How to Get Your CNA Certification in North Dakota (ND): 2026 Guide
North Dakota uses Headmaster. Training is 75 hours and the combined exam fee is about $250.
North Dakota uses Headmaster for its nurse aide exam. Because of the state's sparse population, testing sites are limited, so plan ahead. This guide walks you through every step: from choosing a training program to scheduling your test, paying fees, and staying current on the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) registry.
North Dakota CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Headmaster
- Training hours: 75 total (16 clinical)
- Exam format: knowledge test + skills test
- Exam fee: approximately $250 combined
- Registry: North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH)
- Renewal: 24 months
Who oversees CNA certification in North Dakota
The North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) approves nurse aide training programs, maintains the official registry of certified nurse aides, and enforces renewal requirements. NDDoH contracts with Headmaster to deliver the written (knowledge) and skills portions of the competency exam and to report results into the state registry. Your certificate is valid only after both exam parts are passed and your record is posted to the NDDoH registry.
Training programs in North Dakota
North Dakota requires a 75-hour state-approved program that includes at least 16 hours of supervised clinical instruction. Most programs are offered through community colleges, area health education centers, long-term care facilities, and the TrainND network, which provides a hybrid (online + in-person) pathway for students across the state's rural regions.
Typical program structure:
- Classroom / lab hours: ~59 hours covering basic nursing skills, infection control, communication, resident rights, and safety.
- Clinical hours: 16 hours in an approved long-term care facility.
- Length: 4–8 weeks for full-time students; part-time and hybrid tracks run 10–16 weeks.
Tuition and supplies: Program tuition ranges from $700 to $1,400. Plan for additional costs including textbooks, a stethoscope, scrubs, watch with a second hand, TB testing, and background check fees. TrainND's hybrid program is popular because it lets rural students complete lectures online and only travel for skills labs and clinical rotations.
When choosing a program, confirm it is currently listed as approved by NDDoH — graduating from a non-approved program disqualifies you from the state exam.
The North Dakota CNA exam: Headmaster details
The North Dakota CNA exam is administered by Headmaster (now operating as Headmaster / D&SDT-Headmaster in many states) and has two parts:
- Knowledge Test — a multiple-choice written (or oral) exam covering the core nurse aide curriculum: basic nursing skills, personal care, mental health, resident rights, and safety/emergency procedures.
- Skills Test — a hands-on demonstration of selected nurse aide skills performed on a live actor or mannequin, evaluated by a registered nurse observer.
You must pass both parts to be listed on the NDDoH registry. If you fail one part, you can retake it without redoing the one you passed (within the eligibility window). Three failed attempts of either part typically require re-training before re-testing.
How much does the North Dakota CNA exam cost?
- Knowledge test — ~$100
- Skills test — ~$150
- Both parts combined — ~$250
- Reschedule / no-show fee (per part) — ~$25
- Retest (per failed part) — ~$100
- Oral knowledge test (audio version) — ~$20 extra
Fees are paid directly to Headmaster at scheduling. The North Dakota combined exam fee is higher than the national average, so budget for it in advance. Many employers reimburse exam costs if you commit to a hiring facility — ask when you interview.
Where to take the test in North Dakota
North Dakota has fewer test sites than most states, so book early. Common testing locations include:
- Fargo — the most frequent testing location; multiple sessions scheduled per month at Headmaster-approved sites. How to book: Create an account at the Headmaster ND portal, complete your application, and select a Fargo date when prompted. Slots often fill 3–4 weeks out.
- Bismarck — regular sessions held several times per month. How to book: Through the Headmaster ND portal; Bismarck is usually listed alongside Fargo and is the closest option for central and western ND candidates.
- Grand Forks — periodic testing, often tied to local training program graduations. How to book: Apply via Headmaster; if no public dates show, contact Grand Forks nursing homes (e.g., Valley Senior Living) to confirm whether they are hosting an upcoming sit.
- Minot — scheduled primarily through training programs rather than open enrollment. How to book: Ask your Minot-based training program coordinator to register you as part of a cohort, or check the Headmaster calendar for the next open date.
- Dickinson — limited dates, typically once a month or less. How to book: Watch the Headmaster ND site for new postings; rural western candidates should book as soon as a date appears.
If no site near you is available, the nearest out-of-state Headmaster test may be your best option — confirm with NDDoH first that an out-of-state result will be accepted for your ND certificate.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
After your training program submits your completion records, Headmaster emails you an eligibility letter (or login notification). You then self-schedule your exam date and location online. Most candidates schedule 2–4 weeks in advance, and rural sites fill up even faster.
What to bring on test day:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport).
- Test confirmation email or printed admission notice from Headmaster.
- Clean, modest scrubs (most sites require solid-color scrubs and closed-toe shoes).
- A watch with a second hand.
- Social Security card (some sites still request it for identity verification).
Arrive at least 20 minutes early. Late arrivals are typically not admitted and may be charged a no-show fee.
After you pass: North Dakota certification and renewal
Once you pass both exam parts, Headmaster transmits your results to NDDoH, and you are added to the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. Employers can verify your status online through the NDDoH registry lookup.
Renewal requirements:
- Renew every 24 months.
- You must have performed paid nursing-related duties within the renewal period (typically at least 8 hours in the past 24 months).
- NDDoH mails renewal notices before your expiration date; you can also renew online through the NDDoH portal.
- If your certificate lapses, you may need to retake the exam or re-train, depending on how long it has been expired.
Common pitfalls specific to North Dakota
- Higher fee: The combined exam fee of ~$250 is above the national average — budget ahead and ask employers about reimbursement.
- Limited sites: Rural candidates may need to drive 2–4 hours to the nearest test site; book the first available date rather than waiting for a closer one.
- TrainND pathway: Verify whether your program uses the TrainND hybrid option — this affects how you complete lectures and labs and is easy to misunderstand if you enroll expecting a fully in-person program.
- Renewal timing: North Dakota's 24-month renewal is strict — if you work fewer than the required hours, you lose active status and must re-test.
- Cohort-only sites: Some test sites (notably Minot) only run exams tied to specific training program cohorts, so independent candidates may need to travel to Fargo or Bismarck.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in North Dakota? Most students finish training in 4–8 weeks, plus 2–4 weeks of exam scheduling. From start to certified, plan on roughly 6–12 weeks.
Can I work while waiting for my certificate to post to the registry? No. You may not perform CNA duties for pay until your name appears on the NDDoH registry. Some employers will hire you as a "nurse aide in training" while you wait, but you cannot be counted in the CNA staffing ratio.
Does North Dakota accept out-of-state CNA certificates? Yes, through reciprocity. If you hold an active, unencumbered CNA certificate from another state, you can apply to NDDoH for placement on the North Dakota registry without re-testing.
What happens if I fail one part of the exam? You can retake the failed part without redoing the one you passed. Three failed attempts of either part typically require re-training before you can re-test.
Is the Headmaster oral knowledge test available in North Dakota? Yes — you can request an audio/oral version of the knowledge test at scheduling for an additional ~$20 fee. This is a good option if English is not your first language or you have a documented reading accommodation.
Practice for the North Dakota CNA exam at /exam and /skills.
