Minneapolis College Continuing Education & Workforce Development department is a Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) approved test site for candidates seeking placement on the Nursing Assistant Registry (NAR). In partnership with our Nursing department, we host testing events on a regular basis to fit your busy schedule.
Test Schedule and Registration
You must register for the test in advance. 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-Out candidate.
Four ways to register:
- Online: Visit our website for registration details.
- By Phone: Call 612-659-6500
- In-Person: Visit the Continuing Education office T4900 during business hours
- If your company is covering the cost of your test, download the Third Party Contact Form and return your completed form to continuing.education@minneapolis.edu.
Registration fees, which include both Minneapolis College administrative and Headmaster fees, are as follows:
- Full Test (both knowledge and skills test) - $265
- Skills Test - $175
- Knowledge Test - $115
Review available test dates and register.
Challenge/Test Out Candidates
You are eligible to test as a Challenge candidate if
- You have not completed a MN state approved Nursing Assistant training program within the last 2-years
- Your status on the Nursing Assistant Registry (NAR) is expired
Register for the test date of your choice. After you register, we will ask if you are a Challenge candidate or if you have completed a program. When you notify us that you are a Challenge candidate, we will create an account for you in the TMU testing platform and will schedule you for your test events approximately 1-week before the test date.
Knowledge Test
The Knowledge Test is administered in a small group setting in a computer lab at Minneapolis College. Candidates receive on-demand technology assistance and support.
The test consists of seventy (70) multiple choice questions written in English. Candidates are allowed a maximum of 120-minutes (2 hours) to complete the test.
An audio version of the test is available upon request. This option may be activated once you are registered for a test event and have an account in the TMU testing platform.
Steps to Activate Audio Version of Knowledge Test in TMU:
- Log into TMU
- Click on “Your Profile”
- Check the box “Enable Audio Tests”
- Save Changes
Skills Test
The Skills Test is administered in the nursing lab at Minneapolis College. Individual testing appointments are scheduled for candidates.
The test consists of five (5) randomly selected, MDH-approved nurse aid skills tasks for demonstration by the candidate. A complete list of skill tasks may be found in the MN Candidate Handbook.
Prepare for the Test
- Get a free knowledge test question of the day and a 10-question online practice test at the Headmaster LLP website.
- You may also purchase complete practice tests that are randomly generated, based on the state test plan from Headmaster LLP website.
- Visit the Nursing Assistant Skill Videos webpage to watch free NA Skill videos. (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.
- Review the vocabulary words in the Minnesota candidate handbook.
Retakes
If you do not pass your test, you may retake one or both tests as needed. You may make a total of four (4) knowledge test attempts and a total of three (3) skills test events within 2-years from the date you completed an approved training program or your first testing attempt. Fees apply.
- Knowledge Test - $115
- Skills Test - $175
- Full Test (Knowledge and Skills Tests) - $265
Testing FAQ
- You do not need to take the Knowledge and Skills tests on the same day. However, it will be more economical for you to do so.
- You DO need to come to campus for the Knowledge Test. You will receive an email with details about where to go and when to arrive on campus for your assigned test time.
- You DO need to come to campus for the Skills Test to demonstrate hands-on skills. You will receive an email with details about where to go and when to arrive on campus for your assigned test time.
- ADA accommodation requests must be submitted with required documentation and approved at least 14 days advance of your test date. Refer to the candidate handbook.
- The testing site and testing teams are not responsible for your personal belongings.
- 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.
- 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.
- If you are unable to access your TMU account, go to the TMU Minnesota website, click Forgot Password and enter your Email. If you need further assistance, please call Headmaster at 888-401-0462.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
If you need to cancel or reschedule, you must call 612-659-6500 to do so at least 3 business days before your test date.
No refunds will be given for those who arrive late or unprepared, miss the test, or do not contact us to cancel 3 business days in advance.
An administrative fee of $15 will be charged if you reschedule or cancel your registration, regardless of the reason or date.