Nurse Aide Candidates Will Have Four Chances to Pass the Knowledge Exam Beginning Oct. 3

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Beginning Oct. 3, Nurse Aide Registry candidates will have up to four chances to pass the knowledge exam until March 2023.

Background

Nursing assistant candidates typically have three opportunities to pass the knowledge and skills exams. Yesterday, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced it will add a fourth testing opportunity beginning Oct. 3 for nursing assistant candidates to pass the knowledge exam. This change is in response to ongoing nursing assistant testing and training challenges around the state. 

Also beginning on Oct. 3, MDH is extending the time for nurse aide registry candidates to complete the knowledge exam from one hour back to two hours. Read more about this change.

About the Change

• The change will take effect on Oct. 3.
• The change is temporary and will be reviewed by MDH in March 2023.
• The knowledge exam will continue to consist of 70 questions.
• If candidates cannot pass the knowledge exam after four attempts, they must complete a new Nurse Aide Training Competency Program (NATCEP). 
• Candidates will continue to have three attempts to pass the skills exam.

For questions and more information, contact MDH at Health.NAR.coord@state.mn.us. 

Nurse Aide Candidate Testing Resources

• Find and register for a nursing assistant testing seat near you.
• If slots aren't available, sign up for a waiting list. Test sites may be able to open additional spaces due to demand.
• Visit the Nurse Assistant Training and Testing website for more information and resources.

Please contact LeadingAge Minnesota's Director of Workforce Solutions, Anna Mowry, for any nursing assistant training or testing support.