CNA in Wisconsin 2026: Training, Certification, Salary & Requirements
Prepare for the CNA in Wisconsin 2026: Training, certification. Practice questions with answer explanations covering all exam domains. 📝
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).
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
Wisconsin Advantages and Disadvantages
- +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
- −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
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong healthcare sector with major employers including Aurora, Froedtert, and UW Health | Pearson VUE (not Prometric) means fewer nationally-branded practice materials are directly applicable |
| Goodwill and employer-sponsored programs offer free or low-cost CNA training | Winters can be harsh — commuting to clinical rotations in northern WI can be difficult |
| Clear CNA-to-RN pathways through MATC, NWTC, and UW Madison programs | Caregiver Background Check adds a step and potential delay to hiring |
| Wisconsin Fast Forward grants fund tuition at technical colleges | Rural northern Wisconsin programs may have limited class schedules or cohort sizes |
Sample CNA Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CNA practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A CNA wants to specialize in wound care. Which certification would best support this career goal?
- A. Wound Care Certified (WCC)
- B. Certified Nursing Assistant Advanced (CNAA)
- C. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- D. Basic Life Support Instructor (BLS-I)
Answer: A. Wound Care Certified (WCC)
The Wound Care Certified (WCC) credential is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to specialize in wound management.
A CNA's certification in Florida became null and void 3 years ago after they failed to meet renewal requirements. To regain active status, what must the individual do?
- A. Complete 48 hours of continuing education and pay a reactivation fee.
- B. Take a refresher course and pass the skills portion of the competency exam.
- C. Work 100 hours under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse.
- D. Reapply for licensure and meet all current initial application requirements.
Answer: D. Reapply for licensure and meet all current initial application requirements.
According to the Florida Board of Nursing, once a CNA license becomes 'Null and Void,' it cannot be reactivated or renewed. The individual must start the process over by reapplying for licensure and complying with all laws and rules that are current at the time of the new application.
A CNA is working in a state where, with additional certification and under specific circumstances, they are permitted to perform certain advanced tasks. Which of these tasks would most likely require this type of special certification?
- A. Performing range-of-motion exercises on a post-stroke resident.
- B. Discontinuing a resident's indwelling urinary catheter.
- C. Assisting a resident with using a metered-dose inhaler.
- D. Documenting a resident's fluid intake and output.
Answer: B. Discontinuing a resident's indwelling urinary catheter.
While specific regulations vary by state, discontinuing (removing) an indwelling urinary catheter is an invasive procedure that is generally outside the standard CNA scope. Some states or facilities may allow a specially trained CNA to perform this task. The other tasks, such as assisting with inhalers (but not administering the medication independently), performing restorative exercises, and documenting I&O, are more commonly within the standard CNA role.
A resident tells the CNA she thinks she may have accidentally taken double her medication. The CNA should:
- A. Tell the resident it will probably be fine
- B. Document the concern and ignore it
- C. Report it immediately to the nurse
- D. Offer the resident extra fluids to dilute the medication
Answer: C. Report it immediately to the nurse
Any suspected medication error or overdose must be reported immediately to the nurse for prompt assessment and intervention.
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Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- floridasnursing.gov — Test delivery, exam format, retake policy, time limit · verified Oct 2026
- law.cornell.edu — Test delivery, retake policy · verified Oct 2026
- prometric.com — Fees, exam information · verified Oct 2026