The Omnibus Nursing Home Act requires prospective nursing assistants to complete a training program in preparation for employment in a licensed long-term care facility. Students learn the fundamentals of resident care through 75 hours of classroom training and 100 hours of on-the-job training at a skilled nursing facility. Graduates are eligible to take the two-part final exam that assesses their understanding of social and psychological problems that residents face, resident safety and rights, basic nursing skills, resident safety, and caring for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and mental issues.
Missouri permits individuals to challenge the final exam without completing a training program if they meet the special requirements. After passing the exam and meeting all the state requirements for certification, the candidate will be placed in active status on the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry and may be employed in a long-term care facility as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
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How to Apply for the Nurse Aide Competency Exam Missouri
The nurse aide exam comprising of a written and hands-on skills exam is the final step in the evaluation of nurse aide competency. Qualification to take the exam is based on completing an approved training program or meeting the requirements to challenge the exam without completing a program.
New Nurse Aides
The minimum training requirements for new nurse aides in Missouri is 175 hours, including 75 hours in the classroom and 100 hours in a clinical setting. Upon completing the programs, graduates will become eligible to take the exam. The candidate must pass both components of the exam to be placed on the Nurse Aide Registry. The exam may be taken up to three times in a 90-day period.
Nursing Students
Individuals enrolled in a registered nurse or licensed practical nursing program must submit a copy of their transcripts indicating completion of the Fundamentals of Nursing course with a clinical rotation to the DHSS to obtain approval to take the exam.
Nursing Graduates
A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse who failed the state licensure exam must submit a copy of the certificate from the nursing program and a notice of failing the licensure exam from the Board of Nursing.
Out-of-State CNAs
A CNA who is an active status on another state’s registry must submit a copy of the out-of-state certificate and proof of employment within the last two years to obtain approval to take the exam.
Foreign Nursing Graduates
An individual who has completed a nursing program outside of the United States can apply to take the exam while waiting for licensure as a nurse in the United States. The candidate must submit a copy of the out-of-country certificate, school transcripts, and a criminal background check.
Experienced Healthcare Professionals
An individual with at least 12 months of employment in a long-term care unit of a hospital must submit a copy of hospital training and verification of employment and position to obtain approval to take the exam.
Acute Care Nursing Assistants and Psychiatric Aides
An individual within training gained in an acute care section of a hospital or a psychiatric aide may apply to challenge the exam after completing a module on caring for geriatric residents and completing 100 hours of on-the-job training in a long-term care facility.
All applicants for the exam must submit a written request to the DHSS and include a copy of their social security card and contact information to receive approval to take the exam. Authorization letters for challenging the exam are valid for four months only.
Exam Costs
The cost and schedule for the exam vary by program. Some providers will include the cost of testing in the tuition package. The average cost of testing is $115 for new nurse aides or $140 for challengers. Always ask before enrolling in a program.
According to federal guidelines, the employer must cover the cost of training and testing for nursing assistant employees or prospective employees. The employer should cover all costs, including tuition, books, uniform, supplies, and state testing. If you receive an offer of employment within 12 months of completing the training and testing requirements, your employer must reimburse your training costs. The employer must also provide at least 12 hours of in-service training every year.
CNA Exam Overview Missouri
The final nursing assistant exam is a two-part exam comprising of written and practical evaluation. Students must pass both components of the exam to be placed on the Missouri Nurse Aide Registry. The testing center will schedule the exam by appointment and administer both parts on the same day. If you fail one or both parts of the exam, you may apply to retest up to three times if you apply as a new nurse aide student. Challengers may be required to enroll in a nursing assistant training program to retest.
The written exam will comprise of multiple-choice questions covering patient safety, physical care skills, mental health concepts, role of the nursing assistant, patients rights and independence, and psychosocial care skills. The practical exam will require candidates to correctly perform the assigned clinical skills.
What to Take to the Exam
What you take to the testing center will depend on how the test is administered. You’ll need to present your picture identification and social security card as verification. Two pencils and an eraser will be required for the written test administered in paper format. Dress appropriately in scrubs or similar uniform and flat closed-toe shoes and a watch with a second hand for the practical exam.
Contact the Registry
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
PO Box 570
Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570
Phone: 573-526-5686
Fax: 573-526-7656
Email: CNARegistry@health.mo.gov
Crystal G
Crystal is a certified Registered Nurse (RN) with a passion for writing about nursing education. Through her articles, Crystal shares insights and tips to help fellow nurses enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. With a focus on practical advice and relevant topics, Crystal's writing is a valuable resource for nursing professionals seeking to advance their careers.