State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Indiana training and certification ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Indiana Department of Health.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Indiana?
Compare the reviewed application routes to see which one fits your situation. An out-of-state credential alone does not establish eligibility.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in Indiana?
Indiana requires a state-approved nurse aide training program of at least 75 hours: at least 30 classroom hours and at least 45 clinical hours. The written test has 100 multiple-choice questions, and you need 80% to pass. You get up to four attempts at each test within two years.
- IDOH directs applications and scheduling through Ivy Tech’s current CNA testing information. Successful initial competency completion leads to Indiana Aides Registry listing.
- Of the 45 required clinical hours, up to 21 may be completed in a laboratory setting and at least 24 must be completed in a licensed comprehensive long-term care facility.
Official training directory: IDOH Certified Nurse Aide Training Site Reports ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state CNA application
Currently certified CNA from another state
- Current other-state registry status with no verified complaints is required. Submit a wet-signature affidavit regarding disqualifying convictions.[4]
- Upload current out-of-state certification showing registry number and expiry where issued.[4]
- No transfer test is required under changes effective September 1, 2025, including pending applications after the affidavit is supplied.[4]
Complete the Ivy Tech application
Upload certification and wet-signature affidavit, provide any required employer evidence and pay online.[4]
Official route: Online Ivy Tech CNA application linked by IDOH. [1] [4] Open agency instructions ↗
Expired Indiana credential review
Existing Indiana aide with an expired record
- The IDOH FAQ distinguishes expiry of eight months or less, more than eight months, and Registry History. Confirm the current renewal route with IDOH.[2]
Official route: MyLicenseOne or IDOH registry review as directed. [1] [2] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Indiana?
Use the existing Indiana credential and renewal review; the current page requires eight nursing-related work hours every two years and says renewal is free.[1]
Who sends registry verification?
Applicant uploads current certification. Where employers provide out-of-state documentation, a signed validation statement on facility letterhead must identify the representative who contacted the other-state registry. For transfer out of Indiana, obtain the destination state instructions.[4] [2]
What exceptions apply?
Illinois, Nebraska or Alabama certification held more than two years
Provide a signed employer letter from the certification state documenting at least eight CNA work hours in the prior 24 months; the current instructions require exact wording and specified employer details. Paystub or offer letter is insufficient.[4]
What else should you know?
Current Ivy Tech route-specific guidance replaces the prior written-test requirement. General initial-training testing text does not control reciprocity.[4] [5]
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Out-of-state CNA application: Reciprocity processing | $50; credit/debit payment in the online application.[4] |
What should you confirm with the agency?
- The current renewal page confirms eight work hours every two years and free MyLicenseOne renewal. Confirm the expired-credential and work-history rules with the state.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Indiana planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Out-of-state CNA application, Expired Indiana credential review)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Indiana? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- Training, Certification, and Recertification ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Updated June 26, 2026: Reciprocity; Renewal; Testing Procedure
- Frequently Asked Questions: Certified Nurse Aides ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Questions 4 and 5: expired certification and out-of-state CNA
- Ivy Tech CNA testing information ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Application Information for CNA linked document
- Ivy Tech: CNA In Another State (Reciprocity) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Ivy Tech testing page; Application Information for CNA; changes effective September 1, 2025.
- Ivy Tech CNA/QMA FAQ ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Questions 11–12, 45 and 53.