Indiana Certified Nursing Assistant License
Indiana State Dept of Health
Total Fee
$65
Processing Time
2 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
What You'll Need
- Certificate of Training Completion — Proof of completing the 105-hour IDOH-approved training program.
- Valid Government-Issued Photo ID — Required for admission to the testing center; name must match the application exactly.
- Social Security Number — Required for the application and registry placement.
- Criminal Background Check — Usually conducted by the training program or employer prior to clinical placement. Background Check Info
How to Apply
-
Complete State-Approved Training ▾Complete a 105-hour Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), consisting of 30 classroom hours and 75 clinical hours.
View Approved Training Programs -
Submit Application to Ivy Tech ▾Apply for the competency evaluation through Ivy Tech Community College, the state's contracted vendor for CNA testing and application processing.
Apply for Testing -
Schedule and Pass Exams ▾Once your application is approved, schedule and pass both the written (knowledge) and skills competency evaluations. You have three attempts to pass both portions.
Testing Information -
Verify Registry Placement ▾After passing both exams, Ivy Tech will notify the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry. Verify your active status on the official registry search portal.
Verify License Status
Total Fee
$65
Processing Time
2 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Contact the Indiana State Dept of Health for current transfer requirements.
Apply to transferSteps
-
Verify Out-of-State Eligibility ▾Ensure you hold an active CNA certification in good standing in another state.
-
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Complete the online reciprocity application through the Ivy Tech CNA portal.
Reciprocity Application -
Pass the Written Competency Exam ▾Most reciprocity applicants must pass the Indiana written competency exam, though the skills portion and training are typically waived.
-
Submit Employment Verification ▾Provide a letter from your employer verifying at least 8 hours of work in the past 24 months if required.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (by maintaining work hours)
Compact
No
Board
Indiana State Dept of Health
Keeping Your License Active
Indiana Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years (by maintaining work hours). Contact the Indiana State Dept of Health for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $65 |
| Endorsement application | $65 |
Slow Downs
Incomplete Training Documentation
▾
Failure to provide the original certificate of completion from an approved Indiana training program can stall the application.
Name Mismatch
▾
Discrepancies between the name on the application and the provided photo ID will prevent testing.
Expired Out-of-State License
▾
Reciprocity applicants must have an active status in their home state; if expired, they may be required to retake the full training and exam.
Questions
How much does the CNA exam cost in Indiana?
▾
As of January 1, 2025, the fee for both the written and skills test is $100.00. Taking only one portion (written or skills) costs $90.00.
How often do I need to renew my Indiana CNA certification?
▾
CNA certifications must be renewed every two years. There is no fee for renewal.
What are the work requirements for renewal?
▾
You must have worked at least 8 hours as a nurse aide in a paid nursing-related role within the past 24 months to be eligible for renewal.
Can I work while my application is being processed?
▾
Employers may accept the Ivy Tech pass letter for up to 90 days while the official registry placement is finalized.
Board Info
Sources
State statutes