CNA in Wisconsin 2026: Training, Certification & Salary

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 Key Facts and Figures

120 hrs

Training Required

Pearson VUE

Testing Vendor

$30K–$38K

Annual Salary Range

WI DHS

Registry Authority

4–6 wks

Typical Program Length

Top 15%

Highest Training Hours in US

Wisconsin Important Details

👤 Minimum Age

Minimum Age: 18 years old (some facilities accept 16 with parental consent)

📚 Education

Requirement: High school diploma or GED
Alternative: Active high school enrollment accepted at some programs

⏱️ Training Hours

Total Hours: 120 hours minimum (one of the highest in the US)
Classroom Theory: At least 16 hours
Clinical/Lab: At least 32 hours in a clinical setting
Note: Individual programs often exceed 120 hours

🔍 Background Check

Requirement: Caregiver Background Check via WI DHS
Who Runs It: Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Disqualifiers: Certain criminal convictions and substantiated caregiver misconduct
Cost: Typically employer-paid or program-covered

📝 State Exam

Vendor: Pearson VUE (NOT Prometric — unique to Wisconsin)
Written Test: 70 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute limit
Skills Test: 5 randomly selected clinical skills
Passing Score: 70% written + pass all 5 skills

🏛️ Registry Listing

Registry: Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (managed by WI DHS)
Validity: 2-year renewable active status
Renewal: Must work at least 8 hours of paid CNA care every 2 years

Wisconsin Detailed Breakdown

📋 Milwaukee Metro

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 / Dane County

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.

📋 Green Bay / Fox Valley

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 WI

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 WI

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 is one of the few states that administers its CNA state exam through Pearson VUE rather than the more common Prometric vendor. This is important to know when searching for test prep materials — make sure resources reference Wisconsin specifically.

Written Exam

70 questions, 90-minute time limit
Multiple-choice format covering nurse aide roles, safety, infection control, mental health, and resident rights
Passing score: 70% (49 out of 70 correct)
Audio assistance available for qualifying candidates

Clinical Skills Exam

Examiner selects 5 skills at random from the approved WI skills list
Handwashing is always included as skill #1
You must pass all 5 skills on one attempt to pass the clinical portion
If you fail skills but pass written (or vice versa), you retake only the failed portion within 12 months

Scheduling & Fees

Schedule at pearsonvue.com/wi-cna
Written exam fee: $50 | Skills exam fee: $75
Testing available at Pearson VUE test centers across Wisconsin and at approved nursing facilities
Must complete exam within 24 months of starting your training program

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) maintains the official Nurse Aide Registry for the state. Passing the Pearson VUE exam automatically submits your results to DHS, and your name is added to the registry within 5–7 business days.

Key Registry Facts

Registry website: Wisconsin DHS Nurse Aide Registry (online lookup available)
Active status duration: 2 years from date of certification
Renewal requirement: At least 8 hours of paid CNA nursing care every 2 years
If lapsed: Must re-complete approved training and pass the state exam again
Registry check by employers: All Wisconsin healthcare facilities are required to verify registry status before hire

Caregiver Background Check

Wisconsin requires a Caregiver Background Check (Wisconsin Statute 50.065) for all CNAs. This check screens for criminal history and prior caregiver misconduct allegations. Most employers run this check during the hiring process, and some training programs require it before clinical rotations.

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Wisconsin Costs and Pricing

🏙️

$33,000–$38,000

Milwaukee Metro

Highest pay in WI. Froedtert, Aurora, Children's Wisconsin, and Ascension Southeast Wisconsin drive competitive wages. Hospital CNAs earn toward the top of this range.

🎓

$31,000–$36,500

Madison / Dane County

Strong healthcare sector anchored by UW Health and SSM Health. University-affiliated facilities offer above-average benefits and shift differentials.

🌿

$30,000–$34,000

Green Bay / Appleton

Bellin Health and ThedaCare are major employers. Fox Valley Technical College graduates command solid starting wages in this corridor.

🏔️

$29,500–$33,500

Western WI (La Crosse / Eau Claire)

Gundersen Health and Marshfield Clinic offer stable CNA employment with benefits. Rural settings may include housing or relocation incentives.

🌲

$28,500–$32,000

Northern WI (Wausau / Rhinelander)

Lower cost of living partially offsets lower nominal wages. Critical Access Hospital settings and rural nursing homes have consistent demand.

🏥

Up to $42,000

Hospital Setting (All Regions)

Hospital CNAs with night/weekend differentials and 3+ years of experience can reach $40K+. UW Health, Froedtert, and Aurora are top payers.

Wisconsin Step-by-Step Process

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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)

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

Practice for Your CNA Exam — Free Questions

Wisconsin is home to several well-funded free CNA programs. The most widely known is offered through Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, which has provided workforce development training for thousands of Wisconsinites.

Goodwill CNA Program Details

Locations: Milwaukee, Waukesha, and surrounding Southeast Wisconsin communities
Cost: Free for eligible participants (funded by workforce development grants)
Eligibility: Low-income individuals, unemployed workers, transitioning veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals
What's included: Full 120-hour training, textbooks, uniforms, and Pearson VUE exam fee coverage
Job placement: Goodwill partners with Aurora, Ascension, and long-term care facilities for direct hire

Other Free and Low-Cost CNA Options in Wisconsin

Employer-sponsored programs: Aurora Health Care, Froedtert, UW Health, and Aspirus all offer free CNA training tied to employment commitments
Wisconsin Fast Forward grants: State workforce grants that can cover full CNA tuition at participating technical colleges
Workforce development boards: Many county workforce development boards offer CNA training vouchers for eligible job seekers
Medicaid Training Reimbursement: Nursing homes participating in Medicaid may be reimbursed for CNA training costs, often passing savings to trainees

Wisconsin Important Details

🏥 Aurora Health Care

Locations: Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Kenosha, Racine, Grafton, and 30+ facilities statewide
Notes: Largest health system in Wisconsin. Offers employer-sponsored CNA training and strong benefit packages.

🏥 Froedtert Health

Locations: Milwaukee metro — Froedtert Hospital, Community Memorial, St. Joseph's
Notes: Academic medical center with UW School of Medicine. Competitive wages and tuition reimbursement for CNAs pursuing RN licensure.

🎓 UW Health

Locations: Madison, Janesville, Milwaukee (via UW Health Partners)
Notes: University of Wisconsin academic health system. Strong pathway from CNA to RN via UW nursing programs.

🌿 Marshfield Clinic Health System

Locations: Marshfield, Wausau, Eau Claire, La Crosse — 50+ locations in central/western WI
Notes: Major rural and suburban employer. CNA training partnerships with Northcentral and Western Technical Colleges.

🏥 SSM Health Wisconsin

Locations: Madison, Janesville, Fond du Lac, Ripon
Notes: Nonprofit Catholic health system. Known for competitive benefits and faith-based workplace culture.

🌿 Bellin Health / ThedaCare

Locations: Green Bay (Bellin), Appleton / Fox Valley (ThedaCare)
Notes: Both systems offer employer-sponsored CNA training and career ladder programs for CNAs interested in advancing to LPN or RN.

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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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.