Free Minnesota CNA Practice Test 2026 — HDmaster Exam Prep Guide

Here is what every Minnesota CNA candidate needs to know before sitting for the exam — note that Minnesota's written exam format and fee structure are both genuinely different from the generic NNAAP template: • Training required: 75 hours (federal minimum) • Exam vendor: HDmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies), on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) • Written exam: 70 questions, 120 minutes (2 hours — this part matches the standard format) • Skills exam: 3 to 4 randomly selected nurse aide skills, 30 minutes • Passing score: 74% — higher than the 70% most states require • Exam fee: unlike almost every other state, HDmaster does not publish a single statewide fee for Minnesota — your test site sets its own price, and the handbook directs candidates to "contact your selected site for payment information." Reported rates vary widely (roughly $115–$225 depending on site and components) • Retake limit: an unusually generous 4 attempts at the written exam and 3 attempts at skills, either within 24 months of training completion OR by testing as a "challenge candidate" without completing an approved training program • Registry: Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by MDH If you've studied using a generic "70 questions in 2 hours, 70% to pass" practice test, the question count and time are actually close to standard here — but the 74% passing bar, the 12-category content breakdown, and the site-dependent fee are not.

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Minnesota, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the Minnesota Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by HDmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Minnesota requires a minimum of 75 hours of CNA training — the federal minimum. The exam has two parts: • A written (or audio) knowledge test: 70 multiple-choice questions, 120 minutes • A clinical skills evaluation: demonstration of 3 to 4 randomly selected nurse aide skills You must pass both parts to be listed on the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry. The passing score for the written exam is 74%.

Minnesota doesn't use the national NNAAP content outline — HDmaster, the vendor, uses its own 12-category Minnesota-specific test plan. The 70 questions break down as: • Basic Nursing Skills (15 questions) • Infection Control (8 questions) • Safety (8 questions) • Care Impaired (6 questions) • Resident Rights (5 questions) • Role and Responsibility (5 questions) • Aging Process and Restorative Care (4 questions) • Communication (4 questions) • Data Collection (4 questions) • Disease Process (4 questions) • Personal Care (4 questions) • Mental Health (3 questions) Basic Nursing Skills is the clear leader at about 21% of the exam — more concentrated than most HDmaster states — but there's still no single 45%-of-the-exam category like the generic NNAAP template.

The Minnesota CNA written exam is administered by HDmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) at testing centers throughout the state: • Minneapolis • St. Paul • Rochester • Bloomington • Duluth • Brooklyn Park • Plymouth • Maple Grove • Eden Prairie • St. Cloud To find testing locations and available exam dates, visit hdmaster.com and search for Minnesota nurse aide. The Twin Cities metro has the most testing availability — schedule promptly after receiving your authorization to test.

The clinical skills evaluation is conducted at an HDmaster skills testing site, drawn from a published list of 17 tasks. You will demonstrate 3 to 4 randomly selected skills before a trained evaluator, with 30 minutes to complete them. Handwashing is evaluated with every skill — perform it at the start and end of each demonstration. Incomplete hand hygiene is a common reason Minnesota candidates fail the skills evaluation. The Minnesota Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook is available on the HDmaster website at hdmaster.com and lists all 17 possible skill tasks.

Minnesota's written exam first-attempt pass rate is approximately 70–75%, despite a 74% passing bar that's higher than most states. 1. Take a full 70-question diagnostic practice test before studying. Review your scores across all twelve Minnesota content areas. 2. Prioritize Basic Nursing Skills — about 21% of the exam, the most concentrated single category of any HDmaster state — along with Infection Control and Safety. 3. Run at least one full timed 2-hour practice test before exam day — Minnesota's time limit matches the standard format even though the content and passing score don't. 4. Target 85% on practice tests before your real exam — a real buffer above Minnesota's 74% passing bar. 5. Confirm your exact fee with your test site in advance — Minnesota doesn't have one statewide rate. CertPrepAcademy.com offers a free NNAAP-style practice test with 500+ questions — no account required.

After passing both parts of the Minnesota exam, your name is added to the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry maintained by MDH. Minnesota employers must verify registry status before hiring nurse aides in licensed facilities. Your Minnesota CNA certification is valid for 24 months. To maintain active status, you must work as a nurse aide for at least 8 hours for pay during each renewal period. Lapsed certifications require retaking the competency exam. Registry status can be verified through the Minnesota Department of Health website.