Montana Certified Nursing Assistant License
Montana Board of Nursing
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Training Certificate or Affidavit — Proof of completion from a state-approved training program.
- Social Security Number — Required for identity verification and registry placement.
- Official Transcripts — Required only for nursing students applying via the student pathway.
How to Apply
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Complete State-Approved Training ▾Complete a Montana DPHHS-approved Nurse Aide Training Program consisting of at least 75 hours, including 16 hours of supervised practical training.
View Training Info -
Register for Competency Exam ▾Register with D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) to take the Montana Certified Nurse Aide exams (Knowledge and Skills).
Exam Registration -
Pass the Exams ▾Successfully pass both the written/oral knowledge test and the skills demonstration test. Results are sent to the state registry automatically.
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Create BOUNDS Portal Account ▾Create and activate an account on the Montana BOUNDS portal. You will receive an activation link via email.
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Submit Registry Application ▾Log into the BOUNDS portal, select 'Certified Nurse Aide', and complete the 'CNA by Exam Application'.
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Verify Certification ▾Check the Montana Nurse Aide Registry to confirm your active status once the application is processed.
Verify Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Montana Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Status ▾Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in your current state.
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Create BOUNDS Account ▾Register for an account on the Montana BOUNDS portal.
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Submit Endorsement Application ▾Select the 'CNA Interstate Endorsement Application' within the portal and provide your current certificate details.
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Wait for Processing ▾Montana DPHHS will verify your status with the other state's registry. There is no fee for this application.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Montana Board of Nursing
Keeping Your License Active
Montana Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Montana Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Fees
| Item | Amount |
|---|
Slow Downs
Portal Activation Failure
▾
Applicants often forget to click the activation link sent to their email, preventing them from completing the application.
Name Mismatch
▾
If the name on the training record or exam results does not exactly match the BOUNDS portal profile, processing will be delayed.
Out-of-State Verification
▾
Delays occur when other state registries are slow to respond to Montana's verification requests for endorsement.
Questions
What is the fee for a Montana CNA license?
▾
There is no fee to be placed on the Montana Nurse Aide Registry. However, you must pay exam fees to Headmaster ($20 for knowledge, $77 for skills).
How do I renew my Montana CNA certification?
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Renewals must be completed every two years through the BOUNDS portal. You must have at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work in the past 24 months.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements for Montana CNAs?
▾
No, Montana does not currently require continuing education credits for CNA renewal.
Can I work in Montana while my endorsement is pending?
▾
Yes, an out-of-state CNA may work for up to 30 days pending Montana certification, provided they have verified their current status is in good standing.
Board Info
Sources