1.3 Headmaster Testing Protocols, Exam Day & Retake Policies
Key Takeaways
- Mississippi requires exactly ONE signed, non-expired, US government-issued photo ID at check-in — not two — and the first and last names on it must match the TMU record exactly or the candidate is turned away with no refund.
- Full clinical scrubs of any color or design and closed-toe shoes are mandatory for admission; a standard watch with a second hand is permitted and strongly recommended, while smartwatches, smart glasses, and fitness monitors are banned.
- Test security rules prohibit all cell phones, connected electronics, smartwatches, and study notes; unauthorized possession in testing rooms leads to immediate disqualification and reporting to MSDH.
- Special testing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the audio version of the knowledge exam must be requested and approved in TMU before test fees are paid and the test date is booked.
- Official score reports appear in the TMU portal (ms.tmutest.com) after 7:00 PM Central Time on the business day after the test event; Headmaster will not give results by phone and does not mail result letters.
Headmaster Testing Protocols, Exam Day & Retake Policies
Exam day represents the culmination of a candidate's hard work in classroom lectures, laboratory skill drills, and clinical rotations. While mastering clinical techniques and nursing theory is essential, candidates frequently face administrative disqualification or testing delays due to simple logistical oversights—such as mismatched identification names, non-compliant footwear, missing equipment, or prohibited electronic devices.
Familiarity with the exact operational standards established by Headmaster / D&S Diversified Technologies and enforced by Mississippi testing centers ensures an organized, compliant, and successful examination experience.
1. Candidate Admission & Identification Verification Standards
Testing centers adhere to strict admission protocols to prevent identity fraud and ensure test security. You must be in the test site waiting area 20 minutes before your scheduled start time — if your exam starts at 8:00 AM, you must be checked in by 7:40 AM. Arrive late and you will not be permitted to test, and your fees are not refunded. Plan to be at the site for up to five hours if you are taking the knowledge and skill tests on the same day.
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| MISSISSIPPI IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENT (ONE ID) |
| |
| [ONE signed, non-expired, US GOVERNMENT-ISSUED PHOTO ID] |
| Mississippi requires ONE acceptable photo ID -- not two. |
| - State-issued Driver's License (or the DMV letter issued while |
| waiting on a new/renewed license) |
| - State-issued Identification Card |
| - Signed U.S. Passport |
| - Permanent Resident / Green Card or USCIS Work Authorization Card |
| - U.S. Military Identification Card |
| - Tribal Identification Card (federally recognized Tribal Nation) |
| |
| [NOT ACCEPTABLE] |
| - Foreign passports and passport CARDS (exception: a signed foreign |
| passport containing a U.S. VISA is acceptable) |
| - A PHOTO of your ID stored in your phone's camera roll or gallery |
| |
| [THE EXACT NAME MATCH RULE] |
| - FIRST and LAST names on the ID must MATCH your TMU record exactly. |
| - Mismatch = not admitted, fees NOT refunded. |
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Digital IDs Are Accepted in Mississippi — With One Sharp Limit
Mississippi is unusual here, and it is worth knowing: Mississippi participates in the Mississippi Mobile ID / DPS Mobile ID program, and an ID securely stored in that app is accepted for identification. Secure digital IDs held in virtual wallets such as Apple Wallet or Google Wallet are likewise accepted for other states' IDs.
[!CAUTION] A picture of your ID is not a digital ID. An image of your license saved in your phone's photos or gallery is not a secure digital ID and will not be accepted. Headmaster recommends carrying the physical card regardless.
The Strict Name Match Mandate
The first and last names printed on your identification must match the name in your Headmaster TMU account (ms.tmutest.com):
- Maiden vs. Married Names: If you registered in TMU under a married name but your driver's license shows your maiden name, you will not be admitted to the exam and your fees will not be refunded.
- Legal Name Corrections: Correct any mismatch before test day using the Demographic Change/Correction Form on the Headmaster Mississippi page or in TMU. Do not plan to explain a mismatch at check-in — the RN Test Observer has no authority to waive it.
Late Arrival & Incomplete TMU Account
Testing schedules are strictly maintained. Two administrative failures cost candidates their fee every month in Mississippi:
- Arriving late. If you arrive after your check-in window, you will not be admitted and fees are not refunded.
- Never finishing your TMU account. If you have not signed in and completed/updated your TMU account before you arrive, you may not be admitted, and fees are not refunded. Log in and complete your profile days ahead, not the night before.
Rescheduling Without Losing Your Fee
Rescheduling is free online at ms.tmutest.com up to one business day before your scheduled test day, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays — and Headmaster's business hours (7:00 AM–7:00 PM CT, Monday–Friday) define the deadline.
| Scheduled Test Day | Must Reschedule Before 7:00 PM CT On |
|---|---|
| Monday | The previous Thursday |
| Tuesday | The previous Friday |
| Wednesday | The previous Monday |
| Thursday | The previous Tuesday |
| Friday | The previous Wednesday |
| Saturday | The previous Thursday |
| Sunday | The previous Thursday |
2. Mandatory Testing Attire & Required Equipment
Candidates must report to the testing site dressed in professional, clinical-grade attire suitable for delivering bedside patient care.
