Training, Certification, and Recertification

About the Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training and Certification Program

The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training and Certification Program at the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is designed to ensure that individuals meet both state and federal requirements to work as CNAs in Indiana. All qualified CNAs must be listed on the Indiana Aides Registry.

CNAs mainly work in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, helping residents with daily tasks, like bathing, dressing, eating, and other personal care needs. CNAs perform their duties under the supervision of a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or registered nurse (RN), and must operate strictly within the scope of practice defined for CNAs.

There are several ways to qualify for CNA registration in Indiana. You may complete a training program, be a student nurse, be a graduate nurse, be an emergency medical responder, have military healthcare experience, or be a CNA in another state (reciprocity).

You may read more about each below.

Complete a Training Program

• Complete a state-approved nurse aide training (NAT) program consisting of a minimum of 75 hours. Approved training programs can be found here.
• Successfully pass both the written test and the skills test.
• No age requirement.
• Must be able to complete simple mathematical equations (adding/subtracting) and read and write in English.

Student Nurse

• Be currently enrolled in an accredited nursing program.
• Successfully complete one semester of coursework with an accredited nursing program.
• Complete Fundamentals of Nursing (or equivalent) with a grade of “C” or better.
• Pass the written and skills competency evaluation.

Graduate Nurse

• Graduate from an accredited nursing school within the past 24 months.
• Pass the written and skills competency evaluation.

Emergency Medical Responder

• Be certified or licensed in Indiana as an emergency medical responder (EMR), emergency medical technician (EMT), advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), or a paramedic in good standing.
• Pass the written and skills competency evaluation.

Military Healthcare Experience

• Provide documentation verifying healthcare training in the military.
• Pass the written and skills competency evaluation.

Reciprocity (Transfer of Certification from Another State)

• Must be currently certified as a CNA in another state.
• Certification must be active, in good standing, with no verified complaints or disciplinary action.

What is the competency evaluation test?

To become a CNA in Indiana, you must first complete a 75-hour training program. After completing the training program, you must complete and pass a written test and a skills test.

Tests Required

Written Test

The written test includes 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed with a score of at least 80 correct answers (80%); up to four attempts of the written test are allowed within a two-year period.

Skills Test

The skills test requires the demonstration of proper hand hygiene in addition to four skills that are selected at random; competency must be demonstrated to an evaluator. Up to four attempts of the skills test are allowed within a two-year period.

When both tests are passed, you are officially a CNA and will be added to the Indiana Aides Registry.

Testing Procedure

• Testing locations are offered throughout the state and scheduled through Ivy Tech Community College (ITCC).
• Applications are completed online (click here).
• The fee schedule is also listed on ITCC's website.
• Contact email: CNA_QMA_Testing@ivytech.edu

How do I renew my certification?

To stay active as a CNA in Indiana, you must work at least eight hours in nursing-related duties every two years. Renewal is free and completed through MyLicenseOne; you may print your card here, too.

For questions on renewals, please contact Aides@health.in.gov.

How do I update my contact information?

The Indiana Aides Registry uses the MyLicenseOne application to manage certifications. It is your responsibility to update this information within 30 days of a name, address, phone, or email change.

The Indiana Aides Registry may be searched by the name of an aide to verify status.

Statuses

• A status of active indicates that the aide has met all requirements and is eligible to be employed as an aide in Indiana.
• A status of expired means that the aide is ineligible to be employed until they renew their certification.
• A status of finding means that the aide is prohibited from working as a CNA, QMA or HHA. Findings are updated routinely, as they are placed on aide’s certifications. You may subscribe to the listserv by contacting SRSHelpDesk@isdh.in.gov and requesting to be added. Emails will contain CNAs, QMAs, and HHAs who have had new findings placed on the Indiana Aide Registry. If you have questions on an aide’s status, please email AideInvestigations@health.in.gov.

What is the Certified Healthcare Professions Commission?

The Certified Healthcare Professions Commission is a group of seven members appointed by the Governor of Indiana. These members come from a variety of backgrounds, including nurse aides, registered nurses who have experience training nurse aides, nursing facility administrators, and individuals who use nursing services in Indiana. The commission holds public meetings that are announced according to IDOH's policies and procedures.

The commission is responsible for the following:

• Considering and making determinations concerning the qualifications of individuals who apply to become a CNA, QMA, or HHA.
• Renewing registrations and certifications.
• Considering and making determinations concerning qualifications for instructors or nurse aide training programs and qualified medication aide training programs.
• Considering and making determinations concerning the curriculum for CNA, QMA, and HHA training programs.
• Reviewing evidence concerning allegations against a CNA, QMA, or HHA submitted by IDOH.
• Allowing the CNA, QMA, or HHA to provide a written or oral statement to the commission regarding the evidence IDOH presented.
• Directing IDOH to enter a finding in the registry against a CNA, QMA, or HHA, if appropriate, after review of the evidence and statement.

Certified Healthcare Professions Commission

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Last Updated: Mar. 11, 2026