Iowa CNA State Testing

Health Tech Associates – West Des Moines, Iowa

1441 29th St

Ste 305

West Des Moines

All CNA skills testing will take place at our training center in West Des Moines.

Completing this testing is the final step to be listed on the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry and start working as a Certified Nurse Aide.

CNA skills testing is $135, while the written testing costs $85. Payment is required at the time of registration for the Certified Nurse Aide program. Please provide a 24-hour notice if you need to reschedule. Note that no refunds will be issued for the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry fees.

CNA skills testing is administered by a qualified RN evaluator in a private, simulated testing environment, with all required equipment provided. Results are submitted directly to the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry.

The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) skills testing consists of a 70-question multiple choice exam administered on a computer. Testers may request questions to be read via headset audio, but these requests must be made at the time of registration. Participants will have 60 minutes to complete the 70 multiple choice questions. If a student needs additional time, we must receive ADA documentation to support an approved disability at least 7 calendar days before their test to ensure compliance with the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry requirements. The testing center will then evaluate the documentation to either approve or deny the request.

Please bring a valid photo ID (such as a state ID, driver’s license, or school-issued ID) when attending the CNA skills testing for the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. Additionally, ensure you wear professional attire, such as scrubs or similar clothing. Please arrive 15 minutes early, as late arrivals may not be admitted.

In accordance with Iowa law, the CNA test can only be attempted three times. Both parts of the CNA skills testing must be successfully completed within 365 days to be reported to the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry. Upon arrival, all participants are required to sign a confidentiality agreement.

If you have completed an approved Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) program and are struggling to pass the state test for CNA skills testing, you may be eligible to register for a practice session with an instructor before joining the Iowa Direct Care Worker Registry.