Becoming a CNA in Wisconsin

3. Pass the CNA Exam

After completing your CNA training, the next step is to pass the state’s competency exam. Wisconsin uses D&S Diversified Technologies LLC (Headmaster) to administer the CNA exam.

Structure of the Exam:

Written (or Oral) Exam:

• Consists of 75 multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge on topics such as patient care, infection control, and emergency procedures.
• You have 60 minutes to complete the exam.
• If English is not your first language, you can choose to take the exam orally.

Skills Test:

• During this part of the exam, you will be asked to demonstrate 3-4 clinical skills. These skills are selected randomly from a list of 34 potential tasks, such as proper handwashing, assisting with mobility, and measuring vital signs.
• You must perform the skills correctly under supervision, and you’ll need to score at least 80% on each skill to pass.

Exam Costs:

After passing the exam, your results will be posted in the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system, and you’ll be added to the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.

Call-to-Action:

Prepare for your exam by taking our CNA Practice Test.

4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you’ve passed the exam, you’ll be placed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry. Being listed on the registry allows you to legally work as a CNA in the state.

How to Register:

• Your exam provider will automatically update your status on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry once you pass the exam. There’s no separate application process to become certified.

Keeping Your Certification Active:

• Renewal: Wisconsin requires CNA certifications to be renewed every 24 months. To be eligible for renewal, you must have worked at least 8 paid hours in a healthcare facility during the 24-month period.
• Notification: The state will send you a reminder to renew your certification before it expires. It’s your responsibility to ensure your contact information is up-to-date in the system.
• Inactive Status: If your certification lapses, you may need to retake the competency exam to regain active status.

Recertification for Out-of-State CNAs:

• If you’re currently certified in another state, you can apply for reciprocity to transfer your certification to Wisconsin. You’ll need to submit proof of training and employment, such as transcripts or verification of work hours, and complete an Out-of-State Application on the Wisconsin Headmaster website.

Wisconsin CNA Exam Preparation and Study Tips

• Study Guides: Wisconsin’s Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook provides detailed information and practice questions to help you prepare for the written and skills tests.
• Practice Tests: Make use of online resources like CNA practice exams to simulate the test experience and identify areas you need to review.
• Review Core Skills: Focus on the key skills that are frequently tested, such as hand hygiene, vital signs, and patient transfers.

Exam Day Checklist:

• Arrive early with a valid photo ID and Social Security card.
• Bring non-skid, closed-toe shoes for the skills portion of the exam.
• Ensure you’ve practiced each skill to the point of confidence, especially tasks marked as essential in the Skills Task Listing.

Other Local CNA Programs

id	Name	Image	Website	Street Address	City	State	Zip Code	Map Link	plus_code	Phone	latitude	longitude	latlong	Category	Reviews	Rating	5star	4star	3star	2star	1star	description	Monday Hours	Tuesday Hours	Wednesday Hours	Thursday Hours	Friday Hours	Saturday Hours	Sunday Hours	Details
2,133	J. Johnson Education Center Ltd		https://jjohnsoneducationcenter.com/index.html	7905 W Appleton Ave #202	Milwaukee	WI	53218	Map It!	3XXQ+FC Milwaukee, Wisconsin	(414) 438-9390	43.10	-88.01	43.0986463-88.0114722	Training centre	43	4.4	34	2	1	2	4		8AM to 3PM	8AM to 3PM	8AM to 3PM	8AM to 3PM	8AM to 3PM	Closed	Closed	More details
2,134	Waunakee Manor		https://www.trilogyhs.com/senior-living/wi/waunakee/waunakee-valley-senior-living/	801 S Klein Dr	Waunakee	WI	53597	Map It!	5GMP+J3 Waunakee, Wisconsin	(608) 849-5016	43.18	-89.46	43.1840634-89.4647973	Nursing home	14	2.2	4	0	0	1	9		Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
2,135	Blackhawk Technical College		https://www.blackhawk.edu/	6004 S County Rd G	Janesville	WI	53546	Map It!	HXVM+8V Janesville, Wisconsin	(608) 758-6900	42.59	-89.02	42.5932766-89.0153029	College	109	4.5	79	18	2	5	5		7AM to 10PM	7AM to 10PM	7AM to 10PM	7AM to 10PM	7AM to 5PM	7:30AM to 4PM	Closed	More details
2,136	Clarity Care		https://www.claritycare.org/	424 Washington Ave	Oshkosh	WI	54901	Map It!	2F99+64 Oshkosh, Wisconsin	(920) 236-6560	44.02	-88.53	44.0180478-88.5321841	Home health care service	53	3.3	26	5	0	2	20		8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	Closed	Closed	More details
2,137	Dove Healthcare - Regional Vent Center		https://www.dovehealthcare.com/regional_vent_center.phtml	2815 Co Hwy I	Chippewa Falls	WI	54729	Map It!	XJ2V+35 Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin	(715) 723-9341	44.95	-91.36	44.9501686-91.3570785	Nursing home	11	3.5	6	1	0	1	3		Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
2,138	Felician Village		https://felicianvillage.org/	1635 S 21st St	Manitowoc	WI	54220	Map It!	38HG+QF Manitowoc, Wisconsin	(920) 684-7171	44.08	-87.67	44.0794104-87.6738456	Assisted living facility	13	4.0	9	0	1	1	2		Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
2,139	Grand View Care Center		https://www.grandviewhome.org/	620 Grandview Ave	Blair	WI	54616	Map It!	7QR6+JG Blair, Wisconsin	(608) 989-2511	44.29	-91.24	44.2916079-91.2386846	Assisted living facility	1	5.0	1	0	0	0	0		8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	8AM to 4PM	Closed	Closed	More details
2,140	Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center		https://www.gundersenhealth.org/locations/gundersen-lutheran-medical-center	1900 South Ave	La Crosse	WI	54601	Map It!	QQV2+VQ La Crosse, Wisconsin	(608) 782-7300	43.79	-91.25	43.7947114-91.248043	General hospital	204	3.3	94	26	7	7	70		Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	Open 24 hours	More details
2,141	Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University		https://www.lco.edu/	13466 W Trepania Rd	Hayward	WI	54843	Map It!	WJVM+2V Hayward, Wisconsin	(715) 634-4790	45.94	-91.37	45.9425896-91.365256	College	22	4.5	17	3	0	1	1		8AM to 7:30PM	8AM to 7:30PM	8AM to 7:30PM	8AM to 7:30PM	8AM to 4:30PM	8AM to 4PM	Closed	More details
2,142	LindenGrove New Berlin		https://www.illuminus.us/communities/lindengrove-new-berlin	13755 W Fieldpointe Dr	New Berlin	WI	53151	Map It!	XWQ7+9R New Berlin, Wisconsin	(262) 796-3660	42.99	-88.09	42.9884961-88.0854209	Nursing home	34	2.3	7	3	3	2	19		8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	8AM to 9PM	More details

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