A comprehensive guide to the Idaho CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Idaho! The Idaho CNA Registry serves as the authoritative hub, ensuring the qualification, competence, and adherence to standards for all CNAs in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the Idaho CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the Idaho CNA Registry
Fees
The application process is free of charge.
Minimum Age
Enrollment in a CNA training program does not have a minimum age requirement, however, many training schools require you to be at least 16 years old. Additionally, there is a minimum age for employment as a CNA that should be considered. While employers in Idaho often avoid hiring CNAs who are under 18 years old due to specific legal requirements, there are instances where individuals aged 16 or 17 may be employed.
Minimum Education
Training school may require to have a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
To qualify you must successfully complete a state-approved nurse aide training program.
You can challenge the CNA training program if you completed one semester in an accredited nursing school program. This must be demonstrated through transcripts that confirm the completion of required nursing courses. It’s important that the transcript evidences the completion of a fundamental nursing course, such as Nursing 101.
Competency Test
Competency evaluation is expected to occur at the earliest available opportunity after you successfully complete your approved nurse aide training program. It consists of a manual skills test and a written evaluation. The manual skills test you need to complete within 6 months after completing your training program. The written evaluation is conducted by Prometric and needs to be completed within 12 months of the training program. You have three attempts to pass each exam. Should you fail to pass either examination after three tries, it will be necessary for you to undergo an approved nurse aide training program again before you can make any additional attempts at the exams.
Furthermore, individuals who completed nurse aide training in another state but did not complete the testing program or were not added to that state’s Registry might still be eligible to take the competency evaluation in Idaho. To qualify, these individuals must provide proof that their out-of-state training meets Idaho’s OBRA criteria and complete the competency evaluation within the specified Idaho timeframes, which include passing the skills test within six months and the written test within one year of training completion.
Background Check
Many programs as well as employers require you to submit a clear criminal background check.
Applying to appear on the Idaho CNA Registry
Where to apply
The application for the exam is done via Prometric. If you successfully pass both the written and manual skills exams, you will be added to the Idaho Registry as a CNA.
Required Documentation
Not applicable. As per the above, your testing entity will inform the Idaho CNA Registry directly.
Restrictions
If you have any findings against you, these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and you must provide all information required by the Registry.
Processing Time
Processing time varies. While it can take a few weeks, it often goes faster.
How to keep your license on the Idaho CNA Registry
Stay Active
The certification period is for 24 months, and you must renew every 2 years by providing verification that you have worked a minimum of eight hours in the last 24 months before the expiration date of your CNA license. Unpaid hours, such as volunteer work, do not count.
Renew
To renew your status as a Nurse Aide in Idaho, you must send the renewal form in the same month as your expiration date. You can find the renewal form here or here. On the form, you will need your current or most recent employer to verify your employment with their signature. If you provided personal care services, you need to include proof of payment for your work (checks or paystubs) in addition to the employer’s signature. There is no fee to renew your status as a CNA and you can submit the form by email, mail, or fax.
A renewal reminder will be mailed to you approximately 45 days before the expiration of your certification.
Reactivate your expired license
If your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) status has lapsed due to not having performed nursing-related duties for monetary compensation for at least one day over 24 months, you can regain active status without undergoing a training program. To achieve this, you must successfully pass both the Manual Skills and Written exams. After passing the Manual Skills exam, you must fill out the Idaho Nurse Aide Testing Application, which is available on Page 20 of the Candidate Information Bulletin.
Your exam will be organized either at your training program or by one designated by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare. You are responsible for arranging your test date and time with the training program. Bring the completed application to the testing center, where you will finalize the registration process and take the Internet-based exam.
Idaho CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Idaho CNA Reciprocity page.
Idaho Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/providers/certified-nurse-assistant/about-certified-nurse-assistant-registry
Link to license lookup: https://registry.prometric.com/publicID
Contact information:
Email: IDNAP@dhw.idaho.gov
Phone: 800-748-2480
Address:
IDHW Idaho Nurse Aide Registry
Licensing & Certification–Bureau of Facility Standards
P.O. Box 83720, PTC 6th Floor
Boise ID 83720-0009
