This registry contains information on whether an individual has a current CNA certificate. Employers are required to verify currency of a CNA's certificate at the time of employment and upon renewal.
The CNA forms found on this page require Adobe Acrobat Reader© version 5.0, or newer, to open. Adobe Reader© is available as a free download. These forms may be completed online once downloaded but must then be printed and mailed, made into a PDF and emailed, or faxed to the Idaho CNA Registry section. The forms may also be printed and completed manually, but they must still be returned either by e-mail, mail or fax to the Idaho CNA Registry.
Changes to use of CNA verification activities:
- Social Security numbers are masked upon entry for search
- Date of birth is now required when requesting a search by Social Security number
- Captcha is now required
Online resources for Idaho Nurse Aide
Idaho CNA Training Schools
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
In Idaho, CNAs are considered Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAPs) and are not formally licensed, meaning their role is provided under the direction of licensed nurses and facility policies.
The Idaho Board of Nursing rules (IDAPA 24.34.01, dated 3/28/2023) define the term, Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP), at 24.34.01.31 as, “This term is used to designate unlicensed personnel employed to perform nursing care services under the direction and supervision of licensed nurses. The term also includes licensed or credentialed health care workers whose job responsibilities extend to health care services beyond their usual and customary roles and which activities are provided under the direction and supervision of licensed nurses. UAPs are prohibited from performing any licensed nurse functions that are specifically defined in Section 54- 1402, Idaho Code. UAPs may not be delegated procedures involving acts that require nursing assessment or diagnosis, establishment of a plan of care or teaching, the exercise of nursing judgment, or procedures requiring specialized nursing knowledge, skills or techniques.”
As far as what a CNA can do, or not do, related to position, each facility is required to have policies and procedures for CNA job duties and ensure that each CNA is trained and can demonstrate competency in those duties and are under the direction of an RN. CNAs must possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform that duty.
I recommend that you discuss your specific question regarding a CNA’s job duty requirements with your facility administrator or Director of Nursing.
When do I renew?
You should renew during the month of your certification expiring. We recommend that you submit your renewal request at the beginning of the month it expires. Submit your renewal form to Idaho Nurse Aide Program. Renewals are processed in the order that they are received.
How do I renew?
To request renewal, download the Renewal Form, located above, under CNA Forms - Renewal. Complete all sections and submit the form and documentation to the CNA registry as stated on the form.
Your employer needs to sign the form verifying your work employment dates. You must have worked a minimum of 8 hours as a paid CNA or in nursing-related services. Employment dates need to be prior to your CNA certification lapsing.
Is there a charge to renew my certification?
No, at this time, there are no fees to process any forms or certifications with the Idaho Certified Nurse Aide Registry.
What if my previous employer is unable to sign my Renewal From, what should I do?
You must submit a copy of your W-2 or pay stub(s) with your employer's information for the timeframe you are stating you worked as a CNA or performed nurse aide related work.
Why is my new expiration date a different month, or not for a 2-year period?
Certificate expiration dates are based on your last day worked as a CNA, and calculated 24 months from that date. Federal regulations state CNAs must have performed eight (8) hours of paid nursing or nursing-related services during a 24 consecutive month period.
For example, if the CNA's certificate showed an expiration date of June 2026 and their last day worked was in June 2025, their renewed certificate would show an expiration date of June 2027 (24 months after the last day worked), not June 2028 (2 years after the expiration date).
What if I cannot provide proof that I worked for 8 hours, or more, as a paid CNA within the two years preceding my certification expiring?
You will need to retake the CNA exam and successfully complete both the written and skills tests. Contact the Idaho Nurse Aide Program to request an Approval to Test letter.
How do I know if my renewal has been processed?
If you emailed your renewal to the Idaho Nurse Aide Program, you will receive an email stating your renewal has been processed.
If you submitted your renewal by fax or US mail, you will not receive confirmation of processing, however, you can check your status online at the CNA registry website.
