Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant License
Wisconsin DHS
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Typically within 1 week
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Government-Issued Photo ID — A valid, unexpired U.S. government-issued photo identification (e.g., Driver's License, State ID, or Passport).
- Social Security Card — An image of your actual Social Security card is required for registry placement and reciprocity applications.
- Training Completion Verification — Verification of successful completion of a DHS-approved training program, typically uploaded by the training provider.
- Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Form (F-03211) — Required for renewals if your employer is not listed in the TMU system.
How to Apply
-
Complete Approved Training ▾Successfully complete a Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) approved nurse aide training program consisting of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical experience.
View Training Requirements -
Account Creation ▾Your training program instructor will enter your initial details into the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system. You will then receive an email to activate your account and set a password.
Access TMU Portal -
Complete Profile and Schedule Exam ▾Log in to TMU to complete your demographic profile and pay the required testing fees. Once payment is processed, you can schedule your knowledge and skills exams at an available test site.
Schedule Exam -
Pass Competency Exams ▾Take and pass both the written (knowledge) and skills portions of the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam. You must pass both within one year of completing your training.
Candidate Handbook -
Registry Placement ▾Upon passing both exams, your name will be automatically added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your status online through the TMU portal.
Verify Registry Status
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Typically within 1 week
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Wisconsin DHS for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active, in-good-standing CNA certification in another state and have completed at least 75 hours of training.
-
Submit Online Reciprocity Application ▾Log in to the Wisconsin TMU portal and complete the 'Out-of-State Registry Application' (Form 9110WI).
Apply for Reciprocity -
Upload Required Documents ▾Upload a copy of your current state certification, Social Security card, and valid photo ID through the TMU portal.
-
Employment Verification ▾If your training was less than 120 hours, you may need to provide proof of at least 2,080 hours of work as a CNA in the last 24 months.
-
Wait for Approval ▾DHS and Headmaster will verify your out-of-state status. Once approved, you will be added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
No expiration, maintained through work verification every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Wisconsin DHS
Keeping Your License Active
Wisconsin Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew No expiration, maintained through work verification every 2 years. Contact the Wisconsin DHS for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $25 |
| Endorsement application | $25 |
Slow Downs
Name Mismatch
▾
The name on your government ID must exactly match the name entered in the TMU system by your training program. Discrepancies will prevent you from testing.
Incomplete Reciprocity Documentation
▾
Failure to upload a clear image of your Social Security card or proof of training completion will stall the endorsement process.
Employer Verification Lag
▾
Renewals require employer verification of 8 hours of work. Delays occur if the employer does not log in to TMU to approve the request promptly.
Questions
How often do I need to renew my Wisconsin CNA certification?
▾
Certification must be renewed every 24 months. You must work at least 8 hours for pay as a nurse aide under RN or LPN supervision during that period.
What is the cost of the CNA exam in Wisconsin?
▾
As of 2025, the full exam (knowledge and skills) costs approximately $137.75. Fees are subject to change; check the TMU portal for current pricing.
Can I work as a CNA before I am on the registry?
▾
A student currently enrolled in an approved program may work for up to 120 days from the start of training if they are a full-time employee and supervised by an RN/LPN.
What happens if I haven't worked in the last 24 months?
▾
If you do not meet the 8-hour work requirement, your eligibility will lapse. You must retake both the knowledge and skills exams to reactivate your certification.
Board Info
Sources