CNA Certification in Wisconsin

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Wisconsin

For those living in the state of Wisconsin, or thinking of relocating there, it is simple to get training and to become a working CNA. You will have to take the required steps for CNA certification in the state, but it is actually a very straightforward process.

CNA certification in Wisconsin is handled by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. They will approve the programs, and work with Pearson Vue to ensure testing meets the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Program) standards. The state also works with Pearson Vue to maintain the CNA registry too.

Candidates will need to meet a set of requirements in order to enroll in a program, and they will then be allowed to schedule a place in the state exam as well. All of the required forms are available for download at the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Training and Registry Information website.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for enrollment in certified nursing assistant certification training in Wisconsin requires the following:

Candidates have to be at least 16 years of age;All candidates must be able to demonstrate high school graduation or a GED; andA criminal background check is required. This uses the candidates social security number to determine if there is a record for any previous issues relating to abuse or neglect, any loss of medical licensure, any convictions for major criminal offenses, anything connected to past child support payments, taxation problems, or other court problems.

Once this is assessed and found acceptable, the candidate is then enrolled in the program to get essential training.

Applying for CNA Certification in Wisconsin

Of course, it is possible for candidates to skip the CNA certification training if they are already qualified or have experience. Wisconsin CNA candidates may just take the exam and appear on the state nurse aide registry when:

They are a student nurse or graduate nurse who meets the somewhat complex definitions of those terms;A foreign educated nurse with demonstrable training and licensing;Out of state CNAs with at least 32 hours of clinical training;Lapsed CNAs who have been on the state registry in the past;Reciprocity candidates who have at least 120 hours of training in a state other than Wisconsin;Home health aides with certification; orMilitary personnel with the necessary training (phone 608-26-8319 for the proper forms).

Any candidates who must get training will find a list of the approved training programs at the state’s DHS website. All of the CNA certification programs are going to require nothing less than 120 hours divided between 32 hours of clinical work and 16 classroom hours. After the entire 120 hours is done, the candidate can apply to take the exam.

The tests are broken out into two areas – the practical skills and the written knowledge. These can be given orally for those with testing problems, or as traditional written tests, and are in English only. The costs vary according to manner given and the attempt made.

Costs

The cost for CNA certification training in Wisconsin is around $800-$1000, and takes up to four months to complete. In addition to tuition fees and materials, there are also the testing fees payable to Pearson Vue. They are:
Both written and practical: $115
Both written and practical administered orally: $115
Retesting is per section, and written testing costs $45, skills testing costs $70, and the oral exam is $45.

FAQ

The following issues are those which many candidates frequently need to know:

A CNA candidate may work for a nursing facility for 120 days while participating in an approved training program. During those months they must get training, certification and licensing or risk being unable to continue working;CNA certification in Wisconsin requires the candidate to take the exam and pass it within 12 months of training; andCertification remains valid for 24 months, and the CNA appears on the registry for that time. Renewal notices are sent 60 days prior to expiration. If the CNA allows expiration of certification it means they must re-test to get the renewal.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Wisconsin Department of Health services
Division of Quality Assurance
Office of Caregiver Quality
P.O. Box 2969
Madison, WI 53701-2969
Phone: 608-261-8319
DHS Nurse Aide Training and Registry website:
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/NATD/NATDintro.htm

Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry
Managed by Pearson VUE
PO Box 13785
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3785
Phone: 1-877-329-8760
Pearson VUE’s website at: www.pearsonvue.com

American Red Cross (ARC)
WI NNAAP
PO Box 5875
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(866) 257-5424