How do I change my legal name or mailing address?
Email the Idaho Nurse Aide Program with your change of address. For a name change, we require your current driver’s license or the legal paperwork with your new name. Also provide your previous name on the registry, address, date of birth and last 4 of your social security number, if not listed on your document.
How do I request a duplicate certificate?
To request a duplicate certificate from, complete the CNA Change Request Form. There is a $15 processing fee for these actions.
I want to check my status on the registry to see when I expire. How do I do that?
You can check your status at the CNA registry website.
How long does it take to receive the CNA Certification from the CNA registry in the mail?
Up to 14 business days. Certificates are mailed from our contractor, Prometric, to the address listed on your renewal form.
I have lost my CNA card/certificate. How do I get another card/certificate?
You can request a replacement card/certificate by completing and submitting the CNA Change Request Form. There is a $15 fee for this service. We recommend that you keep your card in a secure, accessible location, as many employers require proof that you are current and in good standing before hiring you.
To request reciprocity, download the Reciprocity Form, located above under CNA Forms - Reciprocity.
Complete all sections and submit the form and documentation to the CNA registry as stated on the form.
Reciprocity is only granted when employment in Idaho has been offered or you are currently living in Idaho. Incomplete, missing, and illegible information/documentation will result in an automatic denial of reciprocity. Please see the Reciprocity form above for requirements.
How do I know my reciprocity has been granted and processed?
If you submit your renewal by email at Idaho Nurse Aide Program you will receive an email stating your reciprocity has been processed.
If you submit your reciprocity by fax or US mail, you can check your status at the Idaho State CNA registry website: CNA registry website.
How do I obtain a transfer out to another state?
You will need to contact the Nurse Aide Registry of the state you wish to transfer to and they will assist you with their transfer process.
Some states do require a fee for transferring and there are different prerequisites in each state required for completing the transfer process.
What do I do if I do not receive my CNA certificate after passing the exams?
Certificates are mailed from our contractor, Prometric, to the address listed on your testing form. You must contact Prometric at 1-888-2341.
What are CNA training course requirements?
The CNA course is a NATCEP approved course that is 120 hours. This includes 80 hours of classroom instruction and 40 hours of clinical hand-on instruction.
Who can challenge a CNA course and just take the CNA exam?
Only nursing students can challenge the CNA exam.
Federal regulation and Idaho CNA Registry policy states that criteria for challenging the CNA test includes the successful completion of one (1) semester of an accredited nursing school program as evidenced by a transcript of required nursing courses (not prerequisites.)
To be approved to challenge the CNA program course, you must submit an accredited nursing school transcript which verifies the applicant has successfully completed a basic nursing course, such as Nursing 101. Courses such as English, nutrition, human anatomy and physiology, etc., will not meet the criteria to challenge the CNA exam.
Submit your challenge request to the Idaho Nurse Aide Program. With your request, you must submit a copy of your first semester of nursing transcripts, at a minimum. If your request is approved, you will receive an "Approval to Test Letter" which will allow you to take the CNA exam which includes a skills and written test.
I am a paramedic, EMT, former military medic or medical assistant. Can I challenge the CNA course requirements and just take the skills and written test to become a CNA?
No. These training courses do not meet the Omnibus Reconciliation Act (OBRA) criteria in Idaho for what must covered in a CNA class. OBRA, passed by Congress in 1987, outlines the standards and requirements for trained Nurse Aides.
What if I was unable to take the CNA exam within the allowed one-year timeframe from course completion to testing?
Email the Idaho Nurse Aide Program stating the reason(s) why you were not able to test in the required timeframe, and include the date when you completed the Nurse Aide courses.
Where can I get study materials prior to retesting?
Contact one of the schools offering NATCEP-approved nurse aide courses. A list of schools is located above in the section, Where can I take a CNA NATCEP training course?
How many times may I retest for the written or skills tests?
You may retest up to three times for each test.
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