Challenge / Test Out Candidates

If you have NOT completed a Minnesota-approved Nursing Assistant program within the last two years, you are still eligible to test as a Challenge candidate. When you register for a test date, you will be asked whether you are a Challenge candidate or if you have completed a training program. After you register as a Challenge candidate, we will initiate an account for you in the testing platform TMU. You will need to access your TMU account, set a password, and complete your profile, at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled test date. Take note of your login information and bring this with you to testing. All testing results are posted in TMU.

Candidates who have completed training within the previous two years

Candidates who have completed a training program within the last 24 months should verify with their training site/instructor that their training program is entered and completed in TMU. Your TMU account MUST be completed at least 48 hours prior to testing. If you are unable to access your TMU account, go to https://mn.tmutest.com click Forgot Your Password?, and enter your email. If you need further assistance, please call Headmaster at 800-393-8664.

You have three (3) attempts to pass the knowledge and skill test portions of the exam within 24 months from your date of nurse aide training program completion. If you do not complete testing within 24 months from completion of training, you must complete a new Minnesota Department of Health approved training program in order to become eligible to further attempt Minnesota NA examinations.

There are two parts to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, the Knowledge Test and the Manual Skills Test. Candidates must pass both parts in order to receive a certificate and be listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. Testing fees, which include both administrative and Headmaster fees, are as follows (subject to change):

Knowledge (Written) and Skills test: $250
Written only: $100
Skills only: $150

Audio/Oral Knowledge Test – Candidates request this option through their TMU account.
Candidates should bring their own headset/earphones to plug into the laptop.

Pre-registration and payment are required. Walk-in testing is not available. If you have not completed an approved training program within the last two years, you can register as a Challenge Test Candidate.

Register for an Upcoming Test >

You do not need to take the knowledge and Skills tests on the same day. We offer a variety of testing options. Pay special attention to the title when registering:

• Nursing Assistant Knowledge and Skills Test (includes both)
• Nursing Assistant Knowledge Test (Knowledge only)
• Nursing Assistant Skills Test (Skills only)

If you fail a test, you will need to register for a new test date and pay again.

If you are late, do not bring the required mandatory ID, or are otherwise unprepared, you will not be allowed to test and will be considered a "no show." No shows forfeit their testing fees and must register and pay again for another test date.

To prepare for test day, visit the Candidate Handbook to obtain a PDF copy of the exam candidate handbook and practice examination.

• Get a free knowledge test question of the day and a 10-question online practice test from Headmaster.
• You may also purchase complete practice tests that are randomly generated, based on the state test plan.
• Watch free Nursing Assistant Skill videos from HealthForce Minnesota (If you are asked to log in, enter Nursing as both the user name and password. N is capitalized in both.)
• Download and review the Minnesota Mock Skills available on the Headmaster site.
• Review the vocabulary words in the Minnesota candidate handbook.
• Quizlet Game to learn vocabulary words.

Testing Attire

• You must be in full clinical attire (scrubs)
• No open-toed shoes allowed
• Long hair must be pulled back
• Note: You will not be admitted for testing if you are not wearing scrubs attire and appropriate shoes. This is considered a "no show" and you will have to pay for another test and date.

What to Bring

• You must provide one form of ID that meets the following mandatory requirements: US Government issued, non-expired, signed, photo-bearing ID. Refer to the Candidate Handbook for examples and exceptions.
• Login information (username and password) to TMU. Your TMU account MUST be completed prior to testing. If you are unable to access your TMU account, Visit TMU Minnesota, click Forgot Your Password?, and enter your email. If you need further assistance, please call Headmaster at 800-393-8664.
• If you have chosen the oral/audio option for the Knowledge exam, please bring your own plug-in headphones to testing.

ADA accommodation requests must be submitted with required documentation and approved at least 14 days in advance of your test date. Refer to the Candidate Handbook for details.

Refund Policy - If you need to cancel or reschedule your exam, you must call 320-762-4510 at least 3 business days prior to the exam date. Late requests may not be accepted. “No-shows” will not receive a refund. If you fail to appear or have the correct documents, you or your company will be responsible for full payment regardless. See Exceptions List »

Cancellation Policy - While we regret having to do so, it is sometimes necessary to cancel exams with insufficient enrollment. If your exam is canceled, we will notify you and a refund will be processed. Please include your permanent cell and work numbers as well as an e-mail address at the time of registration.

COVID-19 Notice - The safety of students and employees remains the college's top priority. The college will continue to follow CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. We will be prepared to adapt our plans if the situation changes.