CNA Entry-Level

Iowa CNA Certification Requirements

Complete guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Iowa

Training Hours

75+ hours

Total Initial Cost

$155

Program Duration

4-6 weeks for training program

Renewal Period

No fixed cycle

Official source: licensing in Iowa is administered by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing / Direct Care Worker Registry. This guide summarizes the board's requirements — always confirm details there before applying. Already licensed? Look up a nursing license in Iowa.

Apply on Official Site

How do you renew a CNA certification in Iowa?

Iowa nurse aide registration has no fixed renewal cycle. Your Iowa CNA certification does not expire, but to stay active on the Direct Care Worker Registry (needed to work in an Iowa long-term care facility) you must perform at least 8 hours of qualifying nursing or nursing-related employment in a two-year period. Your employer must report the hours; you cannot report them yourself.

Source: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL): Direct Care Worker Registry, checked 2026-11-06.

1 Training Program Requirements

Program Requirements

Complete a state-approved nurse aide training program

75+

Minimum training hours

4-6 weeks for training program

Typical program length

Additional Requirements

Iowa requires 75 hours minimum training (federal minimum)
Must include classroom and clinical training
Program must be approved by Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals

2 Competency Examination

Exam Name

Iowa Direct Care Worker Competency Exam

Test Provider

Prometric

Exam Components

Written/Oral Test

Multiple choice questions on nursing assistant knowledge and skills

Skills Demonstration

Perform 3-5 randomly selected nursing skills in front of an evaluator

Exam Fee

$105

Tip: You must pass both the written (or oral) and skills portions of the exam to be certified. Most states allow multiple retake attempts if needed.

3 Background Check

Criminal and dependent adult/child abuse background checks

CNAs work with vulnerable populations, so background checks are required in all states. Cost is typically $50.

4 Fees

Initial Certification

Training Program	$500-$2,000*
Competency Exam	$105
Background Check	$50
Application/Registry Fee	$0

*Many employers offer free CNA training programs with work commitment

Renewal

Renewal Fee	No renewal step
Work Requirement	8 hours in 24 months

Certification Renewal

No fixed cycle

Renewal cycle

8+ hours

Work requirement

Your Iowa CNA certification does not expire, but to stay active on the Direct Care Worker Registry (needed to work in an Iowa long-term care facility) you must perform at least 8 hours of qualifying nursing or nursing-related employment in a two-year period. Your employer must report the hours; you cannot report them yourself.

Career Advancement

CNAs can advance to LPN/LVN or RN with additional education

LVN/LPN Licensing RN Requirements All Career Paths

Iowa CNA Certification FAQs

How much does CNA certification cost in Iowa?

Expect about $155 in total initial CNA certification costs in Iowa, including a $105 examination fee. Fees can change, so confirm current amounts with the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing / Direct Care Worker Registry.

How do you renew a CNA certification in Iowa?

How long does it take to get CNA certification in Iowa?

Most complete applications are processed in about 4 to 8 weeks, though background checks and application volume can extend the timeline.

Who issues CNA certifications in Iowa?

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing / Direct Care Worker Registry handles CNA certification applications, renewals, and verifications. You can reach the board at (515) 281-4115.