North Dakota Certified Nursing Assistant License
North Dakota Board of Nursing
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Proof of Training Completion — Certificate or documentation from an NDHHS-approved 75-hour training program.
- Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) Form — The official NDBON background check authorization form.
- Fingerprint Cards — Two standard FBI Applicant cards (FD-258) if using ink, or one if scanned electronically.
- Government-Issued Photo ID — Required for admission to the testing site and for the background check process.
How to Apply
-
Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS) approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) consisting of at least 75 hours.
View Approved Programs -
Create a TMU Account ▾Register for an account on the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal managed by D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) to manage your testing eligibility.
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Submit Fingerprints for Background Check ▾Complete the Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) through the North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON). This involves mailing fingerprint cards and a $40 fee to the NDBON office.
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Schedule and Pass Competency Exams ▾Register for and pass both the Knowledge and Skills components of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) through Headmaster.
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Apply for Registry Placement ▾Once exams are passed and background checks are cleared, submit the initial application on the NDHHS Nurse Aide Registry portal to be officially listed.
Initial Application -
Verify Certification Status ▾Confirm your active status on the public registry before beginning employment.
Verify Status
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the North Dakota Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State License ▾Ensure you hold an active CNA certification in good standing in another state.
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Submit Online Endorsement Application ▾Complete the endorsement application through the NDHHS portal.
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Upload Verification Documents ▾Upload copies of your out-of-state certification or verification from the state registry.
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Wait for Processing ▾Applications are typically processed within 3-5 business days once all documents are received.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
North Dakota Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
North Dakota Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the North Dakota Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Endorsement application | $25 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Fingerprint Cards
▾
Cards that are folded, smudged, or missing required fields will be rejected by the BCI, requiring a re-submission.
Non-Disclosure of Criminal History
▾
Failure to report past convictions (even if expunged) on the application can lead to significant delays or denial.
Incorrect Background Check Fee
▾
The $40 background check fee must be paid separately to the ND Attorney General; sending it to the wrong agency or in the wrong amount causes delays.
Questions
How often must I renew my North Dakota CNA certification?
▾
CNA certifications must be renewed every 24 months.
Is there a fee for CNA renewal in North Dakota?
▾
No, there is currently no fee for renewing a Certified Nurse Aide registration in North Dakota.
What are the work requirements for renewal?
▾
You must have performed at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services under the direction of a licensed nurse within the past 24 months.
How many times can I attempt the CNA exam?
▾
Candidates are allowed three attempts to pass both the knowledge and skills portions of the exam before retraining is required.
Who manages the background check for CNAs?
▾
The North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) manages the Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) for CNA applicants, even though the registry is held by NDHHS.
Board Info
Sources