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How to become a CNA in Idaho. Training: 120 hours required. Exam provider: Prometric (written/oral exam); skills exam administered by training provider or approved test site. Total initial fees: $29–$39. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Certified Nurse Assistant Registry
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
57% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. 6 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
120 hrs
Training Hours
Prometric (written/oral exam); skills exam administered by training provider or approved test site
Exam Provider
$29–$39
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months from last day worked)
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid CNA or nursing-related services during the preceding 24-month period; volunteer work does not qualify; employer verification required
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Certified Nurse Assistant Registry
(800) 748-2480
Program Approval Body
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Certified Nurse Assistant Registry
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
120
Total Hours
80
Classroom
40
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Prometric (written/oral exam); skills exam administered by training provider or approved test site
Written Exam Details
60
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Skills exam must be passed within 6 months of training completion; written exam must be passed within 12 months of training completion; 3 attempts allowed for each; if all attempts fail, must repeat training
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; some employers cover training costs | $725–$1,560 |
Competency Exam Fee Skills exam fee included in training program; written exam fee paid to Prometric | $29 (written) or $39 (oral) |
State Registration Fee No fee to process initial certification or renewal with the Idaho CNA Registry | $0 |
Total Initial Fees Written or oral exam fee only; no state registration fee; excludes training program tuition | $29–$39 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (24 months from last day worked)
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 8 hours of paid CNA or nursing-related services during the preceding 24-month period; volunteer work does not qualify; employer verification required
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$0
There is no fee for renewal
Late Renewal Fee
$0
No late fee; however, if work requirement not met, must retake exam to be reinstated
Inactive Reinstatement
If work requirement is not met or certification has lapsed, must retake and pass the competency exam to be reinstated on the registry
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Must hold active CNA certification from another state in good standing; Prometric verifies registry status with the originating state; must have completed a NATCEP-approved course or at least one semester of accredited nursing school
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
Idaho has one of the lowest cost CNA certification processes in the nation: no state registration fee, no renewal fee, and exam fees as low as $29. The skills and written exams have different time windows (6 months vs 12 months from training completion).
Idaho requires 120 training hours (80 classroom + 40 clinical), exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
Prometric administers the written/oral exam; skills exam is administered by the training provider or approved test site
There is no fee for initial certification placement on the registry or for renewal
Skills exam must be completed within 6 months; written exam within 12 months of training
Nursing students can challenge the CNA exam after completing one semester of accredited nursing school
Contact the Idaho CNA Registry at (800) 748-2480 or (208) 334-6620
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Idaho.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#35 of 51
Cost
#3 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$32,620
25th percentile
Median
$37,530
-5% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$44,630
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
7,340 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+244% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$37,530
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$37,530
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$61,720
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$86,100
MSN or DNP + national certification
$128,940
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 7–22 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Certified Nurse Assistant Registry — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Certified Nurse Assistant Registry — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Idaho requires 120 hours of training and passage of the Prometric (written/oral exam); skills exam administered by training provider or approved test site competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare – Certified Nurse Assistant Registry.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.