Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Health Education Unit
PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-526-5686
Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Fax: 573-526-7656
Email: [email protected]
Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) provide basic nursing care services to both patients and residents in LTC (long-term care) facilities. Working under the supervision of Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses, CNAs act as the liaison between medical professionals and clients. The classes and certification of Missouri CNAs is the responsibility of The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, which also oversees the maintenance of the Missouri State Nursing Assistant Registry.
Initial CNA certification in Missouri
Individuals who wish to work as CNAs in Missouri must be placed on the MSNAR. Initial certification includes the following steps:
- Completing a state-approved CNA program, which typically consists of 75 hours of classroom learning and 100 hours of clinical experience;
- Successfully completing both the knowledge and skills parts of the state evaluation and be placed in the Registry. The evaluation exam can be conducted at several certifying agencies.
Helpful CNA certification links
Other routes for certification as a CNA in Missouri
Applying to challenge the state examination is a route available for:
- Nursing students and graduates can challenge the examination.
- Out of country nurse graduates can apply to challenge the Missouri competency examination given that they complete the orientation module of the CNA course.
- Other individuals can challenge and take just the final exam when the individual meets special circumstances and has approval of the state agency.
Online Verification of Missouri CNA Certification
Only CNAs whose status is active in the Missouri CNA Registry are eligible to work as CNAs in long-term care facilities. Employers must check the registry to make sure the CNA they intend to employ is not listed on the EDL (Employee Disqualification List), does not have a Federal Instructor, and has no finding of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of property.
Online CNA status verification in Missouri
Inactive certification status
CNAs must conduct a minimum of 1 day of paid nursing services in a 24-month period for their status to remain active on the registry. When the status of a CNA becomes inactive on the registry, the respective individual is not eligible for employment as a CNA in LTC facilities. An inactive status can be reactivated by submitting the following documents to the registry: proof of employment, copy of social security card, daytime phone number, and return address.
Online CNA status verification in Missouri
Expired certification status
CNAs that did not perform a minimum of 1 day of paid nursing services in the past 5 years, their status on the CNA registry in Missouri will be Expired. An expired status means that the respective CNA cannot work as a CNA in an LTC facility. The CNA will need to retake the certification examination.
Online CNA status verification in Missouri
Out-of-state CNA Certification Transfer by Challenge
Nurse aides certified in other states are allowed to challenge the CNA Exam. However, they must be in good standing and active in their home state and must have worked for a minimum of 8 hours in the last 24-month certification period. Employer verification is required if the out-of-state Registry has not tracked employment. The following documents are required to request approval to challenge the exam: copy of social security card, copy of the out-of-state certificate, work verification if necessary, return address, and daytime phone number. If approved to challenge the exam, you will receive a letter of approval.