CNA Certification in Wisconsin

How to Become a CNA in Wisconsin

Wisconsin keeps a close record of all practicing CNAs in the state, so nurse aides must go through a process to get their certification and register with the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry before they can legally work.

As an aspiring CNA, you must complete a CNA training program accredited by the Wisconsin Department of Health. You must then take and pass a CNA certification exam. This process generally takes very little time, and there are plenty of rewards that come with gaining your CNA certification in Wisconsin.
 

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1:

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

CNA classes in Wisconsin are a mandatory 120 hours. Thirty-two of these hours must be in a local health facility where you work with real patients.

There are other requirements for enrolling in a CNA training course such as that you must have a clean criminal history and undergo a full health screening. These steps are essential to protect patients.

Also, most schools only accept students who are at least 18 years old and who have 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 illnesses 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 CNA Certification

Step 1:

Within a year of your training, you must apply to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), administered by Pearson Vue. You can find the application on their website. You can get details possible fees or costs at the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry .

Step 2:

Study for the certification exam and take our practice tests to further help you to be prepared.  If you fail to pass the test after two attempts, you might 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 an exam demonstrating your skills.

On the written exam, you will have two hours to complete 70 multiple-choice questions. The skills section of the exam requires you to successfully complete five nursing tasks in addition to proper handwashing. These tasks will be chosen randomly by the testing administrator.

Step 4:

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

There is a rising need for CNAs statewide in Wisconsin, and job growth is projected to increase by more than 20% in the next ten years. The average Wisconsin CNA salary is around $24,900 a year. However, your salary will increase 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: DHSCaregiverIntake@wisconsin.gov
The online Nurse Aide Registry is managed by Pearson Vue.
Phone: (877) 329-8760