Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License Requirements in North Dakota
- Training hours
- 75 hrs
- Upfront cost
- $120
- Exam
- Knowledge Test, Skill Test
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- Issuing board
- North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Health Facilities Unit — Nurse Aide Registry
How to get licensed
- 1
Meet the prerequisites
Be at least 16 years old, pass a criminal background check. Applicants must be at least 16 years old and pass a criminal background check (Bureau of Criminal Investigation / FBI Criminal History Record Check) as part of initial licensure or reinstatement. [1]
- 2
Complete approved training
Complete 75 hours of training (including 16 clinical hours) at a state-approved program. A minimum of 75 total hours, matching the federal OBRA/42 CFR 483.152 floor, including at least 16 hours of clinical training before direct resident contact, at an NDHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program. Regulatory basis: N.D. Century Code Chapter 23-44; N.D. Admin. Code Chapter 33-43-01. [1]
- 3
Knowledge Test
Pass the Knowledge Test (fee: $30). Multiple-choice, English only; an Oral Knowledge Test alternative is offered for $40. Fee is from Headmaster's own North Dakota rate/payment form (Form 1402ND), currently linked from Headmaster's live North Dakota CNA testing page, though the form's own footer shows an 'Updated: 1-8-15' revision date. Verify against the current North Dakota Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook before treating as verified. [2]
- 4
Skill Test
Pass the Skill Test (fee: $65). Hands-on, proctored demonstration of nurse aide skills. Fee is from Headmaster's own North Dakota rate/payment form (Form 1402ND); same caveat about the form's dated footer applies — verify current pricing before publishing as verified. [2]
- 5
Submit your application
Submit your application to North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Health Facilities Unit — Nurse Aide Registry with the $25 application fee. [1]
- 6
Receive your license
Once your application is approved, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, Health Facilities Unit — Nurse Aide Registry issues your Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) for North Dakota.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee [1] | $25 |
| License fee [1] | None specified |
| Renewal fee [1] | None specified |
| Knowledge Test [2] | $30 |
| Skill Test [2] | $65 |
The $25 non-refundable fee applies to the Nurse Aide Initial Application submitted after passing both exam portions. No separate renewal fee exists — renewal instead requires documentation of at least 8 paid hours of nurse aide work under RN/LPN supervision within the prior 24 months.
Renewal & continuing education
Renew every 2 years.
No continuing-education hour requirement; renewal requires at least 8 hours of paid, RN/LPN-supervised nurse aide work during the 24-month certification period. No renewal fee.
Reciprocity
Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.
No interstate compact covers CNAs. North Dakota grants certification by endorsement: applicants complete the Certified Nurse Aide Endorsement Application and request registry verification from every state where they hold or held a CNA certification; documentation regarding personal history/background may be requested. Complete applications (including endorsement) are typically processed within 3-5 business days. No separate endorsement fee was identified beyond the standard registration cost.
Cost calculator
- $25
- $30
- $65
Frequently asked questions
How many hours of CNA training does North Dakota require?
A minimum of 75 total hours, including at least 16 hours of clinical training before direct resident contact, at an NDHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program.
Who administers the North Dakota CNA exam?
Headmaster LLP (D&S Diversified Technologies), under contract with North Dakota Health and Human Services. The exam has a Knowledge Test (written or oral) and a Skill Test.
How often do I need to renew my North Dakota CNA certification?
Every 24 months, by documenting at least 8 hours of paid, supervised nurse aide work — there is no renewal fee.
Can an out-of-state CNA transfer their certification to North Dakota?
Yes, through the Certified Nurse Aide Endorsement Application, which requires registry verification from each state where you hold or held a CNA certification.
Sources
- [1] hhs.nd.gov/certified-nurse-aide-information — accessed 2026-07-10
- [2] hdmaster.com/testing/cnatesting/ndakota/ndformpages/ndforms/1402ND.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
- [3] services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/lic/cna/apply/ — accessed 2026-07-10