How to Get Your CNA Certification in Minnesota (MN): 2026 Guide
Minnesota uses Headmaster through a two-server TMU model. Training is 75 hours and the combined exam costs about $270.
Minnesota switched its CNA competency exam to Headmaster in February 2022. The state uses a unique two-server model: the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MnSCU) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) each operate a separate TMU testing instance. Minnesota publishes per-program pass rates — a useful tool for evaluating training options.
Minnesota CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Headmaster (TMU)
- Training hours: 75 total (including 16 clinical)
- Exam format: 70-question knowledge test + skills evaluation
- Exam time: 120 minutes for the knowledge test
- Passing score: approximately 74%
- Exam fee: approximately $270 combined ($100 written + $170 skills)
- Registry: Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) approves training programs and maintains the registry. MDH publishes per-program pass rates — a useful tool for evaluating training options.
Training programs in Minnesota
Minnesota requires a 75-hour state-approved program. Programs are offered at:
- Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (system of 30+ community and technical colleges: Anoka-Ramsey, Anoka Tech, Bemidji State, Central Lakes, Century, Dakota County, Fond du Lac, Hennepin Tech, Hibbing, Inver Hills, Itasca, Lake Superior, Mesabi Range, Metropolitan State, Minneapolis Community, Minnesota State, Minnesota State College Southeast, Minnesota West, Normandale, North Hennepin, Northland, Pine Technical, Rainy River, Ridgewater, Riverland, Rochester, St. Cloud, St. Paul College, South Central, Southwest Minnesota State, and Vermilion)
- 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 $1,600, plus $80–$200 for uniforms, textbooks, and the Minnesota Department of Human Services background check.
The Minnesota CNA exam: Headmaster details
The Headmaster exam has two parts:
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Knowledge Test — 70 multiple-choice questions over 120 minutes, covering resident rights, basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, and safety.
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Skills Test — hands-on demonstration of randomly selected skills in front of a Headmaster nurse evaluator.
Minnesota's two-server TMU model is unique. Students who trained through MnSCU register through the MnSCU TMU instance; students who trained through other programs register through the MDH TMU instance. Use the correct portal or your scores won't sync to the state registry.
How much does the Minnesota CNA exam cost?
- Written — ~$100
- Skills — ~$170
- Combined — ~$270
- Knowledge retake — ~$80
- Skills retake — ~$140
- State background check — $15–$20
Minnesota's combined exam fee is higher than most states — partly because the two-server infrastructure costs more to operate.
Where to take the test in Minnesota
- Minneapolis / St. Paul — frequent testing; multiple MnSCU-area sites
- Rochester — regular sessions; Rochester Technical College-area dates
- Duluth — periodic testing; Lake Superior College-area dates
- St. Cloud — scheduled through MnSCU partner programs; limited dates
- Mankato — limited dates; book early
- Bemidji — limited dates; book early in northern Minnesota
Minnesota's testing footprint covers the Twin Cities area well. Northern Minnesota (Bemidji, International Falls) and southern Minnesota (Worthington, Marshall) candidates may travel 1–3 hours 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. Skills tests are always in person.
After you pass: Minnesota certification and renewal
Headmaster reports passing scores to MDH, which lists you on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry within 7–14 days. Your name appears on the public MDH registry. 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.
Common pitfalls specific to Minnesota
- Two-server model: Register through the correct Minnesota TMU instance — MnSCU students use one, MDH students use another.
- Higher fees: Minnesota's $270 combined fee is well above the national average.
- Per-program pass rates: MDH publishes these — use them to evaluate training programs.
- Long written test: 120 minutes is longer than most states; budget your time.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Minnesota? Most students finish training in 4–8 weeks and add 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
How much is Minnesota CNA training? Plan $700–$1,600 for tuition plus $100–$200 for supplies, the state background check, and the higher-than-average exam fee.
Can I bring an out-of-state CNA license to Minnesota? Yes. Apply through MDH's reciprocity program. Minnesota's 75-hour training is the federal minimum, so most state-licensed CNAs can apply directly.
Where can I find per-program pass rates? MDH publishes annual pass rates on its website. Search for the program you're considering to see how their graduates perform.
Practice for the Minnesota CNA exam at /exam and review skills at /skills.
