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You are here: Home / Lake Superior College / Healthcare: Nursing/Medical / Nursing Assistant Test-Out (NATO)
Nursing Assistant Test-Out (NATO)
Successful completion of the full NATO testing (written and skills tests) enables students to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) as required by the Minnesota Department of Health and will be posted on the state registry.
*Please Note: This is a test and not a full CNA course. CNA courses can be found on the Lake Superior College website (www.lsc.edu) on the Course Search Page in the Subject dropdown box under “Nursing Assistant.”
Examples of Candidate Eligibility:
If you are trained in another country
If you have not taken a nursing assistant training program
If you have not worked as a nursing assistant in the last two years
If you are from another state and do not qualify for reciprocity in Minnesota or are not in current status on transferring Registry
If you are a student nurse or graduate nurse candidate.

Class Cost

Full Test: $205.00
Skills test Only: $110.00
Written test Only: $100.00

Important Information

Resource:  Candidate handbook and a practice written exam

Day of test:

  • Test takes place in Room E2316. Please be prompt.
  • Wear loose clothing, such as scrubs. Also wear a sleeveless top, such as a tank top, underneath the upper apparel.
  • If you don’t have an application from your instructor (MN only), there will be applications available at the test site for you to fill out.
  • Minnesota Board of Nursing testing procedure requires TWO forms of ID (both current and signed) and one must be a photo ID.
    • Examples: Driver’s License, Student ID, Social Security Card, Credit Card, etc. You must report your Social Security Number on test day. Candidates without proper identification will not be able to take the test.


Employer pay must accompany the registration or be pre-authorized through the Student Payment Office 218-733-7610

Re-Tests are also offered. Whether you are re-testing for the full test or one part (written or skills), you must specify when you register. On re-test day, bring your previous test results from Pearson Vue to show the testing staff.

For registration questions, please call 218-733-5924 or email continuingeducation@lsc.edu

Registration Confirmation:
Once registered, you should receive an immediate email confirmation (please check your spam folder). If you do not receive an email confirmation or need additional assistance, please contact Iris Hiemenz at iris.hiemenz@lsc.edu or call 218-733-7680.

Our registration system works best when using Chrome. 
For Safari users, please allow pop-ups from https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/home - from Safari Preferences > Websites > Pop-up Windows > https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/home

Cancellations: The college reserves the right to cancel classes with insufficient enrollment; payment is then automatically refunded. If we have to cancel your class, you can request a full refund of your tuition or transfer to another course of your choice, space permitting.
To Register: Click on a program category above and select your class, or use the "search" feature at top of page.
Refund Policy: (Also applies to purchase orders) Full refunds will be given to any student/company canceling within the required timeframe set for each class. For specific timeframe please check the class description and/or your registration confirmation email. Student and/or companies will incur all charges with no refund if student does not drop the course within the required timeframe.