CNA License Renewal in Wisconsin (2026)

CNA license renewal in Wisconsin is handled by the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Health Services), which requires Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Wisconsin CNA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	Federal work eligibility on the registry lapses every 24 months and must be renewed each certification period; the option to renew (add an employer in TMU) opens about 90 days before expiration.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	see board (fee not fixed/published)
Online renewal	Yes
Governing body	Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Health Services)

Go to the official Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Health Services) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Health Services). manual review of Wisconsin DHS Nurse Aide Registry pages and Admin Code DHS 129.

Continuing-education requirements for CNAs in Wisconsin

No continuing education or in-service hours are required to renew. Instead the aide must have worked for pay as a nurse aide under RN or LPN supervision during the 24-month period, with a federally certified provider (nursing home, home health, hospital, hospice, ICF/IID, etc.). The official source states no specific minimum hour count. Failing the work requirement means re-testing, not retraining.

Need approved hours? Compare Wisconsin CNA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CNA license in Wisconsin

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Health Services) portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee online.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: Renewal is through the TestMaster Universe (TMU) system, administered by Headmaster; the aide adds an employer who verifies the work, then DHS extends eligibility 24 months. No renewal fee is published by DHS.

CNA license renewal in Wisconsin: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CNA license in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin CNA licenses renew every 24 months. Federal work eligibility on the registry lapses every 24 months and must be renewed each certification period; the option to renew (add an employer in TMU) opens about 90 days before expiration.

Can I renew my Wisconsin CNA license online?

Yes — Wisconsin offers online renewal through the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Health Services). Use the official link on this page.

What happens if I let my Wisconsin CNA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Wisconsin Nurse Aide Registry (Department of Health Services) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) renewal