How to become a CNA in Montana.
Montana requires 75 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Headmaster and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 75
- Training hours
- 16
- Clinical hours
- $97
- Exam fee
- 51
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Montana certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Montana requires 75 training hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 51 approved programs in Montana - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Headmaster. The exam fee is $97. Within 6 months of finishing the training program. After that the training expires. 3 attempts to pass the knowledge and skills parts within 6 months of finishing training. Challenge candidates (no training) get 1 attempt, then must complete approved training.
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Montana Nurse Aide Registry. Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the MT registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Renew online through the BOUNDS portal, starting 90 days before expiration (DPHHS). Every 2 years with at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in 24 months.
Moving from another state
Interstate endorsement for anyone with a current CNA registration in at least one US state or territory (DPHHS).
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Montana.
CNA funding in Montana →Montana CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
- Training hours
- 75 hours
- Clinical hours
- At least 16 hours
- Exam provider
- Headmaster
- Exam fee
- $97 ($20 knowledge, $77 skills)
- Fee details
- Knowledge exam $20; audio knowledge exam $31; skill exam $77. Retakes are the same price per part. $5 priority fax fee; $25 test review deposit; $35 refund fee. Handbook effective February 2025.
- Deadline to test
- Within 6 months of finishing the training program. After that the training expires.
- Retakes
- 3 attempts to pass the knowledge and skills parts within 6 months of finishing training. Challenge candidates (no training) get 1 attempt, then must complete approved training.
- Regulator
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: dphhs.mt.gov, hdmaster.com. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Montana, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Montana?
Montana requires 75 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Headmaster and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Montana?
Headmaster runs the Montana nurse aide competency exam. The exam fee is $97.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in Montana?
Interstate endorsement for anyone with a current CNA registration in at least one US state or territory (DPHHS).
How do you renew a CNA certification in Montana?
Renew online through the BOUNDS portal, starting 90 days before expiration (DPHHS). Every 2 years with at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in 24 months.
How do I pay for CNA training in Montana?
Workforce vouchers, employer sponsorship, state grants, and scholarships all pay for nurse aide training. A nursing home that hires you within a year of certification must reimburse your training costs under federal rules.
Start your training in Montana.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.