There are two parts to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, the Virtual Knowledge Test (online) and the Manual Skills Test (in-person). Candidates must pass both parts in order to receive a certificate and be listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. The tests do not have to be taken in any sort of order, however you must complete both exams within two years of your first test date. For updates and announcements regarding nursing assistant testing, please see the MDH website.
Virtual Knowledge Test
The Virtual Knowledge Test is a 2-hour online test which consists of seventy (70) multiple-choice questions in English. An Oral/Audio test option is also available, which candidates must select in their TMU profile prior to testing.
Skills Test
The skills test is IN PERSON at the campus you have registered for taking the test. During the Manual Skills Test you will demonstrate a set of randomly selected nurse aide skill tasks for an RN Test Observer. You will find a complete list of skill tasks in the candidate handbook. You will have a maximum of thirty (30) minutes to complete these tasks. Please review the Minnesota Mock Skills on Headmasters website for an updated list of the skills currently tested.
Candidate Handbook
The candidate handbook is available on Headmaster's Minnesota Webpage. Learn about updates that have been made to testing procedures, knowledge exams, skills exams, and more.
TMU Minnesota
TMU is a web-based application where candidates manage their profile, take the Knowledge exam, and receive their test results. Candidates that have completed a training program within the last 24 months, will have a TMU profile prepared by their instructor. Testing sites will initiate profiles for Challenge candidates. After you have registered for the Nursing Assistant Test through M State, we will then schedule your test event in TMU. Once you are scheduled into the test event, you will receive an email notification (and text if you listed a text capable phone number in your TMU record) confirming your exam date and time.
Registering for a Test – All candidates must register online to be included in a test date.
If you are new to this system you have to register as a new user and set up a username and password: https://mnscu.rschooltoday.com/public/viewmyaccount (Once you have an account, you will easily be able to register in the future for future training and events).
Challenge/Test-Out Candidates:
If you have not completed a MN state approved NA training program within the last 2 years, you are still eligible to test as a Challenge candidate. If you are a challenge or test out candidate, you must complete form 1101 and email it to breanna.tracy@minnesota.edu immediately after completing your test registration and payment. Failure to do so will result in your test registration being canceled.
What to Expect After Registration:
- Once you have registered and paid through this website, you will have secured your seat in that test event.
- Right before your test date:
- You will be scheduled for your test event in TMU.
- If you are a Challenge candidate, we will add you to the TMU platform from a completed 1101 form; you are responsible for completing your profile at least 48 hours prior to testing. If we do not receive your completed 1101 form, we have no way to schedule you for your test.
- You will receive an email with important testing information. Please check your junk/spam folder.
Test cancelation policies:
- If you need to cancel for any reason, you must do so at least 3 business days before the test date for a full refund by emailing breanna.tracy@minnesota.edu.
- Please email minnesota@hdmaster.com if you need immediate exam assistance or call 1-800-393-8664. Failure to do so may result to you be counted as a no show for testing. No shows do not receive any type of refund as we are still charged for your test seat.
- Headmaster does not offer same day testing services. Please keep in mind if you should have any last minute emergencies and want to be taken out of your scheduled test in TMU.
Below is a chart based on their testing services and your scheduled exam:
| Scheduled test date is on: |
Reschedule before 7:00 PM CTS: |
| Monday |
The previous Thursday |
| Tuesday |
The previous Friday |
| Wednesday |
The previous Monday |
| Thursday |
The previous Tuesday |
| Friday |
The previous Wednesday |
| Saturday |
The previous Thursday |
| Sunday |
The previous Thursday |
After the exam:
- If you fail a test, you will need to register for a new test date and pay again.
- When you pass your test, you can search for your name on the MN registry by going to: https://narlookup.web.health.state.mn.us/ (this may take up to 10 business days from the last date of your passed test). Please contact the MN Department of Health for any updates or questions about your certification number.
Registrants for the NA competency evaluation that are either employed by a nursing home or boarding care home as a nursing assistant or have been promised employment as a nursing assistant by one of these facilities prior to the date the evaluation fee is due, are
NOT to pay for the competency evaluation. The facility is federally mandated to pay for the competency evaluation fee.
Nursing Assistants who receive an offer of employment as a nursing assistant from either of these facilities, not later than 12 months after successfully completing the nursing assistant course and competency evaluation, are entitled to a one-time reimbursement from the facility for the nurse assistant course, competency exam and related fees
90 days after the date of employment. For additional information on facility reimbursement policies, please
click here.
BreAnna Tracy: breanna.tracy@minnesota.edu
