To become a CNA in Missouri, you’ll need to complete a state-approved training program and pass the Missouri CNA exam, which has both a written and practical skills component. This guide covers everything you need to know about the exam and how to prepare.

Missouri CNA Certification Requirements

In Missouri, you must meet specific state requirements before you can take the CNA exam. The primary requirement is completing a state-approved training program. These programs consist of at least 175 hours of combined classroom and clinical instruction—75 hours in the classroom and 100 hours in a clinical setting. The clinical portion allows you to practice hands-on skills in real healthcare environments, like nursing homes or hospitals.

Aside from the training hours, you must also meet basic eligibility criteria. For most people, this means being at least 18 years old, though exceptions can be made for 16 and 17-year-olds who are taking certain health courses in high school. You’ll also need to pass a background check and provide documentation of required immunizations, including tuberculosis (TB) tests. Once these requirements are met, you’re ready to take the CNA exam.

How to Apply for the Missouri CNA Exam

After finishing your training, the next step is registering for the CNA exam. Missouri works with D&S Headmaster, a testing service that oversees the scheduling and administration of the CNA test. You’ll need to register through their platform, where you’ll provide documentation of your completed training and select your testing location. Missouri has several approved testing centers, including some nursing homes and technical schools, so you can pick one that’s convenient for you.

When you register, you’ll also need to choose between taking the written or oral version of the test. The written version is the most common, but if you’re more comfortable with an oral exam, that’s an option—just make sure you request it during registration. Once your registration is complete, you’ll receive instructions for exam day, including what to bring and how to prepare.

Structure of the Missouri CNA Exam

The Missouri CNA exam is split into two parts: a written (or oral) test and a skills evaluation. The written test consists of 75 multiple-choice questions that cover various aspects of patient care. You’ll need to know about basic nursing skills, infection control, patient rights, and how to deal with emergencies, among other things. The exam takes about 60 to 90 minutes, and you’ll need to score at least 80% to pass.

The skills evaluation is where you demonstrate your hands-on abilities. You’ll be required to perform three to four randomly selected tasks, such as taking a patient’s blood pressure, assisting with feeding, or transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair. While the skills test may sound intimidating, it’s designed to ensure that you can handle everyday tasks in a healthcare setting. Key skills like handwashing are considered critical, and you’ll need to perform them perfectly to pass that portion.

Preparing for the Missouri CNA Exam

Preparation is crucial to passing the Missouri CNA exam. Luckily, there are plenty of resources available to help you study. Practice exams and flashcards are great for the written portion, as they help you get familiar with the types of questions you’ll face. Many training programs offer study materials or review sessions, so take advantage of those if available.

For the skills portion, it’s important to practice each skill you learned during training. Pay special attention to critical skills like handwashing, as these will be heavily scrutinized during the exam. Practicing with classmates or in a clinical setting can help you feel more comfortable with the tasks you’ll need to perform. Finally, remember that staying calm and focused during the exam is just as important as knowing the material.

What to Expect on Exam Day

The day of your CNA exam can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps ease nerves. Make sure to arrive early at your testing location—whether it’s a nursing home, community college, or another approved facility. Check your registration details for what to bring with you. This typically includes two forms of identification, your registration confirmation, and any specific paperwork your testing center requires.

Once you arrive, you’ll check in and be given instructions on how the day will proceed. The written or oral test usually comes first, followed by the skills evaluation. If you’ve chosen the oral version of the written exam, you’ll have audio equipment to complete that portion. For both written and oral tests, you’ll have about 60-90 minutes to answer 75 multiple-choice questions covering topics like infection control, patient safety, and basic nursing skills.

After completing the written test, you’ll move on to the skills evaluation. You’ll be randomly assigned three to four tasks from the list of skills you learned during training. The examiner will watch and score how well you perform each task, paying close attention to your ability to follow safety protocols and interact with patients respectfully. Critical skills like handwashing must be performed perfectly, while others allow some margin for error as long as patient safety is maintained.

Retaking the CNA Exam

Not everyone passes the CNA exam on the first try, and that’s okay. Missouri allows for retakes if you don’t pass either the written or skills portion. If you fail one section, you only need to retake that part. For example, if you pass the written exam but not the skills test, you’ll just need to focus on improving your skills for the retake.

Missouri’s policy allows you to retake the failed portion twice within a 90-day period. This gives you plenty of time to review the areas you struggled with and practice before attempting it again. If you fail the exam after three attempts, you’ll likely need to retake your CNA training course before you can test again. This is why preparation is key—taking the time to practice can save you time and stress later on.

How to Get Listed on the Missouri CNA Registry

Once you pass both parts of the exam, your name will be added to the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry. This is an essential step because being listed on the registry allows you to work as a CNA in Missouri. D&S Headmaster, the agency that handles the exam process, will update the registry with your certification status, and you can check your listing online by logging into your account.

Staying on the registry requires that you work at least eight hours as a CNA every two years. If you fail to meet this requirement, your certification may become inactive, and you might need to retake the exam to regain active status. It’s important to track your work hours and ensure that you stay compliant with Missouri’s certification renewal rules.

Additional Certifications and Career Advancement Opportunities

Passing the Missouri CNA exam is just the beginning of your career in healthcare. Many CNAs use their certification as a stepping stone toward other nursing roles. For example, you can pursue additional certifications like becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), which allows you to administer medication to patients in certain settings. This can increase your job responsibilities and earning potential.

Another common pathway is advancing to become a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN). Many nursing programs recognize CNA experience and offer accelerated pathways for CNAs. In Missouri, some hospitals and long-term care facilities even provide scholarships or financial aid to CNAs who want to further their education.

Wrapping Up

Taking the Missouri CNA exam is a key milestone in starting your healthcare career. By understanding the requirements, preparing thoroughly, and knowing what to expect on exam day, you’ll set yourself up for success. Once certified, CNAs can look forward to a variety of job opportunities and career growth in Missouri’s thriving healthcare industry.