CNA Certification in Idaho

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Idaho

The state of Idaho has a certified nursing assistant certification process that is a bit different from others. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare oversees the training programs and the state registry, but has partnered with Prometric to actually administer the exams and to help with the management of the registry.

The state is also unique in that it has a two part exam that is not administered in the same manner as other states’. For example, prior to being admitted to the written exam, the student has to be accepted into an approved training program and take the skills exam.

Eligibility Requirements

To meet the requirements an Idaho certified nursing assistant certification training program, candidates have to have the following:

They need to demonstrate that they are at least 18 years of age;They must have proof of high school graduation or a GED;They will have to undergo a criminal background check that includes fingerprint data and a felony arrest check; andThey must submit to a complete health screening. This will show that all immunizations are up to date, that a negative TB test is done, drug screening is done, and that the candidate is generally in favorable health.

The candidate must also have successfully passed the Manual Skills evaluation within six month of completing their training program too. The written test must be done within 12 months of the training.

Applying for CNA Certification in Idaho

Some candidates will not need to attend an approved program if they meet the following criteria:

Reciprocity – if you can provide evidence of your appearance on another state’s registry for CNAs, you are placed on the Idaho registry without any further training or testing;Challenge – a CNA certification candidate can challenge the exam when they have already completed a semester in nursing school, finished an approved Nurse Aide training program, or have verification of an expired status on another state’s registry;Waiver – some certified nursing assistant certification candidates can provide evidence of licensures as an RN or LPN in another state and can be placed on the registry with a simple application; orLapsed – if the CNA status is lapsed in the state – meaning that the CNA failed to perform paid duties as a CNA in the last 24 months – and must take the exam. They are a student nurse or graduate nurse who has completed a course of no less than 100 hours of study.

When CNA certification candidates need training in Idaho, they have only a limited list of schools to choose from. This is found at the Department of Health and Welfare website.

Any approved programs will have a minimum of 120 hours, with 80 hours spent on classroom instruction and 40 hours spent in healthcare facilities. Only after the mandatory hours of training will the candidate be able apply for the exam. Applications can be done through the Prometric website, but testing occurs at the training program location or a location selected by the Department of Health and Welfare.

Testing includes only the written exam because the manual skills will have been approved after the training was done.

Costs

Average costs for CNA certification training in Idaho are between $800 and $1000, and takes several months to complete. Many people have their employers cover all of the costs of certification by working during training. There are also the testing fees and they are:

Written exam: $29 plus the site fee

Oral exam: $39 plus the site fee

FAQ

Below is a list of useful and frequently required facts for CNA certification:

If you are unsuccessful at completing the exams after three attempts, you are required to repeat the approved training program prior to any further testing attempts;Certification is valid for two years, but you must apply for recertification. To be eligible, you must have worked for pay at least one documented day in the previous 24 months;A renewal reminder will be mailed approximately 45 days prior to the expiration of certification; andIf you have not worked for pay a minimum of an 8-hour day during the previous 24 consecutive months, your certificate will not be renewed. If you want to become certified again, you must retake both exams;

Helpful Resources around the Web

Prometric1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 888-843-2341
Web: www.prometric.com/NurseAide/ID
Email: IDCNA@prometric.com

Idaho Department of Health and WelfareIdaho Nurse Aide Registry
3232 Elder Street
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, Idaho 83720
Phone: 800-748-2480
Web: www.CNARegistry.dhw.idaho.gov