How many training hours are required for CNA certification in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires a minimum of 120 hours of CNA training, which is one of the highest requirements in the United States. Training must include at least 16 hours of classroom theory and at least 32 hours of hands-on clinical practice in an approved healthcare setting.

Which company administers the Wisconsin CNA state exam?

Wisconsin uses Pearson VUE to administer the state CNA certification exam — not Prometric. You schedule at pearsonvue.com. The written exam has 70 questions (90-minute limit) and the clinical skills exam requires passing 5 randomly selected skills.

Are there free CNA programs in Wisconsin?

Yes. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin offers free CNA training in Milwaukee and Waukesha for eligible individuals. Aurora Health Care, Froedtert, and UW Health also offer employer-sponsored CNA training with covered tuition in exchange for a work commitment.

What is the Caregiver Background Check in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Statute 50.065 requires a Caregiver Background Check for all CNAs. It screens criminal history and prior caregiver misconduct allegations. Most employers run this check during hiring.

How much do CNAs make in Wisconsin?

CNA salaries in Wisconsin range from $28,500 in rural northern Wisconsin to $38,000+ in Milwaukee metro. Hospital CNAs with shift differentials can earn up to $42,000 annually.

How many training hours are required for CNA certification in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin requires a minimum of 120 hours of CNA training, which is one of the highest requirements in the United States. Training must include at least 16 hours of classroom theory and at least 32 hours of hands-on clinical practice in an approved healthcare setting. Many programs exceed the 120-hour minimum.

Which company administers the Wisconsin CNA state exam?

Wisconsin uses Pearson VUE to administer the state CNA certification exam — not Prometric, which is used by most other states. You schedule your exam at pearsonvue.com. The written exam consists of 70 multiple-choice questions (90-minute limit), and the clinical skills exam requires you to pass 5 randomly selected skills, always beginning with handwashing.

What is the WI DHS Nurse Aide Registry?

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) maintains the official Nurse Aide Registry for the state. After you pass the Pearson VUE exam, your certification is submitted to DHS and your name is added to the registry within 5–7 business days. All Wisconsin healthcare employers are required to verify your registry status before hire. The registry must be renewed every 2 years by completing at least 8 hours of paid CNA nursing care.

Are there free CNA programs in Wisconsin?

Yes. Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin offers free CNA training in Milwaukee and Waukesha for eligible low-income or unemployed individuals. Major health systems including Aurora Health Care, Froedtert, and UW Health also offer employer-sponsored CNA training programs — meaning tuition is covered in exchange for a work commitment. Wisconsin Fast Forward grants and county workforce development boards can also fund CNA training at technical colleges.

What is the Caregiver Background Check in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Statute 50.065 requires a Caregiver Background Check for all CNAs working in regulated healthcare settings. This check screens for criminal history and prior caregiver misconduct allegations. Most employers run this check during hiring, and some training programs require it before clinical rotations. Certain convictions or substantiated misconduct findings can prevent registry listing.

How much do CNAs make in Wisconsin?

CNA salaries in Wisconsin range from approximately $28,500 in rural northern Wisconsin to $38,000+ in Milwaukee metro. The statewide average is roughly $32,000–$34,000 per year. Hospital CNAs — particularly those at Froedtert, Aurora, and UW Health — can earn up to $42,000 annually with night and weekend shift differentials. Benefits, including health insurance and tuition reimbursement, add significant value to compensation packages.

Who are the largest CNA employers in Wisconsin?

The top CNA employers in Wisconsin are Aurora Health Care (the state's largest health system), Froedtert Health, UW Health, Marshfield Clinic Health System, SSM Health Wisconsin, Bellin Health (Green Bay area), and ThedaCare (Fox Valley). These systems collectively employ thousands of CNAs and offer career advancement programs, employer-sponsored training, and tuition reimbursement for CNAs pursuing RN licensure.

Can I transfer my Wisconsin CNA certification to another state?

Yes, Wisconsin participates in CNA reciprocity. If you are in good standing on the WI DHS Nurse Aide Registry, you can apply to transfer your certification to another state's registry without retaking the full exam. The process varies by destination state — some states require only a verification of your Wisconsin registry status, while others may require additional testing. Read our full CNA reciprocity guide for state-by-state transfer requirements.

CNA in Wisconsin 2026 June: Training, Certification, Salary & Requirements

Prepare for the CNA in Wisconsin 2026 June: Training, certification. Practice questions with answer explanations covering all exam domains. 📝

CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant By Dr. Sarah MitchellJun 3, 20266 min read

CNA in Wisconsin 2026 June: Training, Certification, Salary & Requirements

CNA training requirements in Wisconsin — 120-hour program overview

Wisconsin Detailed Breakdown

Milwaukee is Wisconsin's largest healthcare hub, home to Froedtert Health, Aurora Health Care, and Children's Wisconsin. CNA programs here are abundant and competitive.

Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) — State-approved, ~120 hours, ~$1,200 tuition. Financial aid available.
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin — Free CNA training for eligible individuals. Includes job placement support. Locations in Milwaukee and Waukesha.
Alverno College — Accelerated CNA programs integrated with nursing pathways.
Froedtert Health Workforce Development — Employer-sponsored programs covering full tuition for committed employees.
Aurora Health Care Training — In-house CNA training with job-placement guarantees for graduates.

Average tuition in Milwaukee metro: $800–$2,500 (free options available via Goodwill or employer-sponsored).

CNA salary by region in Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton

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Wisconsin Essential Checklist

✓Verify age eligibility (18+ required by most programs)
✓Obtain high school diploma or GED
✓Submit Wisconsin Caregiver Background Check application
✓Research WI DHS-approved training programs in your region
✓Compare tuition and free options (Goodwill, employer-sponsored)
✓Complete 120 hours of approved training (classroom + clinical)
✓Register for Pearson VUE written and skills exams at pearsonvue.com
✓Pay exam fees: $50 written + $75 skills
✓Study CNA test prep materials specific to Wisconsin/Pearson VUE format
✓Pass written exam (70% minimum) and all 5 clinical skills
✓Confirm your name on the WI DHS Nurse Aide Registry
✓Apply to Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Waukesha, Kenosha, or Racine employers
✓Track your 2-year renewal date and log paid nursing care hours

Goodwill CNA training programs in Wisconsin — free certification options

Practice for Your CNA Exam — Free Questions

Wisconsin Advantages and Disadvantages

✅Pros

+Strong healthcare sector with major employers including Aurora, Froedtert, and UW Health
+Goodwill and employer-sponsored programs offer free or low-cost CNA training
+120-hour requirement is thorough — WI-trained CNAs are highly prepared
+Clear CNA-to-RN pathways through MATC, NWTC, and UW Madison programs
+Wisconsin Fast Forward grants fund tuition at technical colleges
+Stable job market — healthcare is Wisconsin's largest employment sector
+Pearson VUE exam is well-supported with accessible testing centers statewide

❌Cons

−120-hour requirement is one of the longest in the US — more time before entering the workforce
−Pearson VUE (not Prometric) means fewer nationally-branded practice materials are directly applicable
−Winters can be harsh — commuting to clinical rotations in northern WI can be difficult
−Salary range ($30K–$38K) is moderate compared to coastal states
−Caregiver Background Check adds a step and potential delay to hiring
−Rural northern Wisconsin programs may have limited class schedules or cohort sizes

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About the Author

Dr. Sarah MitchellRN, MSN, PhD

Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator

Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing

Dr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.

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