A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) provides essential direct care to patients in various settings within the North Dakota healthcare system. CNAs work under the supervision of a licensed nurse, assisting with daily living activities, monitoring patient health, and ensuring comfort and safety. As the demand for healthcare professionals continues to grow across the state, pursuing this certification offers a stable and meaningful entry point into the medical field. The path involves meeting specific eligibility standards, completing state-mandated training, and passing a comprehensive competency evaluation.
Meeting the Initial Prerequisites
Before enrolling in a training program, candidates must satisfy baseline eligibility criteria established by the state. Individuals must be at least 16 years of age to begin seeking CNA certification. While a high school diploma or GED is not mandatory, applicants should possess basic reading, writing, and communication skills necessary for coursework and effective patient interaction.
A mandatory criminal background check is required for certification, reflecting the high level of trust involved in patient care roles. This screening verifies that candidates have no history of convictions related to abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property. Some training programs may also require proof of immunizations, a tuberculosis test, or a drug screening before students participate in the clinical portion of the course.
Completing State-Approved Training
North Dakota mandates that all aspiring CNAs complete a nurse aide training program approved by the Department of Health and Human Services. This program must consist of a minimum of 75 hours of instruction, meeting the federal requirement for nurse aide education. These hours are typically divided between classroom instruction and hands-on, supervised clinical practice.
The curriculum requires at least 30 hours of classroom learning, covering infection control, safety procedures, resident rights, and basic nursing skills. The remaining 45 hours are clinical practice, where students apply their knowledge in a healthcare setting under the direct supervision of a qualified instructor. Approved programs are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and licensed long-term care facilities. Upon successful completion, candidates have 24 months to pass the state competency exam and achieve certification.
Passing the North Dakota Competency Exam
After completing the required training program, candidates must pass the North Dakota Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by D&SDT-Headmaster. This two-part assessment evaluates both theoretical knowledge and practical ability to perform direct patient care tasks. Both parts must be passed to qualify for listing on the state registry.
The knowledge portion is a 72-question multiple-choice test covering the full spectrum of CNA duties, including personal care, mental health, infection control, and resident rights. Candidates have 90 minutes and must score at least 75% to pass; an optional audio version is available. The second component is the skills demonstration, where candidates must correctly perform three or four randomly selected tasks within a 30-minute time limit. Candidates who fail either part may retake it, but they must pass both sections within three attempts and within 24 months of completing their state-approved training.
Listing on the Nurse Aide Registry
Once a candidate successfully passes both portions of the competency exam, their name is submitted to the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services. Placement on this registry signifies that the individual has met all state and federal requirements to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Being listed on the registry is a mandatory requirement for employment in any federally funded facility, such as a skilled nursing home or rehabilitation center.
This official listing serves as public verification of the CNA’s active certification status, assuring employers and the public that the aide is qualified and in good standing. Newly certified aides generally find strong employment opportunities due to the high demand for qualified direct care providers across the region.
Maintaining Certification and Reciprocity
CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months to maintain active status on the registry. The primary requirement for renewal is demonstrating continued competency through paid work experience. Specifically, the CNA must have performed at least eight hours of nursing or nursing-related services for monetary compensation within the preceding 24-month period.
This work must be performed under the supervision of a licensed nurse, and verification from a North Dakota employer is necessary for the renewal application. CNAs who do not meet this minimum work requirement must retake the competency examination to reactivate their certification. North Dakota also offers a process known as reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states who wish to transfer their credentials. Out-of-state CNAs holding an active certification in good standing may apply for endorsement to be placed on the North Dakota registry without repeating the full training or examination process.