How to become a CNA in Idaho.
Idaho requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Prometric and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 120
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 6
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Idaho certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Idaho requires 120 training hours, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 6 approved programs in Idaho - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Prometric. Manual Skills evaluation must be passed within six months of completing training; written exam within 12 months (one year) of completing training Three attempts to pass each exam; after three failures must repeat an approved training program (Department may issue a variance)
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Idaho Certified Nurse Assistant Registry. Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the ID registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 24 months; must have worked for pay as a nurse aide at least one documented 8 hour day in the previous 24 consecutive months; no fee to process forms
Online classes
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Ask each program how its classroom hours are delivered. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
Moving from another state
Nursing assistants with current status on another state's registry are given deemed status and entered onto the Idaho registry without examination (Prometric bulletin). DHW page says reciprocity is granted only when employment in Idaho has been offered or the applicant currently lives in Idaho. Reciprocity form on DHW site.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Idaho.
CNA funding in Idaho →Idaho CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
- Training hours
- 120 hours
- Clinical hours
- At least 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Prometric
- Deadline to test
- Manual Skills evaluation must be passed within six months of completing training; written exam within 12 months (one year) of completing training
- Retakes
- Three attempts to pass each exam; after three failures must repeat an approved training program (Department may issue a variance)
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: cte.idaho.gov, publicdocuments.dhw.idaho.gov, healthandwelfare.idaho.gov, prometric.com. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Idaho, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Idaho?
Idaho requires 120 hours of nurse aide training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Prometric and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Idaho?
Prometric runs the Idaho nurse aide competency exam.
Can you take CNA classes online in Idaho?
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in Idaho?
Nursing assistants with current status on another state's registry are given deemed status and entered onto the Idaho registry without examination (Prometric bulletin). DHW page says reciprocity is granted only when employment in Idaho has been offered or the applicant currently lives in Idaho. Reciprocity form on DHW site.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Idaho?
Every 24 months; must have worked for pay as a nurse aide at least one documented 8 hour day in the previous 24 consecutive months; no fee to process forms
How do I pay for CNA training in Idaho?
Workforce vouchers, employer sponsorship, state grants, and scholarships all pay for nurse aide training. A nursing home that hires you within a year of certification must reimburse your training costs under federal rules.
Start your training in Idaho.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.