Skip to main content

Nurse Aide Program: Maintaining Registry Status

When an individual is placed on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry, they are given two eligibilities: federal and state. Federal eligibility is mandated by federal law for individuals who wish to work in federally licensed nursing homes, hospices, home health agencies, and intermediate care facility for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This eligibility lapses every two years in accordance with the federal regulation 42 CFR Part 483. This law does not permit temporarily extending federal eligibility or waiving of the requirement.

At a minimum, federal eligibility in Wisconsin requires individuals to work as a nurse aide for pay under the supervision of an RN (registered nurse) or LPN (licensed practical nurse) during the 24 month certification period. See Wis. Stat. § 146.40(1)(d) and Wis. Admin. Code § DHS 129.03(30)(a).

Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry

Wisconsin TestMaster Universe (TMU) houses the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Testing and Registry system. Headmaster hosts our registry.

Headmaster sends renewal reminders to your email address on record and/or texts to your cell phone. Your phone must be able to receive SMS (short message services) to get text reminders. It is important to keep your contact information up to date in your TMU profile.

Email any required materials to our Nurse Aide Training and Testing Department at widqa_natcep@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Read frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our registry

Renew your work eligibility

We want to make sure your renewal goes smoothly. If you need to renew your federal eligibility, refer to the scenario below that applies to you. Contact us with any other questions.

I've worked as a nurse aide in the past 24 months.

Log in to your account on TMU. If you haven't yet set up login credentials in TMU, please contact Headmaster at 888-401-0465 to establish a login.

If your certification will expire in the next 90 days, you'll have the option to add your employer on TMU. For example, if your certification expires on November 1, you'll be able to add a new employer after August 2. This step begins your renewal process.

  • Select the Employment tab.
  • Select Add Employment.
  • Select Nurse Aide under the Certification dropdown.
  • Choose the correct employer from the Employer dropdown.
  • Enter your dates of employment.
  • Select Create to submit a request for your employer.

The employer will log in to their TMU account to approve or deny the request. For more information, see Providers Verifying CNA Employment. After your employer approves your request, we will extend your federal eligibility for 24 months.

I haven't worked as a nurse aide in the past 24 months.

If you haven't met the minimum work requirements within the past 24 months, you need to test again. This includes both a skills test and a written test. Wisconsin doesn't require retraining if you lose federal eligibility.

Log in to your account on TMU. If you haven't yet set up login credentials in TMU, contact Headmaster at 888-401-0465 to create a login.

I work for an employer in Wisconsin or any other state that is not listed in TMU.

Complete a Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry Renewal Form, F-03211 (PDF) and give to your employer to complete Section 2. Return the completed form via fax to 608-226-5524 or email dhswidqa_natcep@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

Last revised April 7, 2025