How to become a CNA in Michigan

Michigan CNA candidates test with D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster). Knowledge: 65 Q / 60 min; Skills: 3-4 tasks.

Updated 2026-09-23 · 3 sources · By the HealthCert Prep team

Michigan CNA exam at a glance

Vendor
Headmaster
Knowledge
65 Q / 60 min
Skills
3-4 tasks
Fee
$175

Exam format, fees and rules

Verified against D&SDT-Headmaster - Michigan Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (July 2026, v5.0) (checked 2026-09-23). Fees change - confirm with the vendor before paying.
ItemDetail
Testing vendorD&SDT-Headmaster (mi.tmutest.com)
Knowledge exam65 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes
Skills test3 or 4 randomly selected tasks in 30 minutes
Fee (first attempt, both parts)$175
Attempts3 attempts at knowledge and skills within 24 months of training completion

What makes Michigan different

  • Michigan charges one combined $175 price for a first-time tester’s knowledge and skills exams.
  • Michigan’s knowledge exam is 65 questions in 60 minutes - one of the shortest time limits among Headmaster states.
  • Placement on the registry requires a separate certificate application through MI-NATES after you pass.

How to get certified in Michigan

  1. Complete a LARA-approved training program

    Your program registers you in TMU.

  2. Sign in at mi.tmutest.com

    Complete your account, pay and pick a test event and location.

  3. Pass knowledge and skills

    You have three attempts within 24 months of training.

  4. Apply for your certificate

    After passing, apply through MI-NATES to be placed on the Michigan Nurse Aide Registry.

Test day checklist

  • Keep your ID with you all day.
  • You are told when 15 minutes remain on both the knowledge exam and the skill test.

Registry and contacts

Federal minimums that apply everywhere

Federal rules set the floor for every state: nurse aide training must be at least 75 clock hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (42 CFR 483.152). States can require more. After you are certified, going 24 consecutive months without paid nursing-related work means retraining or retesting before you can work in a Medicare/Medicaid nursing home (42 CFR 483.35(d)).

CNA practice test (written exam)

CNA practice test (written exam)

A resident's eyeglasses should be cleaned with:

Practice for the Michigan CNA written exam

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HealthCert Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by D&S Diversified Technologies, NCSBN or any state agency. D&S Diversified Technologies, NCSBN or any state agency is a trademark of its owner. All practice questions on this site are original.

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a CNA in Michigan?

1) Complete a LARA-approved training program. 2) Sign in at mi.tmutest.com. 3) Pass knowledge and skills. 4) Apply for your certificate.

Who runs the Michigan CNA exam?

D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) administers testing; Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) - Michigan Nurse Aide Registry oversees certification and the registry.

How much does the Michigan CNA exam cost?

$175 (verified 2026-09-23 from the official handbook or fee page).

How many questions are on the Michigan CNA test?

65 multiple-choice questions, 60 minutes.

How many times can I take the Michigan CNA exam?

3 attempts at knowledge and skills within 24 months of training completion.

Sources

  1. D&SDT-Headmaster - Michigan Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (July 2026, v5.0) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  2. Michigan LARA - Nurse Aide Registry (accessed 2026-09-23)
  3. eCFR - 42 CFR 483.152 Requirements for approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (accessed 2026-09-23)