CNA Classes in North Dakota | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs
NDHHS-Approved Programs

CNA Classes in North Dakota

Launch your healthcare career in the Peace Garden State. North Dakota offers competitive wages and strong job growth, with over 17,750 registered CNAs serving communities from Fargo to Bismarck.

Find CNA Schools View Requirements
75
Training Hours
$250
State Exam Fee
$42,530
Average Salary
4-8 Wks
Program Length

Become a CNA in North Dakota

North Dakota presents excellent opportunities for aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants, with the healthcare sector expecting 12% growth in CNA employment by 2030—surpassing the national average. With over 17,750 registered CNAs already serving the state and over 450 open positions frequently listed by Job Service North Dakota, the demand for qualified caregivers remains consistently high across hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies throughout the state.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (NDHHS), specifically the Health Facilities Unit, oversees CNA certification in the state. Exams are administered by D&S Diversified Technologies (D&SDT-Headmaster) through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) online portal. Training programs are available at state colleges including Bismarck State College, North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS), and Lake Region State College, as well as through TrainND workforce training centers. With competitive wages well above the national average and a low cost of living, North Dakota offers an attractive environment for starting your healthcare career.

Quick Facts
Regulatory Body NDHHS
Exam Provider D&SDT-Headmaster
Training Hours 75 minimum
Clinical Hours 16 minimum
Exam Fee $250 (combined)
Registry Fee $25
Renewal Period 24 months

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Compare training programs across North Dakota, from Fargo to Bismarck to Devils Lake. Review costs, schedules, and start your certification journey.

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How to Become a CNA in North Dakota

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and join the ND Nurse Aide Registry

1

Complete State-Approved Training

Enroll in an NDHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP) that provides at least 75 hours of instruction, including a minimum of 16 hours of clinical training before any hands-on resident contact. Programs are available at Bismarck State College (80 hours), North Dakota State College of Science (75 hours), Lake Region State College, and through TrainND workforce centers statewide. Both face-to-face and online/blended hybrid formats are available. Programs typically cost $250-$400 for tuition plus the $250 exam fee. Many nursing facilities offer free training in exchange for a work commitment, and Job Service North Dakota's WIOA program may help cover training costs for eligible students.

2

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing training, take the North Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Examination administered by D&SDT-Headmaster through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal at nd.tmutest.com. The exam consists of two parts: a knowledge test with 72 multiple-choice questions (90 minutes, 75% passing score) and a skills evaluation demonstrating 3-4 randomly selected tasks (40 minutes, 80% accuracy required). The combined exam fee is $250. An audio/oral version of the knowledge test is available upon request. You have three attempts per component within 24 months of training completion. Retake fees are $95 for written and $195 for skills. Results are available after 6:00 PM CST the next business day via your TMU account.

3

Apply for Registry Listing

After passing both exam components, complete the Nurse Aide Initial Application with a non-refundable $25 fee to be listed on the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. Your test results are automatically transmitted to NDHHS by D&SDT-Headmaster, but you must submit the application separately. Once approved, your name will appear on the registry with Active status, authorizing you to work as a CNA throughout North Dakota. You can access your registrant card using the Print Registrant Card tool on the NDHHS website. Employers are required to verify your registry status before hiring. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of initial listing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in North Dakota

