⚠️ Important: This comparison is based on published state licensing requirements and may not reflect recent changes. Reciprocity and transfer rules change frequently and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis by state licensing boards. This tool is for research purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Always contact Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL) directly to confirm current transfer requirements before submitting any applications or fees.

Transfer Your CNA License: Minnesota → Iowa

Everything you need to know about transferring your cna license from Minnesota to Iowa

Reciprocity Available

Accepts out-of-state licenses

Requirements Comparison

Requirement	Minnesota (MN)	Iowa (IA)
Education Requirements●	Completion of an MDH-approved nursing assistant training program	Completion of a DIAL-approved NATCEP CNA training program
Exam Requirements	Provider: D&SDT-Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies – Headmaster)	Provider: Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) for written/oral exam; Iowa community colleges for skills evaluation
Experience Requirements	Not available	Not available
Fees	training program fee: $500–$1,200; competency exam fee: $270 (knowledge + skills); $100 (written only); $170 (skills only); state registration fee: $0; total initial fees: $270; confidence: high; sources: https://southcentral.edu/workforce/state-registry-test-for-nursing-assistants	training program fee: $500–$1,200; competency exam fee: 165; state registration fee: $0; total initial fees: 165; confidence: high; sources: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/medical/cnas; https://www.cnalicense.org/by-state/iowa/
Renewal / CE Requirements●	Period: 24 months; Fee: $0	Period: 2 years (24 months); Fee: $0

Data verified as of 2026-04-14. Requirements may have changed since verification.

Key Differences

Iowa accepts out-of-state cna licenses via reciprocity/endorsement.
Education differs: Minnesota requires "Completion of an MDH-approved nursing assistant training program" while Iowa requires "Completion of a DIAL-approved NATCEP CNA training program".
Renewal differs: Minnesota — Period: 24 months; Fee: $0; Iowa — Period: 2 years (24 months); Fee: $0.

Next Steps

1
Contact the destination state board to confirm current transfer/reciprocity requirements. Visit Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL) →
2
Request credential verification from Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – Nurse Aide Registry — this often takes 4–8 weeks. Visit Minnesota board →
3
Gather required documentation (education transcripts, experience logs, exam scores).
4
Submit your application to Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL).

These steps are general guidance based on common transfer processes. Your state may have a different process. Always follow the instructions provided by your state licensing board.

Iowa Licensing Board

Board: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL)
Website: https://dia.iowa.gov/health-facilities/direct-care-worker-registry
Phone: (515) 281-4115

Contact Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL) to confirm current transfer requirements →

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GetLicenseMap is a research tool and does not provide legal, financial, or professional licensing advice. Licensing requirements vary by state and change frequently. Verify all information directly with your state licensing board before making licensing decisions.

Requirements Comparison

Requirement	Minnesota (MN)	Iowa (IA)
Education Requirements●	Completion of an MDH-approved nursing assistant training program	Completion of a DIAL-approved NATCEP CNA training program
Exam Requirements	Provider: D&SDT-Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies – Headmaster)	Provider: Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) for written/oral exam; Iowa community colleges for skills evaluation
Experience Requirements	Not available	Not available
Fees	training program fee: $500–$1,200; competency exam fee: $270 (knowledge + skills); $100 (written only); $170 (skills only); state registration fee: $0; total initial fees: $270; confidence: high; sources: https://southcentral.edu/workforce/state-registry-test-for-nursing-assistants	training program fee: $500–$1,200; competency exam fee: 165; state registration fee: $0; total initial fees: 165; confidence: high; sources: https://dial.iowa.gov/licenses/medical/cnas; https://www.cnalicense.org/by-state/iowa/
Renewal / CE Requirements●	Period: 24 months; Fee: $0	Period: 2 years (24 months); Fee: $0

Data verified as of 2026-04-14. Requirements may have changed since verification.

Key Differences

Iowa accepts out-of-state cna licenses via reciprocity/endorsement.

Education differs: Minnesota requires "Completion of an MDH-approved nursing assistant training program" while Iowa requires "Completion of a DIAL-approved NATCEP CNA training program".

Renewal differs: Minnesota — Period: 24 months; Fee: $0; Iowa — Period: 2 years (24 months); Fee: $0.

Next Steps

Contact the destination state board to confirm current transfer/reciprocity requirements. Visit Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL) →

Request credential verification from Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) – Nurse Aide Registry — this often takes 4–8 weeks. Visit Minnesota board →

Gather required documentation (education transcripts, experience logs, exam scores).

Submit your application to Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, & Licensing (DIAL).

These steps are general guidance based on common transfer processes. Your state may have a different process. Always follow the instructions provided by your state licensing board.

Transfer Your CNA License: Minnesota → Iowa

Reciprocity Available

Requirements Comparison

Key Differences

Next Steps

Iowa Licensing Board

Prepare for Your Licensing Exam

Related Pages

Transfer Your CNA License: Minnesota → Iowa

Reciprocity Available

Requirements Comparison

Key Differences

Next Steps

Iowa Licensing Board

Prepare for Your Licensing Exam

Related Pages