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| TEST DAY ATTIRE & EQUIPMENT MATRIX |
| |
| [MANDATORY ATTIRE -- NOT ADMITTED WITHOUT IT] |
| - Scrubs: full clinical attire, scrub top and pants; ANY color/design |
| - Shoes: NO open-toed shoes; any color/design otherwise |
| - Grooming: hair back off the shoulders; clean, short fingernails |
| |
| [PERMITTED AND STRONGLY RECOMMENDED] |
| - A STANDARD watch with a second hand (you must count pulse and |
| respirations for a full 60 seconds) |
| |
| [STRICTLY PROHIBITED WEARABLES & ITEMS] |
| - Smartwatches (Apple Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, Galaxy Watch) |
| - Open-toe shoes, sandals, high heels, flip-flops, crocs with holes |
| - Street clothes (jeans, t-shirts, sweatpants, hoodies) |
| - Long artificial nails, excessive dangling jewelry |
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Detailed Attire Requirements:
- Clinical Scrubs: Both scrub top and scrub pants/skirt are required. Scrubs must be clean, wrinkle-free, and fit appropriately. Wearing regular street clothing (e.g., jeans, leggings, yoga pants, or graphic t-shirts) is grounds for testing refusal.
- Non-Skid Clinical Footwear: Shoes must be entirely closed-toe and closed-heel to prevent injury and fluid exposure. Athletic sneakers or leather nursing shoes with non-skid rubber soles are recommended.
- Watch with a Second Hand: The handbook permits — and you should absolutely bring — a standard watch with a second hand. Two key steps require counting for a full 60 seconds and reporting within 4 beats or 2 breaths of the RN Test Observer, and there is no wall clock guarantee. Smartwatches, smart glasses, and fitness monitors are prohibited and must be removed from your wrist or body.
[!CAUTION] Wrong shoes or no scrubs means no test. The handbook is explicit: "You will not be admitted for testing if you are not wearing scrubs and the appropriate shoes. You will be considered a NO-SHOW status. You will forfeit your testing fees and will have to pay for another exam date."
3. Test Security Protocols & Prohibited Items
To ensure academic integrity, Headmaster enforces strict security rules across all Mississippi testing sites.
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| TEST SECURITY & ELECTRONIC DEVICE RULES |
| |
| [PROHIBITED IN TESTING ROOMS] |
| - Cell phones, smartphones, tablets, laptops |
| - Smartwatches, Bluetooth earpieces, recording pens |
| - Study guides, flashcards, notebooks, textbooks |
| - Purses, backpacks, large jackets, hats/hoods |
| | |
| v |
| [MANDATORY LOCKDOWN PROTOCOL] |
| - All electronics must be completely POWERED OFF (not silent/vibrate) |
| - Stored in designated lockers or secure candidate storage area |
| | |
| v |
| [ZERO-TOLERANCE CONSEQUENCES FOR SECURITY VIOLATIONS] |
| - Immediate expulsion from test facility |
| - Automatic voiding of all examination scores |
| - Forfeiture of all testing fees |
| - Formal incident report submitted to MSDH for fraud investigation |
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Examination Room Conduct — Mississippi Specifics
- Candidates may not converse with other candidates during the knowledge exam or the skill test.
- You may not leave the testing room (knowledge room or skills lab) once the exam has begun, for any reason. If you leave, you are not allowed back in to finish.
- You may not eat, drink, smoke, or vape during the exam. You are encouraged to bring a jacket, snack, drink, or study material for the waiting area.
- A foreign word-for-word translation dictionary is allowed — on-site and remotely proctored — provided it contains no definitions and no handwritten notes, and you present it for inspection at check-in. Electronic dictionaries and translators are prohibited.
- Scratch paper and a basic calculator are available for the knowledge exam only, provided by the Knowledge Test Proctor and left with them at the end. Calculators are not allowed during skills testing.
- No visitors, guests, children of any age, or pets — including companion and emotional support animals. Bringing them means you will not be permitted to test and you forfeit your fees. Trained service animals are allowed; call Headmaster at (888) 401-0462 after scheduling so the testing team is notified.
- Anyone caught using an electronic recording device during either component is dismissed, scored as a failed attempt, forfeits all fees, and is reported to MSDH.
The Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam
Mississippi lets you take the knowledge exam (not the skill test) from home with a remote proctor. The requirements are unforgiving and cause avoidable failures:
- An updated Google Chrome browser (TMU does not support Internet Explorer) and a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
- A computer, laptop, or tablet for the exam plus a separate smartphone or tablet running the video-conferencing app, positioned so the proctor can see you, your keyboard, your mouse, and your entire screen.
