Yes, if you meet at least one of the criteria listed below you may be approved to test one time (challenge the exam). 

Receiving approval to challenge means that individuals who meet special criteria (listed below) are not required to take the entire certified nurse assistant course but rather will be allowed to take just the final examination (written and practical) to become a CNA in Missouri.

• Individuals who were enrolled in professional (RN) or practical (LPN) program for at least four (4) months or who are enrolled in this program and have successfully completed a Fundamentals of Nursing course that included a clinical rotation within the last five years may challenge the final examination of the course. (Submit the following documentation: an official copy of the transcript with a letter on school letterhead from the program director verifying successful completion of the fundamentals of nursing and clinical rotation) or;

• RN or LPN nursing licensure candidates who have failed state licensure examination, submit the following documentation: a copy of nursing program certification of completion and notice of fail from Board of Nursing, or;

• Individuals who are listed as active on another state's CNA register and who are in good standing on that register, submit the following documentation: a copy of out-of-state certificate or print-out from the state’s CNA registry. If current active dates or employment dates are not tracked on your state's register you must submit proof of employment verification within the last 2 years, or;

• Students who have completed a nursing program outside the United States and who are awaiting licensure in this country, submit the following documentation: a copy of out of country license or certificate, copy of school transcript translated to English and a copy of out of country criminal background check translated to English, or;

• Individuals who have completed the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) training (submit the following documentation: an official letter, signed and dated from the Administrator or HR representative that verifies UAP training has been completed and verifies employment dates) or;

• Individuals listed on the Missouri State Certified Nurse Assistant Register on inactive status (submit the following documentation: a copy of Missouri certificate or the Missouri CNA registry print-out) or;

• Any other persons whose background, education and training in gerontology and health occupations includes the components of the approved training curriculum may challenge the examination after taking those portions of the course as determined to be necessary based on evaluation of their credentials by the supervisor of Health Education, Division of Regulation and Licensure. 

• Individuals meeting any of the above requirements must submit a written request to the DHSS at the address listed in the right bar. Each request must include a clear copy of the individual's social security card; return address, a daytime telephone number and all additional documentation.