Updated Nurse Aide Knowledge Test Begins Jan. 2, 2023

Posted on December 8, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Beginning Jan. 2, 2023, there will be an updated Minnesota Nurse Aide Knowledge Test with improved test questions.

Test Advisory Panel completes their review

Earlier this month, MDH convened a diverse group of nurse aide instructors, nurse aides, long-term care professionals, and individuals with content expertise to form a Test Advisory Panel (TAP). The TAP was tasked with reviewing the questions to be included on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Knowledge Test to improve the test and candidate success statewide.

The TAP's goal was to ensure a fair and balanced assessment for all learners, align with approved Minnesota curriculums and current practices, and meet all State and Federal regulations. This effort has been increasingly important to ensure a fair opportunity for all candidates seeking to enter the workforce as nursing assistants. 

Per MDH, the TAP process was a success, and the new nurse aide competency test will begin on Jan. 2, 2023. The Candidate Handbook was also updated to align with the revised test as an outcome of this review process.

Thank you to our members

Thank you to the many LeadingAge Minnesota members and OnTrack partners who applied to participate in this vital work. Your time, expertise, and feedback have been critical to drive these efforts forward and make them successful. We appreciate your dedication to growing and supporting Minnesota's nursing assistant workforce. 

Ongoing work address training and testing challenges

LeadingAge Minnesota, MDH, and other stakeholders meet weekly to develop new solutions to ensure training programs and nurse aide candidates are set up for success. Learn more about some of the solutions and strategies that have been implemented so far this year:

• LeadingAge Minnesota members pilot in-facility testing in their settings to help expand nursing assistant testing access throughout the state.
• The OnTrack curriculum is the first in the state to release updated content to align with Headmaster testing.
• The time limit for the knowledge exam extends from one hour back to two hours.
• Nurse aide candidates are given a fourth attempt to pass the knowledge test to allow learners an additional opportunity for success.
• Minnesota's request to extend the temporary nurse aide training program is approved, allowing unregistered caregivers additional time to be placed on the registry.
• LeadingAge Minnesota members pilot virtual reality headsets to practice Headmaster skills with their students.

To collaborate on solutions or share your nursing assistant training and testing experiences, please contact Anna Mowry, Director of Workforce Solutions.