of paid nurse aide work during the certification period under the supervision of an RN.
Michigan also recognizes a Temporary Nurse Aide (TNA) pathway: TNAs employed during the COVID-19 emergency still had a 4-month window to pass the exam. After that window, full CNA testing applies.
Common pitfalls specific to Michigan
- Vendor transition: Candidates who prepared for the old Prometric exam must reregister through Headmaster.
- TNA window: Some legacy TNAs may have an expiring 4-month testing window; verify your eligibility before scheduling.
- ICHAT turnaround: Michigan's ICHAT background check takes 2–4 weeks for paper applications; submit during training, not after.
- Skills scheduling: Book early in smaller cities like Flint, Saginaw, and Marquette.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Michigan? Most students finish training in 4–8 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
How much is Michigan CNA training? Plan $700–$1,500 for tuition plus $100–$200 for supplies, the state background check, and the exam fees.
Can I challenge the Michigan CNA exam without training? Generally no. LARA requires graduation from a state-approved nurse aide training program.
What's the difference between a TNA and a CNA in Michigan? A TNA (Temporary Nurse Aide) is a person who worked in nursing facilities during the COVID-19 emergency. TNAs had a 4-month window to test and become CNAs. After that window, full CNA training applies.
Practice for the Michigan CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
