State terminology: Certified nurse assistant (CNA). Idaho DHW also calls the registry the “Certified Nurse Aide Registry” on the same page. Idaho nurse assistant registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Idaho at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Nurse Aide Program |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Agency confirmation needed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Idaho CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Idaho?
Idaho’s NATCEP course is 120 hours: 80 classroom and 40 hands-on clinical hours.[1] Completing training alone does not give you a state credential. Before enrolling, check the state’s testing requirements and what it takes to get the credential or be listed on the registry.
What else should you know about training?
- The agency links Prometric for nurse-aide testing and registry verification. The examination includes written and skills components.[1]
- Complete an approved NATCEP course and pass the examinations; nursing-student challenge requests require registry approval and an Approval to Test letter.[1]
- Idaho describes CNAs as unlicensed assistive personnel working under licensed-nurse direction; they are certified, not formally licensed as nurses.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
Idaho CNA training schools listed by the registry ↗[1] Before you enroll, confirm with the state that the exact program and training site are currently approved. Check the total hours, clinical placement and costs as well.
What should you confirm with the state?
- Confirm the current Prometric handbook and application fields with the testing provider.
Where did this information come from?
- About the Certified Nurse Assistant Registry ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Updated April 9, 2026; Idaho CNA Training Schools, Exams and Testing, course requirements
See the partial CNA program list →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Idaho?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Nurse Aide Program. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state reciprocity — Applicants living in Idaho or offered Idaho employment.
Key requirement: Reciprocity is granted only when Idaho employment has been offered or the applicant currently lives in Idaho.
What are the first steps for Out-of-state reciprocity?
Open the current form
Use the agency-linked out-of-state verification form and read its eligibility/document requirements.
Return the complete package
Follow the form’s mail, email or fax instructions; incomplete or illegible documents can cause denial.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm the current out-of-state verification form and mailing or email instructions with the Idaho DHW CNA Registry.
- Confirm the current active-status, work-recency and verification-sender rules with the Idaho DHW CNA Registry.
What will the Idaho planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Out-of-state reciprocity)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Idaho? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Idaho?
The state sets the renewal cycle and any requirements for work hours and continuing education. This section summarizes the sources we reviewed. Follow the official instructions if they differ.
| Renewal cycle | Your certificate expires 24 months after your last day worked as a CNA, not two years after your old expiration date. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid work as a CNA, or in nursing-related services, in the 24 months before your certification lapses. Your employer signs the renewal form to verify your dates. |
| CE or in-service | The Idaho Nurse Aide Program's renewal instructions list paid work, not continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Renew during the month your certification expires; the program recommends sending the renewal form at the start of that month. There are no fees to process renewals. |
| If the credential lapses | If you can't show 8 paid hours in the two years before your certification expired, you must retake and pass both the written and skills tests. Ask the Idaho Nurse Aide Program for an Approval to Test letter. |
Idaho CNA certificates expire 24 months after your last day worked as a CNA. To renew, you need at least 8 hours of paid CNA or nursing-related work in that time, verified by your employer on the renewal form. Renew during your expiration month; there's no fee. The renewal instructions don't list continuing education. If you can't show the hours, you must retake both the written and skills tests.
Source: Idaho CNA Registry ↗
Open the official Idaho registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state