CNA Programs in Idaho

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has Prometric administer their CNA competency evaluation, much as many other states do. However, Prometric tests only CNA theory here. Skills are tested differently in Idaho than they are in most other states. Idaho uses a state-specific skills examination that must be passed within six months of completing training and within three attempts. Once this section is successfully completed, students can move on to the Prometric examination.

The Prometric examination must be successfully passed within three attempts and within 12 months for students to avoid retraining. The knowledge test is completed on a computer and has 60 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 90 minutes or less. Students who do not speak English as a first language or who have another disability may request to take the oral version of this test when they apply. Prometric provides a practice test in its candidate bulletin to give students an idea of what to expect.

The cost for the written examination is $29 plus additional site fees or $39 plus additional site costs for the oral examination. Students will find out their scores while at the testing center because of the computerized format. To test, students should bring two forms of identification, their social security numbers and proof that they completed the skills evaluation and should arrive at least 30 minutes early. Students who need to reschedule their examinations should do so before the fifth business day before the test.

Nurses or physicians moving to Idaho from another state can be automatically added to the Nurse Aide Registry without additional training or testing. However, CNAs moving here must apply for reciprocity to have their names added to the Registry. CNAs will need to prove that they have active status on their prior states’ Registries and will be given deemed status without having to retrain or retest. Out-of-state CNAs with lapsed licenses will need to retest but will not be required to take another training program. Any individuals who have been accused of patient abuse or neglect will not be eligible for reciprocity. Reciprocity forms are located in the Prometric CNA Bulletin or on the Department of Health and Welfare Website. Reciprocity is free.

Idaho CNAs must renew their certifications every two years. Renewal notices will be mailed to CNAs approximately 45 days before expiration. To be eligible to renew, CNAs must not be listed on the abuse registry and must have worked at least one full day as a CNA for pay within the past 24 months. CNAs will have to fill out a renewal form and sign it to have an active status for the next two years. CNAs who miss the expiration date may have less than two years on their new certifications. Those who allow their certifications to lapse by not working the required hours will have to retake both the skills and the written examinations to be returned to active status. Renewal costs $40.

Idaho CNA Application
CNA Reciprocity Form
Renewal Form

Links
Idaho Department of Health and Welfare
Idaho Board of Nursing
Verify your Idaho CNA License

Contacts
Prometric
ID Nurse Aide
7941 Corporate Dr.
Nottingham MD 21236
Phone: 888.843.2341