FOQ for Future and Current CNAs in Minnesota

Aga Ayana

Tue, 10 Feb 2026

FOQ for Future and Current CNAs in Minnesota

A Quirky Tale of Change, Adventure, and Awesome Updates — with Family Healthcare Academy by Your Side

Chapter 1: The Day FOQ Walked into the Room

Once upon a time in the snowy-but-friendly land of Minnesota, a young CNA-to-be named Jamie sat nervously at her laptop. She’d just typed “How to become a CNA in MN” into Google for the fiftieth time that week.

That’s when she stumbled on something new and mysterious: FOQ.

“What’s FOQ?” she thought. “A dance move? A secret nursing handshake? A new TikTok challenge?”

Nope. FOQ stands for Foundations of Qualifications — the updated rules, tools, and requirements that future and current Minnesota CNAs need to know. It’s not glamorous, but it’s powerful. Think of FOQ as the friendly GPS that helps you get certified, stay certified, and thrive as a CNA without getting lost in paperwork wilderness.

And guess what? Family Healthcare Academy has been watching these FOQ changes like a hawk — ready to guide every Jamie, Alex, and Pat through the updates without breaking a sweat.

Chapter 2: FOQ for Future CNAs — The Beginner’s Adventure

For people like Jamie who are just starting their CNA journey, FOQ is kind of like being handed the cheat sheet to the entire game.

Here’s what’s changing in 2024–2025:

1. New CNA Curriculum

Minnesota has rolled out a fresher, more focused CNA training curriculum. Shorter, snappier, and designed for modern learners — no more drowning in outdated textbooks.

• Future CNAs now train on the exact skills and knowledge that match today’s healthcare environment.

• At Family Healthcare Academy, we’ve already adapted our classes to the new curriculum so you’re learning exactly what the test (and real-world job) will throw at you.

2. Easier, More Accessible Testing

The state’s CNA knowledge and skills tests are now managed by Headmaster LLP, which means faster results and smoother scheduling.

• Starting January 27, 2025, the written knowledge test will also be available in Spanish, Somali, and Hmong.

• This opens the door for more Minnesotans to pass with confidence, no matter their first language.

At Family Healthcare Academy, we help you prepare with practice exams, skill labs, and multilingual support materials, so when test day comes, you’re walking in ready, not stressed.

3. Digital Nurse Aide Registry

The Minnesota Department of Health is moving the CNA Registry online. That means:

• No more mailing forms and waiting weeks for updates.

• You’ll be able to update your contact info, request reciprocity from another state, and even download your certificate from your phone.

At Family Healthcare Academy, we’ll walk you through creating your online registry profile right after you pass your exams — so you’re job-ready faster.

Chapter 3: FOQ for Current CNAs — Leveling Up Your Game

Now let’s talk about Alex — a CNA who’s been in the game for a few years. Alex has survived double shifts, the “make an occupied bed” skill test, and more coffee than most humans should drink.

FOQ still matters for Alex, because:

• Renewal Rules Still Apply
  If you don’t work as a CNA for 24 months straight, you’ll lose your certification. But FOQ means you can re-test or retrain to get it back — and yes, Family Healthcare Academy can help you refresh your skills and pass that exam again.

• Updating Your Info Just Got Easier
  Name change? New job? Moved across the state? The new digital registry means you can log in, update, and be done in minutes.

• In-Facility Testing Opportunities
  If you work in a training or long-term care facility, you may be able to take your skills test right where you work. We help employers set this up so you can skip the travel and test stress.

Chapter 4: Why FOQ + Family Healthcare Academy = CNA Success

FOQ sets the rules. Family Healthcare Academy makes sure you win the game.

Here’s what makes us your best FOQ wingman:

• 99% exam pass rate — because we don’t just teach, we coach you for success.

• Complete training facilities — hospital beds, wheelchairs, lifts… every tool you’ll actually use on the job.

• Hybrid learning — study online, practice in person, master both theory and hands-on skills.

• Multilingual guidance — for Somali, Oromo, Amharic, and more.

• Post-certification support — help with job placement, overtime opportunities, and career growth advice.

Chapter 5: Your FOQ Action Plan

1. Future CNAs — Enroll at Family Healthcare Academy, start your updated FOQ-approved training, and get certified in as little as 3–8 weeks.

2. Current CNAs — Keep your registry active, take advantage of digital updates, and explore in-facility testing for renewals.

3. Everyone — Stay in the loop with FOQ updates. We’ll keep you posted so you never get blindsided by changes.

Epilogue: The Hero’s Journey Continues

FOQ is here to make CNA life in Minnesota smoother, smarter, and more accessible. And with Family Healthcare Academy by your side, you’re not just reacting to changes — you’re staying two steps ahead.

Whether you’re just thinking about becoming a CNA or you’ve been in scrubs for years, now’s the time to level up. Let’s make sure you have the training, tools, and confidence to keep making a difference.

- Call us today at (651) 260-8922
- 501 Dale St N #101, St. Paul, MN