- No video filters, backgrounds, or screen blurring.
- You must be completely alone in a quiet, secured room free of other people, children, and pets — and you may receive no setup help from anyone on test day.
- Audio-version candidates must supply their own wired earbuds or headphones; Bluetooth devices are not allowed.
- Failure to adhere to any remote testing condition requires the proctor to stop your test, which is scored as a failed attempt — one of your three.
4. Testing Accommodations: ADA & Oral Exam Formats
Mississippi and Headmaster provide reasonable accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and candidates requiring oral audio assistance.
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| ACCOMMODATIONS REQUEST WORKFLOW (ADA / ESL) |
| |
| [1. INITIAL APPLICATION] ---> Select Accommodation Request in TMU |
| | |
| v |
| [2. MEDICAL DOCUMENTATION] ---> Submit official diagnostic evaluation |
| from licensed physician/psychologist |
| well BEFORE you schedule a test date |
| | |
| v |
| [3. HEADMASTER REVIEW] ---> Headmaster reviews and approves |
| allowable accommodations |
| | |
| v |
| [4. CUSTOM SCHEDULING] ---> Candidate is scheduled at testing site |
| equipped with approved accommodations |
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Available Accommodations:
- Extended Testing Time: Additional time (e.g., time-and-a-half) on the 60-minute Knowledge Exam for candidates with diagnosed learning or processing disabilities.
- Private / Distraction-Reduced Room: Separate testing station for candidates requiring reduced sensory stimulation.
- Audio (Oral) Knowledge Exam: Available directly in TMU for candidates with reading difficulties. Questions and answer choices are read through headphones or earbuds while you read along on screen. It carries a $10 surcharge — $45 total — and must be requested before you submit your testing fee payment.
- Physical / Ergonomic Adjustments: Specialized seating, adjustable tables, or visual magnification tools.
[!WARNING] Accommodations Cannot Be Requested on Exam Day: Test site personnel and RN Test Observers are strictly prohibited from granting informal accommodation requests on the day of the exam. All accommodation requests must be submitted, reviewed, and formally approved through Headmaster before booking the test appointment.
5. Score Reporting, TMU Registry Enrollment & Retakes
Mississippi results are not instant, and candidates who expect a score on the drive home are disappointed. Every test is officially scored and double-checked by D&SDT-Headmaster scoring teams before release.
[!IMPORTANT] When your results actually appear: official results are available after 7:00 PM Central Time on the business day after your test event, by signing in to your TMU account at
ms.tmutest.com. Headmaster cannot release test results over the phone, and does not mail results letters. A Friday test therefore posts Monday evening.
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| SCORE REPORTING & RESCHEDULING FLOW |
| |
| [TEST COMPLETION] ---> Scores transmitted to Headmaster servers |
| | |
| v |
| [SCORE PROCESSING] ---> Scored and DOUBLE-CHECKED by Headmaster |
| | |
| +---------------+---------------+ |
| | | |
| v v |
| [PASSED BOTH] [FAILED COMPONENT] |
| | | |
| v v |
| - Official certificate issued in TMU - Diagnostic report details missed|
| - Active status on MS Nurse Aide knowledge areas / skill steps |
| Registry updated immediately - Log into ms.tmutest.com to pay |
| - Ready for licensed LTC employment retake fee & select new date |
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Understanding the Diagnostic Failure Report
Candidates who do not pass receive a detailed diagnostic report in their TMU account:
- Knowledge Diagnostic: Lists the specific content areas (e.g., Infection Control, Basic Nursing Skills) where performance fell below standard.
- Skills Diagnostic: The TMU skill result screen includes a View Failed Steps link showing exactly which steps you missed — whether you fell below 80% of the steps on a task or missed a bolded key step.
Rescheduling Retakes:
- Log into TMU profile at
ms.tmutest.com. - Pay the re-testing fee ($35 for Knowledge, $100 for Skills).
- Select an available test date and site location. You must pay before you can schedule; call (888) 401-0462 for help, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM CT weekdays.
- The handbook imposes no fixed waiting period between attempts — you retest at the next opening you can schedule, as long as your eligibility window (3 attempts within 24 months of training completion, or within 120 days of hire for facility-trained candidates) is still open.
[!NOTE] Disputing a result. Mississippi offers a Test Review Request, submitted with a $25 non-refundable deposit. If the review finds in your favor the $25 is refunded; if it does not, the fee stands. Review the failed-step detail in TMU carefully before spending the deposit.
A candidate arrives at a Mississippi test site to take the CNA exam. Which identification meets Headmaster's admission requirement?
Which of the following items is strictly prohibited inside the Headmaster examination testing rooms?
If a candidate requires accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for their Mississippi CNA examination, what is the correct procedure?
When are official Mississippi Headmaster examination results released, and how are they delivered?