Two-Hour Nursing Assistant Knowledge Exam Time Limit Returns

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) will extend the time limit for the nursing assistant state knowledge exam from one hour back to two hours in response to feedback from nurse aide training programs around the state.

Background

Earlier this year, Minnesota transitioned to a new nursing assistant testing vendor, Headmaster. Before this change, nurse aide candidates had two hours to complete the state knowledge exam. However, with the testing vendor transition, this timeframe was reduced to one hour. This decreased time limit impacted nurse aide candidates throughout Minnesota who have struggled to complete the knowledge exam within the one-hour timeframe, resulting in reduced pass rates and limiting the number of certified caregivers.

LeadingAge Minnesota has been meeting with MDH and other stakeholders to address various nursing assistant testing and training challenges to help reduce the barriers that impact the recruitment of nurse aide candidates. We are very grateful for our members' data and feedback to help drive these solutions forward.

Timeline and Next Steps

MDH is meeting with Headmaster to identify the revisions needed to implement this change. The timeframe for this change has not yet been announced. However, MDH has confirmed that nursing assistant training and testing sites will be notified via GovDelivery 30 days before implementation. We will continue to advocate to bring about a timely solution.

MDH will develop a frequently asked questions document to support sites once the change is announced. Please send any questions about this change to LeadingAge Minnesota's Director of Workforce Solutions, Anna Mowry.