CNA in Wisconsin 2026: Training, Certification, Salary & Requirements
Wisconsin requires 120 hours of CNA training — one of the highest requirements in the country — and uses Pearson VUE (not Prometric) to administer the state certification exam. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) manages the Nurse Aide Registry, and all CNAs must pass a Caregiver Background Check before working in regulated healthcare settings. With world-class employers like Aurora Health Care, Froedtert Health, and UW Health, Wisconsin offers strong career prospects for Certified Nursing Assistants across Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Appleton, Kenosha, Racine, and Waukesha.
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).
Madison is home to UW Health, SSM Health, and several nationally recognized healthcare systems. The region benefits from proximity to Epic Systems' HQ in nearby Verona.
- Madison Area Technical College (MATC) — One of the most popular programs in Wisconsin. ~120 hours, ~$1,100 tuition. Offered in day and evening formats.
- UW Health Workforce Initiative — Employer-funded training for staff transitioning to CNA roles.
- SSM Health Training Programs — On-the-job CNA training for hired CNAs with tuition reimbursement.
- Herzing University Madison — Accelerated CNA programs with flexible scheduling.
Average tuition in Madison: $900–$2,200. Employer-sponsored options widely available through UW Health and SSM Health.
The Green Bay and Fox Valley region is a growing healthcare corridor anchored by Bellin Health and ThedaCare. Strong demand for CNAs in both hospital and long-term care settings.
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) — Flagship CNA program in Green Bay. State-approved, 120+ hours, ~$1,000 tuition.
- Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) — CNA programs in Appleton and Oshkosh. Flexible scheduling, evening options available.
- Bellin Health CNA Training — Employer-sponsored program for new hires and internal transitions.
- ThedaCare CNA Partnership Programs — Work-study style training with guaranteed interviews post-graduation.
Average tuition in this region: $800–$1,800. NWTC and FVTC both accept Pell Grant and WI DWD funding.
Western Wisconsin spans La Crosse to Eau Claire, a region served by Gundersen Health and Marshfield Clinic. Smaller programs with high job placement rates.
- Western Technical College (La Crosse) — State-approved CNA program, ~120 hours, ~$950 tuition. Includes simulation lab.
- Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) — Programs in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. Day and evening cohorts.
- Gundersen Health System — Employer-supported CNA training for healthcare career changers.
- Marshfield Clinic Health System — Offers CNA training tied to employment agreements at regional facilities.
Average tuition in western WI: $850–$1,600. Rural programs often include employer incentives and relocation stipends.
Northern Wisconsin including Wausau, Rhinelander, and the Northwoods has strong demand for CNAs in nursing homes and critical access hospitals. Programs tend to be smaller and more personalized.
- Northcentral Technical College (NTC) — CNA programs in Wausau and Spencer. ~120 hours, ~$900 tuition. Rural healthcare focus.
- Nicolet Area Technical College — Programs serving Rhinelander and the northern lake region.
- Aspirus Health — Employer-sponsored CNA training for northern WI facilities.
- Ministry Saint Clare's Hospital — Internal CNA training tracks with guaranteed employment.
Average tuition in northern WI: $800–$1,400. Rural shortage areas may qualify for WI Rural Health Grant assistance.
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
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
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 |
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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.
Take the full CNA practice test
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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.