CNA License in Iowa

How to Get a CNA License in Iowa

The CNA certification process in Iowa is regulated by DIAL. Testing is offered at community college sites for both exam parts, with the Knowledge Exam also available online through the Credentia or the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam (RPKE) from Headmaster.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program

Enroll in a DIAL-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP). Each program must include at least 75 hours of instruction:

• 45 hours classroom and lab
• 30 hours supervised clinical practice

Most training is offered through Iowa’s community colleges. If you are employed or offered employment in a certified facility, your employer must cover training and testing costs.

Step 2: Register for Testing

Registration depends on the testing provider:

• Community Colleges: Schedule Knowledge and Skills exams through a community college site. You may test at any location statewide.
• Headmaster: For RPKE, your instructor enters your record in TMU. You will receive login details by email to set your password and complete your profile before scheduling.
• Credentia: Create an account in CNA365®, upload documents, and schedule your online Written or Oral exam.

Step 3: Pay Exam Fees

Step 4: Schedule the CNA Exam

After creating your account and paying fees, schedule your exam:

• In-person: Knowledge and Skills exams at community college sites statewide.
• Remote: Knowledge Exam through Headmaster RPKE or Credentia.

You must pass both exam parts within one year. If only one part is passed, the other must be completed within that time or both must be retaken.

Step 5: Take the Iowa CNA Competency Exam

The exam has two components:

• Knowledge Exam: 60 multiple-choice questions, delivered online (Headmaster RPKE or Credentia) or in person at community college sites.
• Skills Exam: Five randomly assigned nurse aide tasks, tested in person at community college sites.

You may attempt each part up to three times. After three failed attempts, you must repeat training before retesting.

Step 6: Get Listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry

Once you pass both exams, results are sent to DIAL. After approval, your name is placed on the DCW Registry. No separate application is required.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Iowa

CNA training programs must be approved by DIAL and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice in a licensed care facility. Most programs are offered through Iowa’s community colleges. Before enrolling, compare tuition, program length, schedule, and clinical site placement to find the option that best fits your needs. A list of approved CNA programs in Iowa is provided below.

1. Des Moines Area Community College

   2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023
   (515) 964-6800

2. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges

   101 W 3rd St, Davenport, IA 52801
   (563) 441-4100

3. Hawkeye Community College

   1501 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA 50704
   (319) 296-2320

4. Indian Hills Community College

   525 Grandview Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501
   (641) 683-5337

5. Iowa Central Community College

   1 Triton Cir, Fort Dodge, IA 50501
   (515) 574-1330

6. Iowa Lakes Community College

   3200 College Dr, Emmetsburg, IA 50536
   (712) 852-5227

7. Iowa Western Community College

   2700 College Rd, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
   (712) 325-3200

8. Kirkwood Community College

   6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
   (319) 398-5411

9. North Iowa Area Community College

   500 College Dr, Mason City, IA 50401
   (888) 466-4222

10. Northeast Iowa Community College

    1625 Hwy 150, Calmar, IA 52132
    (563) 562-3263

11. Southeastern Community College

    1500 W Agency Rd, West Burlington, IA 52655
    (319) 208-5000

12. Western Iowa Tech Community College

    4647 Stone Ave, Sioux City, IA 51106
    (712) 274-6400

How to Verify a CNA License in Iowa

Use the DCW Registry, maintained by DIAL, to confirm your CNA license status.

Step 1: Access the Registry

Go to the Iowa DCW Registry website.

Step 2: Open the Search Tool

Select DCW Search from the left-hand menu.

Step 3: Enter Search Criteria

• Identification Number — most accurate
• Name — first and last
• City
• County

Step 4: Submit Search

Click Search. Results display registry ID, name, city, and county.

Step 5: View Certification Profile

Click View to open a full profile, which shows:

• Status — must be Active for employment
• Certification date
• Expiration date
• Additional details

How to Renew a CNA License in Iowa

CNA certification must be renewed every two years to remain active on the DCW Registry.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• At least 8 consecutive hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months under nurse supervision
• No substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation

Step 2: Employer Submission

Your employer must submit work history:

• Medicare/Medicaid-certified facilities: Verify electronically in the registry system
• Other employers: Send a signed attestation letter on official letterhead with job title, duties, and dates of employment. Letters may be sent by:
  • Email: DCW@dia.iowa.gov
  • Fax: (515) 281-6259
  • Mail: Iowa DCW Registry, 6200 Park Avenue, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA 50321

Step 3: Complete Annual In-Service Training

If employed in a federally certified facility, you must also complete 12 hours of in-service education annually.