The timeline to become a CNA in North Dakota typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your program format. Face-to-face programs at institutions like Lake Region State College run approximately 80 hours over several weeks with intensive instruction. Online/blended hybrid programs through TrainND Northeast offer flexible 8-week schedules combining 30 hours of online theory with required in-person skills validation sessions. North Dakota State College of Science offers both 75-hour online/blended and 80-hour face-to-face options. After completing training, you can schedule your competency exam through the TMU portal—testing appointments are typically available within 1-2 weeks at regional sites. Exam results are available the next business day after 6:00 PM CST. Once you pass both portions and submit your $25 application fee, registry processing takes 3-5 business days. Most students complete the entire certification process within 6-10 weeks.
CNA training costs in North Dakota typically range from $250 to $400 for program tuition, with the state exam adding another $250 (paid separately to D&SDT-Headmaster). The $25 registry application fee is also required. Additional costs may include textbooks if not provided, uniforms/scrubs ($50-$100), and any required immunizations or background screening. However, North Dakota offers multiple ways to reduce or eliminate these costs. Many nursing homes and healthcare facilities provide free training in exchange for a work commitment. Job Service North Dakota's WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) program may cover tuition, fees, and books for eligible students—contact one of their nine Workforce Centers to learn more. Students who self-pay and then work as a CNA within one year of certification at a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified facility may qualify for reimbursement of their training and testing fees under federal OBRA regulations.
Yes, North Dakota offers online/blended hybrid CNA programs that combine online coursework with required in-person components. TrainND Northeast at Lake Region State College offers a 75-hour online/blended program with online theory instruction and mandatory face-to-face skills validation sessions. North Dakota State College of Science provides similar hybrid options through their Workforce Affairs division. These programs allow flexibility for working adults while ensuring students receive hands-on clinical training. However, fully online certification is not possible—NDHHS requires all programs to include a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical training before resident contact. The knowledge/written portion of the state exam can be taken via computer at approved testing sites, and an audio (oral) version is available for candidates who learn better by hearing or face reading challenges. The skills evaluation must always be completed in person at an approved testing facility.
The North Dakota CNA competency exam administered by D&SDT-Headmaster consists of two parts. The knowledge exam contains 72 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 90 minutes. Content areas include: Basic Nursing Skills (patient care, bathing, grooming), Care of Cognitively Impaired residents, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Emergency Procedures and Safety, Infection Control, Legal/Ethical Behavior and Patient Rights, Measurement Skills (vital signs, intake/output), Mental Health and Social Service Needs, Personal Care Skills, and Role of the Nurse Aide. You must score at least 75% to pass. The skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate 3-4 randomly selected tasks from a list of 30 possible skills within a 40-minute time period. Common skills include hand hygiene, transferring patients using a gait belt, and taking vital signs. You must complete all critical elements and score at least 80% overall on each skill. Results are available via your TMU account after 6:00 PM CST the next business day.
North Dakota accepts CNA reciprocity (endorsement) for nurse aides certified in other U.S. states who are in good standing. To transfer your certification, complete the CNA Endorsement Application available on the NDHHS website. You must provide current certification verification from each state where you hold or have held CNA certification—you can upload online verifications or request state registries to send verification directly to NDHHS. The application requires information about your training program, work history, and the last date you performed nursing-related duties. Background questions about disciplinary history and felony arrests must be answered honestly—"yes" answers require written explanation and supporting legal documents. You can submit the application by mail, email, or fax to the CNA Registry. Processing takes approximately 3-5 business days. Once approved, your listing will appear as Active on the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry. You may not work as a CNA in North Dakota until your registry status shows Active. For questions, contact the Registry at (701) 328-2353 or naregistry@nd.gov.

CNA License Renewal in North Dakota

North Dakota CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months to maintain active status on the Nurse Aide Registry. The renewal process is managed online through the NDHHS renewal portal and requires verification of qualifying work experience. There is no fee to renew your CNA registration—making North Dakota one of the most affordable states for maintaining certification.

To qualify for renewal, you must have performed nursing or nursing-related services for pay under the direction of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) for at least 8 hours within your current 24-month registration period. The hours do not need to be consecutive and can be broken down across several days, but orientation time does not count. You will receive a postcard notification approximately 60 days before your certification expires with renewal instructions. The employer verification section must be completed by a North Dakota employer—out-of-state employer verification is not accepted. If your certification expires and you have not met the work requirement, you must complete a new training program and retake the competency exam to regain certification.

Renewal Requirements
  • Work at least 8 paid hours under RN/LPN supervision within 24 months
  • Complete online renewal form at services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/renew
  • Employer verification by a North Dakota employer (out-of-state not accepted)
  • No renewal fee required in North Dakota
  • 12 hours annual in-service training (federal requirement)
  • Renew before expiration to avoid retesting requirement

Career Outlook in North Dakota

North Dakota offers above-average wages and strong job growth for CNAs

Above-Average Wages

North Dakota CNAs earn a median salary of $42,530/year ($20.45/hour)—higher than the national median. Top-paying areas include Grand Forks, Bismarck, and Fargo.

Major Healthcare Systems

Work at leading employers including Sanford Health, Essentia Health, CHI St. Alexius Health, Trinity Health, and Altru Health System throughout the state.

Strong Job Growth

Healthcare sector projects 12% CNA employment growth by 2030—above national average. Over 450 open positions typically listed statewide with Job Service ND.

CNA Requirements in Neighboring States

Explore certification requirements in nearby states

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Official Resources

Access official links and contact information for North Dakota CNA certification

ND HHS Health Facilities

Official state agency for CNA certification, training program approval, and registry maintenance.

Visit Website

Verify Registry Status

Search the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry to verify certification and employment eligibility.

Search Registry

D&SDT-Headmaster Testing

Official exam administrator for the North Dakota CNA competency examination.

Visit Headmaster

TMU Testing Portal

Create an account, schedule exams, and view results through TestMaster Universe.

TMU Portal

Registry Contact

ND HHS Nurse Aide Registry
1720 Burlington Dr, Suite A, Bismarck, ND 58504

Call: (701) 328-2353

Email Support

Contact the CNA Registry for questions about certification, renewal, or reciprocity.

naregistry@nd.gov