State terminology: Certified nurse aide (CNA). Indiana training and certification ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Indiana at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Indiana Department of Health |
|---|---|
| Official state hub | Open the official state page ↗ |
| Training guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Transfer guidance | Standard route reviewed · checked November 4, 2026 |
| Renewal guidance | See Indiana CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
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.[1] [2] 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?
- IDOH directs applications and scheduling through Ivy Tech’s current CNA testing information. Successful initial competency completion leads to Indiana Aides Registry listing.[1] [4]
- 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.[5]
Where can you find training programs?
IDOH Certified Nurse Aide Training Site Reports ↗[2] 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?
- The no-test reciprocity rule does not apply to first-time trainees. Confirm initial training and testing steps with the state.
Where did this information come from?
- Training, Certification, and Recertification ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Complete a Training Program; tests; Ivy Tech application link; updated June 26, 2026
- Certified Nurse Aide Training Site Reports ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Agency introduction linking CNA Training Sites by county/city
- Certification & Recertification (105-hour statement; not the current training page) ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · States 105 hours and three attempts; the current IDOH training page states 75 hours and four attempts within two years.
- CNA, QMA, Home Health Aide Testing Information ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · IDOH-linked testing/application instruction hub; Application Information for CNA
- Indiana Nurse Aide Training Programs ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Minimum 75 hours: 30 classroom and 45 clinical; up to 21 clinical hours in lab and at least 24 in a licensed comprehensive long-term care facility.
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Indiana?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Indiana Department of Health. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Out-of-state CNA application — Currently certified CNA from another state
Key requirement: Current other-state registry status with no verified complaints is required. Submit a wet-signature affidavit regarding disqualifying convictions.
Expired Indiana credential review — Existing Indiana aide with an expired record
Key requirement: The IDOH FAQ distinguishes expiry of eight months or less, more than eight months, and Registry History. Confirm the current renewal route with IDOH.
What are the first steps for Out-of-state CNA application?
Complete the Ivy Tech application
Upload certification and wet-signature affidavit, provide any required employer evidence and pay online.
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.
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.
What should you confirm?
- 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.
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)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Indiana?
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 | Every two years. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of paid aide or aide-related work in the 24 months before your certification expires. |
| CE or in-service | IDOH's renewal instructions list work hours, not continuing education. |
| Renewal window | Renew online through MyLicenseOne. Renewal is free. |
| If the credential lapses | Expired 8 months or less: renew online. Expired more than 8 months: your employer completes and submits the expired renewal form. If you didn't renew within 2 years after expiring, you're moved to registry history and must retrain and retest. |
Indiana CNA certification renews every two years for free through MyLicenseOne. You need at least 8 hours of paid aide or aide-related work in the 24 months before expiration. IDOH's renewal instructions list work hours, not continuing education. If your certification expired more than 8 months ago, your employer submits a paper renewal form; if you didn't renew within 2 years of expiring, you must retrain and retest.
Source: Training, Certification, and Recertification ↗ Frequently Asked Questions: Certified Nurse Aides ↗
Open the official Indiana registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state