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Iowa Certified Nursing Assistant License

Iowa Dept of Inspections and Appeals

Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Course Completion Certificate — Proof of completing the 75-hour approved training program.
  • Social Security Card — A legible copy of your Social Security card is required for registry placement and verification.
  • Government-Issued Photo ID — Required for identification at the testing site.
  • Employment Verification Letter — Required for renewal or reinstatement; must be on facility letterhead and signed by a supervisor.

How to Apply

  1. Complete State-Approved Training ▾
    Enroll in and complete a 75-hour state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), which includes 30 hours of clinical practice.
    Find Training Programs
  2. Register for Competency Exams ▾
    Register for both the written (knowledge) and skills exams. As of 2026, written exams are primarily handled through Headmaster (TMU) or Credentia.
    Register via Headmaster
  3. Pass Written and Skills Exams ▾
    Successfully pass both the written and skills components with a score of 70% or higher. You have three attempts to pass both within one year of completing training.
  4. Automatic Registry Placement ▾
    Upon passing both exams, the testing entity automatically submits your results to the Iowa Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks.
    Check Registry Status
  5. Access and Print Registry Card ▾
    Log in to the Iowa Health Facilities Database (DCW Registry) using your assigned credentials to download and print your official registry card.
    Login to Registry
Total Fee
Contact board
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Iowa Dept of Inspections and Appeals for current transfer requirements.

Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State Status ▾
    Ensure your CNA certification is active and in good standing in your current state before applying for transfer.
  2. Create a DCW Registry Account ▾
    Go to the Iowa Health Facilities Database and create a new user account to access the transfer application.
    Create Account
  3. Submit Transfer Application ▾
    Complete the online 'Transfer To/From Iowa DCW Registry' application within the portal. Iowa reciprocity is free of charge.
    Start Transfer Application
  4. Wait for Processing ▾
    DIAL staff will verify your out-of-state credentials. This process usually takes approximately two weeks.
  5. Confirm Iowa Active Status ▾
    Once approved, your status will show as 'Active' on the Iowa Registry. You may not work in a long-term care facility until this status is confirmed.
    Verify Status
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Iowa Dept of Inspections and Appeals

Keeping Your License Active

Iowa Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Iowa Dept of Inspections and Appeals for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount

Slow Downs

Incomplete Employment History ▾
Failure to provide full employment details or a signed attestation from an employer can delay renewal or reciprocity processing.
Lapsed Out-of-State Certification ▾
Iowa can only transfer active certifications. If your license has expired in another state, you must reactivate it there first.
Incorrect Social Security Information ▾
Discrepancies between the name on your Social Security card and your application will cause significant delays in registry placement.

Questions

Does an Iowa CNA certification expire? ▾
The certification itself does not expire, but your 'Active' status on the registry will lapse if you do not perform at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related duties every 24 months.
How do I renew my CNA certification in Iowa? ▾
Renewal is handled by your employer. They must report your qualifying work hours directly to the DCW Registry. You cannot report your own hours.
What is the cost to become a CNA in Iowa? ▾
Training costs vary by provider (approx. $500-$900), and exam fees are roughly $165-$205 total. If you are employed by a long-term care facility, they are required by law to cover these costs.
Are there continuing education (CE) requirements? ▾
There are no CE requirements for the certification itself, but CNAs working in federally certified long-term care facilities must complete 12 hours of in-service training annually.
Can I work as a CNA before I am on the registry? ▾
You may work for up to 4 months while completing your training and testing, provided you are enrolled in an approved program and the facility is not under a training ban.

Board Info

Iowa Dept of Inspections and Appeals
Phone(515) 281-4115
Sources
State statutes