Missouri Certified Nursing Assistant License
Missouri DHSS
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
0 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Classroom and On-the-Job Training Record — Form MO 580-2473, completed and signed by your instructor to verify 175 total hours of training. View Forms
- Proof of Age — Valid government-issued photo ID showing you are at least 18 years of age (or 16 if enrolled in a high school vocational program).
- FCSR Background Screening — Verification of registration and clear status on the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry. FCSR Website
- Social Security Card — A copy of your Social Security card is required for registry identification and TMU account setup.
How to Apply
-
Complete State-Approved Training ▾Enroll in and complete a Missouri-approved CNA training program consisting of 75 hours of classroom instruction and 100 hours of supervised on-the-job clinical training.
View Training Requirements -
Register with the Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) ▾All CNAs must be registered with the FCSR background check system before employment or testing. This is a one-time registration with a small fee.
Register for FCSR -
Activate TMU Account ▾Once your training provider uploads your completion record, you will receive an email to activate your account on the TestMaster Universe (TMU) portal managed by Headmaster.
Login to TMU -
Pay and Schedule Exam ▾Log into your TMU account to pay the examination fees and schedule your Knowledge and Skills tests at an approved testing site.
Schedule Exam -
Pass the Competency Evaluation ▾Successfully pass both the written (knowledge) and skills portions of the Missouri CNA exam. Results are typically available in TMU within 24 hours.
-
Registry Placement ▾Upon passing both exams, your name is automatically added to the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry. You can verify your status and print your certificate via the TMU portal.
Verify Registry Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
0 to 3 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Steps
-
Verify Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active, in-good-standing CNA certification in another state and are not listed on any disqualification lists.
Reciprocity Info -
Complete Online Reciprocity Application ▾Fill out the official Missouri Reciprocity form online. There is currently no fee for this application.
Apply for Reciprocity -
Upload Required Documents ▾Upload a copy of your out-of-state CNA certificate and a printout of your current state's registry showing an active status.
-
Wait for DHSS Review ▾The Health Education Unit will review your documents. Do not submit duplicate requests as this slows down the process.
-
Print Missouri Certificate ▾Once approved, log into the Missouri TMU portal to view your active status and print your Missouri CNA certificate.
TMU Portal
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Missouri DHSS
Keeping Your License Active
Missouri Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Missouri DHSS for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Incomplete TMU Profile
▾
Failing to complete the demographic profile in TMU after account activation prevents exam scheduling.
Duplicate Reciprocity Submissions
▾
Submitting the reciprocity form multiple times or via both email and the online portal causes significant processing backlogs.
EDL/FCSR Flags
▾
Being listed on the Employee Disqualification List (EDL) or having unresolved issues on the FCSR will halt the certification process.
Missing Clinical Documentation
▾
Incomplete or unsigned training records (MO 580-2473) from the training provider will delay exam eligibility.
Questions
How do I renew my Missouri CNA certification?
▾
You must perform at least 8 hours of nursing-related services every 24 months. Renewal is completed through the TMU portal with a $20 fee and proof of employment (e.g., pay stub or W-2).
Is there a fee for transferring my CNA license to Missouri?
▾
No, Missouri does not currently charge a fee for reciprocity (endorsement) applications from other states.
What happens if my CNA certification expires?
▾
If you have not worked in a nursing-related role for over 24 months, your status becomes inactive. If it has been more than 5 years since you last worked, you must retake the entire CNA course and exam.
How can an employer verify my CNA status?
▾
Employers should use the 'Search the New Missouri Registry' feature on the TMU portal (mo.tmutest.com) to verify active status and check for any federal indicators or disqualifications.
Board Info
Sources