Idaho — Sawtooth Mountains reflected in alpine lake

Idaho Certified Nursing Assistant License

Idaho Board of Nursing

Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Unknown
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • NATCEP Training Certificate — Proof of completion of a 120-hour state-approved training program.
  • Manual Skills Exam Results — Written proof of passing the manual skills evaluation, required to sit for the written exam.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID — Required for identification at the testing center and for registry verification.
  • Social Security Card — Required for registry identification and employment verification.

How to Apply

  1. Complete State-Approved Training
    Enroll in and complete a 120-hour Idaho-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), consisting of 80 classroom hours and 40 clinical hours.
    View Training Info
  2. Pass the Manual Skills Exam
    Schedule and pass the Manual Skills evaluation through your training provider or an approved test site within 6 months of completing your training.
  3. Register for the Written/Oral Exam
    Submit the Idaho Nurse Aide Testing Application along with proof of passing the skills exam to an approved Prometric test site. You must pass the written exam within 12 months of training completion.
  4. Pay Exam Fees
    Pay the required fees ($29 for written or $39 for oral) directly to the testing site or via Prometric's system as instructed by your test center.
  5. Verify Registry Listing
    Once both exams are passed, Prometric reports results to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Your name will be added to the registry within approximately 4 business days.
    Check Registry Status
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Unknown
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Idaho Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Confirm Eligibility
    Ensure you hold a current, active CNA certification in another state and either reside in Idaho or have a job offer from an Idaho employer.
  2. Gather Supporting Documents
    Prepare a printed verification from your current state's registry showing active status and your NATCEP training certificate or nursing school transcripts.
  3. Submit Application
    Email the completed form and all documents in PDF format to IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov. Photos or screenshots are not accepted.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Idaho Board of Nursing

Keeping Your License Active

Idaho Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Idaho Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$25
Endorsement application$25

Slow Downs

Incomplete Renewal Forms
Missing employer signatures or incorrect employment dates on the renewal form will cause immediate rejection.
Non-PDF Submissions
The Idaho Nurse Aide Registry strictly requires documents to be in PDF format; photos or screenshots of forms are not accepted.
Expired Testing Window
Failure to pass the manual skills test within 6 months or the written test within 12 months of training requires repeating the entire training program.

Questions

Is there a fee to renew my Idaho CNA certification?
No, there are currently no fees to process renewal forms or maintain your listing on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.
How often must I renew my CNA certification?
Certification must be renewed every 24 months. You must work at least 8 hours in a paid CNA or nursing-related role during that period to remain eligible.
Can I challenge the CNA exam without taking a full training course?
Only nursing students who have successfully completed at least one semester of an accredited nursing program (e.g., Nursing 101) can challenge the exam by submitting their transcripts for approval.
How do I update my name or address on the registry?
You must email the Idaho Nurse Aide Program at IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov with your new details. For name changes, you must attach a copy of your current driver's license or legal name change paperwork.

Board Info

Idaho Board of Nursing
Sources