Challenging CNA Exam in MN?

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Hey All!

I've heard different things about challenging the CNA exam without taking a course in MN. I called the Nursing Assistant Registry, and they told me that it's possibly to just take the test. Then I called Pearson's, and they said it wasn't possible. Does anyone know if it's possible to take the exam without the course? Also, would you recommend not doing this? THANK YOU!:redpinkhe Cari

Specializes in assisted living & memory care.

i believe, if i remmember my instructor told me she was going to test someone out of the course. he just read the text book and was going to do the test.but if pearson says no, i would go with that because they are the ones thaat give out the test.

Thank you for the advice.. I decided to take the course. I want to pass the exam first try, and I feel a lot better taking it and being able to really learn the information.

Thanks again! :)

hi there, i see that this may be late in the reply, but want to make sure you have the correct info. pearson vue is not correct. this information comes direct from the mn dept of health's website.

a person who can prove completion of a nursing assistant training and competency evaluation program or competency evaluation program approved by minnesota but is not yet on the registry. persons may provide the fax back score report which indicate the individual passed both parts of the test. it may take up to 4 weeks to get placed on the registry. the facility cannot assume the nursing assistant will get on the registry based on the fax back score report. the facility must verify placement on the registry. persons opting to challenge the test without having taken an approved nursing assistant training program may not work as a nursing assistant until they have passed both the written and skills portion of the test. they do not have 4 months to get on the registry if they challenge the test without completing a nursing assistant training course.

this comes direct from person vues's candidate handbook.

test-out candidate

(applies to nursing assistant candidates only)

you are a candidate who does not meet any of the

three (3) eligibility routes listed above. examples

are: 1) if you trained in another country; 2) if you

have not taken a nursing assistant training program;

3) if you have not worked as a nursing assistant in

the last two (2) years; 4) if you are from another state

and do not qualify for reciprocity in minnesota; or

5) if you are a student nurse or graduate nurse candidate.

for these candidates, the training program

code for the application is 77777.

you are able to test without taking a class. hennepin county tech has several written and skills test scheduled throught the year and they do not charge the additoinal "grading fee" pearson says they will. flat fee for first time test is $122.00

thanks

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