Becoming a CNA in Wisconsin

What is Involved in Completing CNA Training in Wisconsin?

The state of Wisconsin must keep track of every nurse aide who practices in the state. Therefore, nurse aides must go through a process of getting their certification and registering with the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry  before they can begin work.

This process entails completing a CNA training program that is accredited by the Wisconsin Department of Health. You must then complete a CNA certification exam. In general, this process takes very little time and there are plenty of rewards that come with gaining your CNA certification in Wisconsin.

Enrollment and Completion of CNA Classes in Wisconsin

Step 1:

Find an approved program in your state:
Find a CNA Training Program

Wisconsin CNA students must be present in the CNA classes for 120 hours. Thirty-two of these hours must occur in a local health facility, working with real live patients.

Furthermore, there are requirements for enrolling in a CNA training course. For example, you must have a clean criminal history and undergo a thorough health screening. These steps are essential to protect the patients within a medical setting.

Also, most schools only accept students that are 18 years of age or older, with a high school diploma or GED.

Step 2:

Complete your CNA training.

As a CNA student, you will learn about general nurse aide job duties, like keeping sickness under control, monitoring fluids and meals, keeping track of vitals, understanding medical terms, communicating with residents, and becoming certified to perform CPR.

CNA Testing Procedures and Applying for CNA Certification in Wisconsin

Step 1:

Apply to take the  Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which is administered by Pearson Vue, within a year of your training. An application can be found on their website. Fess are generally associated with the testing and registration process, and details can be obtained at the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry.

Step 2:

Study for the certification exam, and take practice tests to help yourself prepare.  If you fail to pass this portion after two attempts, you may have to attend training again before taking the test again.

Step 3:

Take and pass the NNAAP at an approved testing site in Wisconsin.

This exam is given in two parts. During the test, you must complete a written or oral exam and a demonstration of skills evaluation.

The written exam contains 70 multiple-choice questions, which you will have 2 hours to complete. The skills evaluation section of the exam requires you to successfully complete five nursing tasks, in addition to proper hand washing. These are chosen randomly by the testing administrator.

Step 4:

Once you pass the exam, you can then create your resume and start looking for work.

There is a rising need for CNAs statewide in Wisconsin, and the job openings are projected to increase by more than 20% in the next ten years. The average CNA salary within the state is around $24,900 a year. Your salary will increase, however, with experience and additional training.

For more information, contact:

Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry
Wisconsin Department of Health Services – Division of Quality Assurance
Office of Caregiver Quality
P.O. Box 2969, Madison, WI 53701
Phone: (608) 261-8319
Fax: (608) 264-6340
Email: 
The online Nurse Aide Registry is managed by Pearson Vue.
Phone: (877) 329-8760