Instructor Steps for Student Registration

Steps to Register a Student as a CNA

1. Enroll the student in a 75-hour Board-approved nurse aide training program (NATP).

   • Pre-approval by the Board before enrolling a student is not required.

   • Ensure that the student was screened for any findings of and convictions for emotional and psychological abuse, neglect, exploitation, misappropriation of property, or physical abuse. If positive, the individual must not be enrolled.

2. Instruct the student to complete the Board's Online CNA Application.

3. Ensure that the student completes a skills evaluation using the Board’s Skills Evaluation Forms. The skills evaluation may be conducted during the NATP or after the student has completed the program.

   • The student must complete step 2, the Board’s application, before the student’s four required skills checklist forms are emailed to the Board.

4. After steps 1, 2, and 3 are completed, assist the student to register to take the Board's approved CNA Knowledge Exam through Headmaster's South Dakota TMU© website.

   • The NATP Completion Verification Form is no longer required. Instructors verify completion in TMU.

   • Headmaster will notify the Board of the student's exam results. A passing score of 75% is required, a student may retake the exam two times; additional training is needed after 3 attempts.  

5. Upon passing the Knowledge Exam, and if all other registration requirements are met, the Board will add the applicant (student) to the CNA registry.

6. The student and employer may verify registration status on the Board's CNA Verification website.