State terminology: Certified nursing assistant (CNA). Iowa CNA guidance ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Iowa at a glance
| Agency and any testing or registry providers | Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing |
|---|---|
| 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 Iowa CNA renewal requirements |
Training sources checked November 4, 2026. Standard route reviewed.
How do you become a CNA in Iowa?
Initial course is 75 hours, including 30 clinical hours. The agency page lists approved facility/private programs and links Iowa community colleges.[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?
- Knowledge examination registration/records use Headmaster TMU for community-college proctoring; remote knowledge testing is offered through Headmaster or Credentia. Skills testing is handled by colleges or Health Tech Associates separately.[1]
- After the course and both competency tests are passed, names and scores are automatically sent to DIAL for registry placement; DIAL does not issue the course certificate.[1]
Where can you find training programs?
DIAL-approved facilities/private entities and community-college entry link ↗[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 current contractor handbook details with the state.
- The state summary and its 2026 testing options show different exam costs. Confirm the current price with the testing provider.
Where did this information come from?
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Summary; Nurse Aide Training; approved facilities/private entities; January 2026 testing instructions
See reviewed CNA training programs →
How do you transfer an out-of-state nurse aide credential to Iowa?
Agency and any providers named in the sources: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing. Sources checked November 4, 2026. This summary does not decide individual eligibility.
Which pathway applies to you?
Online registry transfer — Person currently on another state direct-care-worker/CNA registry
Key requirement: DIAL identifies people currently on another state registry as eligible to seek transfer; the application determines the individual result.
Restore expired status with qualifying unreported work — Existing Iowa aide with qualifying work before registry expiry
Key requirement: Employer administrator/director of nursing must send DIAL a letter documenting at least eight nursing-related hours after last verification and before expiry.
Reactivate after no qualifying work — Iowa aide who has not worked as a CNA for at least two years
Key requirement: Retake both competency tests to update registry standing and regain eligibility for Iowa long-term-care employment.
What are the first steps for Online registry transfer?
Use the Iowa registry application
Create or recover the registry account and use the online application.
What else should you know?
- The course certificate does not expire; registry standing lapses after 24 months without qualifying work. Staying active requires at least eight qualifying work hours in two years.
- An abuse, neglect, mistreatment or misappropriation finding can make a person ineligible for employment on the registry.
What should you confirm?
- Confirm transfer attachments, who sends verification and any fee after signing in to the state portal.
- The public transfer page does not state any additional training or competency equivalency requirements. Confirm them with the state.
What will the Iowa planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Online registry transfer, Restore expired status with qualifying unreported work, Reactivate after no qualifying work)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Iowa? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
How do you renew or maintain your nurse aide credential in Iowa?
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 CNA certification itself doesn't expire. Your standing on the registry expires if you stop working as a CNA for 24 months. |
|---|---|
| Paid work requirement | At least 8 hours of qualifying employment in a two-year period, reported to the registry by your Iowa employer. |
| CE or in-service | DIAL's registry instructions don't list a continuing-education requirement. If you work in a certified long-term care facility, the facility must provide, and you must complete, 12 hours of in-service training each year. |
| Renewal window | Long-term care facilities, and the staffing agencies that place CNAs there, must report your qualifying hours to the registry. You can't report your own hours. |
| If the credential lapses | If your status expired but you did work, your employer must send DIAL a letter on facility letterhead confirming at least 8 hours of nursing or nursing-related duties. If you haven't worked as a CNA for two years or more, you must retake both competency tests. |
Iowa CNA certification doesn't expire, but your standing on the Direct Care Worker Registry does if you stop working as a CNA for 24 months. To stay active, you need at least 8 hours of qualifying work in a two-year period, reported by your Iowa employer; you can't report your own hours. In certified long-term care facilities, you must complete 12 hours of in-service training a year. If you haven't worked as a CNA for two years or more, you must retake both competency tests.
Source: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) ↗ Become Active After Status Expires ↗ Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry ↗
Open the official Iowa registry or agency page ↗ · Compare CNA renewal requirements by state