CNA Classes in Iowa
Begin your nursing journey in the Hawkeye State. Iowa requires a minimum of 75 training hours—including 30 clinical hours—through state-approved community colleges and facilities. Our guide helps you navigate the DIAL certification process and prepare for your state competency exams.
Steps to Certification in Iowa
Complete 75 Training Hours
Enroll in a program approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL). You must complete at least 75 hours of instruction, including 30 hours of hands-on clinical practice.
Background Check Clearance
Iowa requires a criminal history background check through the DCI before you can be employed in a long-term care facility or listed on the registry.
Pass the State Competency Exam
Register for the state exam typically administered through Headmaster or approved community colleges. You must pass both the written/oral knowledge test and the clinical skills demonstration.
Registry Placement
Once you pass, your name is added to the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. You can verify your active status through the DIAL health care licensing portal.
Maintain Certification
Keep your status active every 24 months by providing proof of at least 8 hours of paid nursing work performed under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
Iowa Salary Guide
CNAs in Iowa earn an average annual salary of $38,540. Explore our comprehensive guide to see how pay scales vary across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, including insights on night shift differentials and benefits packages.
Exam Proficiency
Prepare for the Iowa Direct Care Worker competency evaluation. You must demonstrate mastery in essential clinical skills—from safe transfers to infection control—to successfully earn your certification in the Hawkeye State.
Iowa Certification & Registry Guide
Reciprocity & Transfers
If you are a CNA in good standing in another state, you can apply for reciprocity to be listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. Applications are handled via the DIAL portal. You must provide official verification from your current state's registry and pass the Iowa-specific criminal background check.
Mandatory Background Check
Iowa requires a comprehensive criminal history search through the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the FBI for all healthcare workers. Disqualifying offenses related to the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of dependent adults or children will prevent you from obtainment of certification.
The 120-Day Rule
Under federal and Iowa regulations, a "Nurse Aide in Training" can work in a licensed nursing facility for up to 120 days (4 months) while completing their training and testing. You must be actively pursuing certification to remain eligible for hire during this window.
Lapsed License Recovery
If your Iowa certification has been expired for more than 24 months, or if you failed to meet the work requirement (8 hours of paid nursing work), you are required to retake an approved 75-hour training program and pass both the written and skills exams again to regain active status.
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Iowa CNA Frequently Asked Questions
Iowa requires a minimum of 75 hours of approved training, which includes 45 hours of classroom theory and at least 30 hours of clinical practice.
Competency evaluations are typically administered through Headmaster (D&S Diversified) or directly through approved community college testing sites.
The average annual salary for a CNA in Iowa is $38,540, with higher rates often found in the Des Moines and Cedar Rapids metro areas.
Renewals occur every 24 months. You must provide proof of at least 8 hours of paid nursing work performed during that period to remain active.
Yes, hybrid programs are allowed for the theory portion, but the 30-hour clinical rotation must be completed in person at a licensed facility.
Yes. All applicants must undergo a criminal history background check through the DCI before they can be listed on the state registry.
Iowa allows three attempts to pass both the written and skills portions of the competency exam within two years of completing training.
Yes. CNAs in good standing in another state can apply for reciprocity through the DIAL portal to join the Iowa registry without re-testing.
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) manages the Direct Care Worker Registry and handles all certifications.
Under the 120-day rule, you may work in a licensed facility for up to 4 months while completing your state-approved training and testing.