Idaho CNA License Guide: Get, Verify, Renew & Transfer – 2025

To obtain your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in Idaho, you must complete a state-approved training program, pass the required exams, and be listed on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry. This guide explains certification, renewal, reinstatement, verification, and reciprocity—based on the latest guidance from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW).

How to Get Your CNA License in Idaho

To become certified, you must meet training and testing requirements and be added to the official registry. Follow the steps below to obtain your CNA license.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Enroll in a program approved by DHW. Programs must include:

• 80 hours of classroom instruction
• 40 hours of supervised clinical training

You must complete training before taking the exams.

Step 2: Pass the Manual Skills Exam

The Manual Skills Exam is administered by your training provider or an approved test site. You must:

• Test within 6 months of completing training
• Pass within 3 attempts or repeat training
• Obtain written proof of your score

Step 3: Apply for the Written (or Oral) Exam

Download the Idaho Nurse Aide Testing Application. Bring it with proof of your skills exam to the test site. Do not send it to Prometric or DHW.

Step 4: Take the Written (or Oral) Exam

The Written Exam includes:

• 60 multiple-choice questions
• 90-minute time limit

The Oral Exam is available upon request. You must:

• Test within 12 months of training
• Pass within 3 attempts or repeat training

Step 5: Pay Exam Fees

Fees are paid on-site by credit card. All payments are nonrefundable and processed through Prometric’s IBT system.

Additional site fees may apply.

Step 6: Get Listed on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both exams, Prometric reports results to DHW. Your name is added to the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry within four business days.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Idaho

The following programs are approved by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. Compare options by tuition, clinical access, location, and scheduling flexibility.

1. College of Eastern Idaho

   1600 S 25th E, Idaho Falls, ID 83404

   (208) 524-3000

2. College of Southern Idaho

   315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301

   (208) 732-6221

3. College of Western Idaho

   5500 E Opportunity Dr, Nampa, ID 83687

   (208) 562-3000

4. Idaho Centennial Job Corps

   3201 Ridgecrest Dr, Nampa, ID 83687

   (208) 442-4500

5. Idaho State University

   921 S 8th Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201

   (208) 282-0211

6. Lewis-Clark State College

   500 8th Ave, Lewiston, ID 83501

   (208) 792-5272

How to Verify Your CNA License in Idaho

Use the official registry to confirm your CNA certification and work eligibility.

Step 1: Visit the Registry

Go to the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry Search.

Step 2: Complete CAPTCHA

Check the reCAPTCHA box to access the form.

Step 3: Select Search Method

• Certificate number
• Full name
• Social Security number

Step 4: Enter Details and Submit

Verify your information, then submit.

Step 5: Review Results

• Full name
• Certificate number
• Status: Must show ACTIVE
• Expiration date
• Negative findings: Must show No

How to Renew Your CNA License in Idaho

Your license must be renewed every 24 months. Follow these steps to maintain active status.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You must have worked at least 8 paid hours in a CNA or nursing-related role within the past 24 months. Volunteer work is not accepted.

Employer verification is required. If unavailable, submit pay stubs or cancelled checks.

Step 2: Complete the Renewal Form

Download the Idaho CNA Renewal Form.

• Sign to authorize employer verification
• Employer completes the verification section
• Attach proof of payment if you provided personal care services

Step 3: Submit the Form

Send it during your expiration month by:

• Email: IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov
• Fax: (208) 334-6629
• Mail:
  ATTN: IDHW Idaho Nurse Aide Registry
  Licensing & Certification – Bureau of Facility Standards
  P.O. Box 83720, PTC 6th Floor
  Boise, ID 83720-0009

There is no fee for renewal.

Step 4: Verify Status

Once processed, check your status on the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry. Email confirmation is sent for emailed forms.

How to Reinstate Your CNA License in Idaho

If your license expired and you did not meet renewal requirements, follow the reinstatement process.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You are eligible if listed as lapsed and did not complete 8 paid hours in the past 24 months. New training is required only if you fail three exam attempts.

Step 2: Request Approval to Test

Email IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov with your name, date of birth, and certification details to request approval under Route 5 – Lapsed.

Step 3: Schedule and Pay for Exams

• Written Exam: $29 – register through Prometric
• Skills Exam: Conducted by your training site or an approved evaluator (fees vary)

Step 4: Pass the Exams

• Written Exam: 60 questions, 90-minute limit
• Skills Exam: 3–5 tasks evaluated in person

You have up to 3 attempts. After that, retraining is required.

Step 5: Verify Reinstatement

Once both exams are passed, your status updates to Active. No separate reinstatement form is needed.

How to Transfer Your CNA License to Idaho

If you are certified in another state, you may apply for CNA certification in Idaho through reciprocity.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Hold a current, active CNA certification from another state
• Live in Idaho or have an employment offer
• Have no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Form

Download the Idaho CNA Reciprocity Form and provide:

• Personal and contact details
• Certification and training information

Step 3: Provide Employer Information

List your Idaho employer’s details. The registry will notify them of your eligibility.

Step 4: Attach Supporting Documents

Submit in PDF format only:

• Verification from your state registry showing active status
• One of the following:
  • NATCEP completion certificate
  • Transcript showing one completed nursing school semester

Step 5: Submit the Application

• Email: IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov
• Fax: (208) 334-6629
• Mail:
  ATTN: IDHW Idaho Nurse Aide Registry
  Licensing & Certification – Bureau of Facility Standards
  P.O. Box 83720, PTC 6th Floor
  Boise, ID 83720-0009

Step 6: Check Your Status

You will receive confirmation once processed. You can also check the Idaho Nurse Aide Registry.

Idaho Nurse Aide Registry

The Idaho Nurse Aide Registry is the official record of CNAs eligible to work in Idaho. It is managed by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW) with Prometric, which operates the system and search portal. The registry tracks certification status, renewals, employment verification, and any findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation.

Contact Information

• Mailing Address: Idaho Nurse Aide Registry, Licensing & Certification – Bureau of Facility Standards, P.O. Box 83720, PTC 6th Floor, Boise, ID 83720-0009
• Phone: (800) 748-2480
• Fax: (208) 334-6629
• Email: IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov
• Registry Search: Idaho Nurse Aide Registry

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is CNA certification valid?

Certification is valid for 24 months from your last qualifying employment, not the listed expiration date.

Is there a fee to renew?

No. Idaho does not charge a renewal fee.

What if I have not worked in the past 24 months?

You must apply for reinstatement and retake both exams. Request approval by emailing IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov.

Does Idaho issue physical CNA certificates?

No. Certification must be verified online through the registry.

How do I transfer my CNA license from Montana or Iowa?

Use the Idaho CNA Transfer Application if certified in Montana or Iowa. Submit it with proof of active certification to IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov.

How do I change my name or address?

Complete the Change Request Form and submit it with a $15 processing fee. Instructions are provided on the form.

Key Takeaways

• Complete state-approved training: Enroll in a 120-hour program (80 classroom + 40 clinical) approved by DHW.
• Pass the CNA exams: Take the Manual Skills and Written or Oral Exam administered by Prometric.
• Apply for certification: Prometric reports results to DHW, and your name is added to the registry.
• Keep your license active: Work at least 8 hours in a paid CNA role every 24 months.
• Renew on time: Certification must be renewed during your expiration month using the renewal form; no fee is required.
• Transfer from another state: Submit the Reciprocity Form with proof of active certification, training, and Idaho residency or employment.

About the Author Amanda Jordon, RN, BSN, writes clear, regulation-aligned content that guides and supports healthcare professionals in their practice.