Step 4: Verify Renewal

After processing, log in to the DCW Registry to confirm active status and download your registry card. Paper cards are no longer issued.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Iowa

If your CNA license is listed as “Expired” in the DCW Registry, you must reinstate before working. You may qualify with employer verification of work hours or by retesting.

Step 1: Confirm Expired Status

A license is expired if you have not worked 8 hours of paid CNA duties in the past 24 months.

Step 2: Request Employer Verification

If you worked qualifying hours before expiration, your employer must send a signed letter verifying:

• Your name and registry ID
• Hire and separation dates
• Duties performed
• At least 8 hours worked after last verified date but before expiration

Employers must send the letter directly to the registry by email, fax, or mail. CNAs cannot self-report.

Step 3: Retest (If Needed)

If no employer can verify your hours, you must retake and pass both exams to regain certification.

Step 4: Confirm Reinstatement

Once verification or test results are approved, your status updates to Active in the DCW Registry. You may not work until active.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Iowa

If you are certified in another state, you may apply for Iowa certification through reciprocity with the DCW Registry. You may not work until your Iowa status is Active.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• Current active CNA certification in another state
• At least 75 hours of training
• No abuse, neglect, or misappropriation findings

Step 2: Create or Access Your DCW Account

Go to the Iowa DCW Registry to log in or create an account. See the DCW update page if you are unsure about existing accounts.

Step 3: Submit Reciprocity Application

Log in and complete the application. Provide:

• Current state of certification and registry/certificate number
• Proof of 75 hours of training
• Identification and demographic details

Step 4: Wait for Processing

• Reviewed by Iowa DCW Registry
• May take up to two weeks
• Track status in your account

Step 5: Verify Iowa Status

Once approved, your record shows Active in the DCW Registry. Only then may you work as a CNA in Iowa.

Iowa Nurse Aide Registry

The Iowa Nurse Aide Registry, maintained by DIAL, is the official record of certified nurse aides authorized to work in Iowa. It tracks certification status, training history, employment eligibility, and any substantiated findings. Employers must verify CNA status before hire, while nurse aides use it to confirm certification, renew, reinstate, and update personal details.

Contact Information

• Agency: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)
• Division: Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry
• Address: 321 E 12th Street, 3rd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319-0083
• Phone: (515) 381-7835
• Fax: (515) 281-6259
• Email: DCW@dia.iowa.gov
• Registry Search: Iowa Nurse Aide Registry Search
• Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I update my information on the Iowa DCW Registry?

Log in to the DCW Registry with a Google or Microsoft account to update your name, address, phone number, or email. If you cannot access your account, contact the registry at (515) 381-7835.

What does “Inactive” status mean?

Inactive status indicates you did not complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months. To regain Active status, your employer must verify qualifying work hours or you must retake the CNA exam.

Do Iowa CNA training programs have to document student skills?

Yes. All state-approved programs must maintain a skills performance record that lists required duties and skills, the date completed, performance outcome, and the instructor’s signature confirming satisfactory performance.

Can I transfer my CNA license from Iowa to another state?

Yes. To work in another state, apply for reciprocity with that state’s nurse aide registry. Most states require Iowa to verify your record, which the DCW Registry provides directly to the receiving state upon request.

Are CNAs in Iowa issued a physical certification card?

No. The DCW Registry does not issue paper cards. CNAs and employers must verify certification status online through the registry.

Can I be removed from the Iowa DCW Registry for misconduct?

Yes. Substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation are permanently recorded in the DCW Registry, and employers are prohibited from hiring nurse aides with such findings.

Key Takeaways

• Complete approved training: Finish a DIAL-approved NATCEP with 75 hours, including 45 hours of classroom/lab and 30 hours of clinical practice.
• Pass both exam components: Take the 60-question knowledge test (online or in person) and the skills evaluation through Headmaster, Credentia, or a community college site.
• Appear on the state registry: Once certified, your name is added to the DCW Registry, which serves as official proof of certification.
• Renew every two years: Complete at least 8 hours of paid CNA work in the past 24 months under nurse supervision and, if employed in a federally certified facility, complete 12 hours of annual in-service training.
• Reinstate if expired: If your status lapses, provide employer verification of qualifying work hours or retake and pass both exams.
• Transfer by reciprocity: Submit a DCW reciprocity application with proof of training, active certification, and a record free of abuse findings.