Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI
How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wisconsin
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Wisconsin, individuals must complete a state-approved training program of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of clinical experience. After completing the training, candidates must pass the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Competency Exam, which consists of a knowledge test and a skills test. The licensing body is the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and certification must be renewed every two years by demonstrating at least 8 hours of paid work as a CNA under supervision within the renewal cycle. Wisconsin also offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Requirements in Wisconsin
| Detail | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Wisconsin Department of Health Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 75-hour state-approved training program, including at least 16 hours of clinical experience. |
| Experience Required | 8.0 hours |
| Exam | Headmaster CNA Exam ($138) |
| Application Fee | $25 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Notes | Minimum age for enrollment in a training program is 15 years old, though some clinical facilities may require students to be at least 16. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours under the supervision of an RN or LPN in a healthcare setting within the past 24 months. A background check is required for training and certification. The exam includes a knowledge test (75 multiple-choice questions) and a skills test (3-4 skills tasks). The knowledge test can be taken orally. Military personnel and nursing students may have alternate routes to eligibility. |
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Salary in Wisconsin
The median certified nursing assistant salary in Wisconsin is $43,250 per year, which is 9.4% above the national median of $39,530.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $37,040 |
| 25th | $38,500 |
| 50th (median) | $43,250 |
| 75th | $45,920 |
| 90th (experienced) | $48,200 |
Wisconsin employs approximately 27,480 certified nursing assistants.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Job Outlook
Is Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Wisconsin Worth It?
Factors to consider: Wisconsin's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, and your personal career goals.