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CNA Frequently Asked Questions

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When taking a CNA course, what happens if I cannot attend the class?  

100% attendance is required for the course. The ND Department of Health and Human Services require a minimum of 75 hours. Due to this requirement, NDSCS does not have the option to give “excused absences” or “make-up” work.

I have a felony – Can I be a CNA?

Every situation is different. Generally, a felony conviction may not automatically disqualify you from obtaining a certification, but it could be considered during the application process. You may need to disclose your criminal history and if your felony is directly related to the duties of a nurse aide, it is more likely to be a barrier to gaining your certification.

I worked as a CNA in a different state. How do I get a ND CNA certification?

There are two different options that you could do to gain a ND CNA certification.

  1. Retest in the state that your inactive license is held and then endorse the active CNA license to ND by filling out an endorsement application at this site https://services.ndhhs.gov/nurseaide/lic/cna/apply/ 
    • For example, if your inactive license is held in the state of South Dakota. Retest in the state of South Dakota to reactivate your license. Then you can endorse the current active SD license to ND. 
  2. You can complete an approved ND CNA training program and take the certification exam to gain your ND CNA license.
I have an active ND CNA license. Can I work in a different state?

Yes, you will need to endorse your ND CNA license to the state in which you wish to work. You will need to Google the endorsement process for that state.

My licensed expired. How can I reactivate it?
Reactivation of Certification by Examination 

As of July 1, 2024, the option to Challenge the North Dakota Certified Nurse Aide Exam is no longer available. CNAs who have let their CNA license expire on the North Dakota Nurse Aide Registry may be eligible to reactivate their license by examination (taking both components of the nurse aide competency exam – knowledge and skills). 

To be eligible to ‘Reactive by Exam’, a candidate must meet the following qualifications: 

  • The candidate was previously listed on the North Dakota Certified Nurse Aide Registry 
  • The candidate did not Challenge the exam for initial placement on the North Dakota Registry. The candidate must have completed a NDDHHS-approved certified nurse aide training program and can show proof of training completion. 

If you qualify to Reactive by Exam, please complete and submit the REACTIVATION BY EXAMINATION application in the North Dakota TMU© at https://nd.tmutest.com/apply/6  

Once you are approved to test, please reach out to the NDSCS CNA office to schedule a testing date.

How do I know if the face-to-face skills lab or my CNA course will be cancelled due to weather?

If the NDSCS-Fargo location is closed due to the weather, your class may also be cancelled for that day. Please watch your email for weather-related communications.