The Indiana State Department of Health oversees nurse aide training and competency programs within the state. Approved training programs provide 105 hours of classroom and practical instruction to prepare graduates for practice. Ivy Tech Community College conducts the CNA evaluation to determine candidate’s eligibility for certification. After passing the exam, new nurse aide graduates, out-of-state CNAs, military trained candidates, foreign nurses, nursing students and nursing graduates who meet the state’s requirements for certification will be placed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.
CNA Classes in IN:
- CNA Classes Fort Wayne, Indiana
- CNA Classes Indianapolis
- CNA Classes Logansport, IN
- CNA Classes Merrillville, IN
- CNA Classes Mishawaka, IN
- CNA Classes Sellersburg, IN
- CNA Classes South Bend, IN
How to Apply for the Indiana CNA Exam
Ivy Tech Community College oversees the administration of the Nurse Aide Competency Exam in Indiana. There are several eligibility routes to taking the exam. These are outlined below:
New Nurse Aides
If you completed an ISDH approved course comprising of 105 hours of classroom and clinical instruction, you are eligible to take the exam. Submit an Original Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation application completed by the training provider along with the testing fee. You must apply for both the written and skills portion of the test. New nurse aides must take the test within 2 years of completing the nurse aide program.
Nurse Aides Certified in Another State
If you’re currently listed in good standing on another state’s registry, you may apply to take the exam. Complete sections I and IV of the application form and include proof of certification – a current copy of your certificate indicating the registry number and expiration date. If you’re certified in Illinois or Alabama, you must submit a letter from your employer indicating that you worked for at least one eight-hour shift in the past 24 months. Nurse aides certified in another state must take the written portion of the test.
Nursing Students
If you’re currently enrolled in a nursing school, you must complete Sections I and IV of the application to take the CNA exam. Submit an official transcript of credits, indicating a grade C or better, directly from the Registrar to the Ivy Tech Community College. Nursing students must take the written portion of the test.
Graduate Nurse – Not Taken the State Board Exam
If you graduated from a nursing program within the past 24 months, you must apply for the written portion of the test. Submit the application with sections I and IV completed and an official transcript of your credits to Ivy Tech. You must have a grade C or better in the Fundamentals of Nursing.
Graduate Nurse – Did Not Pass the State Board Exam
If you graduated from a nursing program within the past 24 months, you may apply for the written and skills portion of the exam by submitting an application and official transcripts of credits indicating a grade C or better in the Fundamentals of Nursing.
Foreign Nurse
If you’re a recognized nurse in a foreign country, you must apply for both the written and skills portion of the CNA exam. Submit the completed application, a copy of your eligibility letter from the CGFNS, and the testing fee.
Psychiatric Attendant
If you’re trained as a psychiatric attendant in an Indiana State facility, you must take the written and skills portions of the test. Submit the application with sections I and IV completed, a certificate of completion from an Indiana facility, and the testing fee.
Military Medic
Apply for the written and skills portions of the CNA exam if you have documented military training and experience within the last 24 months. Submit a DD214 or transcript with your application and testing fee.
Mail applications, accompanying documents and fee to:
CNA Testing
P.O. Box 1621
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Once Ivy Tech receives your application, documentation, and payment, you will receive notification of your test date after 2 weeks. Your test will be scheduled within 30 days of submitting a completed application and payment. You may request a refund if you decide not to take the test, but it will take approximately 3 to 4 weeks to process the refund. You will be eligible for full refund of your payment if you notify Ivy Tech in writing a minimum of 48 hours before the scheduled test date.
Fee Schedule
The established testing fees in Indiana are as follows:
- One section of the test – $65.00
- Both sections of the test – $75.00
- Failure to appear for a scheduled exam – full loss of fees
- Returned facility check – $25
- Replacement of documentation – $15 per request
Payment must be made using a money order or cashier’s check made payable to Ivy Tech. You may also pay via credit card over the phone after submitting the application.
CNA Exam Overview Indiana
Nurse aide graduates have 24 months from the date of completing the program to take the nurse aide exam. Out-of-state CNAs have 120 days from the date of commencing work to pass the test. The written test contains 100 multiple-choice questions. The passing score is 80 percent.
Nurse aide graduates have three attempts to pass the exam. If you do not pass the exam by your third attempt, you must retake a training program.
Oral testing is available in accordance with the categories established and approved by the ISDH. Oral testing is limited to persons with a:
- Diagnosed learning disability
- Visual impairment
- Literacy complaint
What To Bring To The Exam
On test day, you must be seated at least 15 minutes before the scheduled test time. Dress in uniform or other appropriate gear and take an official state ID, which indicates your name, photo, and signature. A driver’s license and passport are examples of appropriate identification. Your name on the ID must match your name and signature on the application for the exam. If you arrive late, you will be permitted to take the exam. You cannot take books, papers, electronic devices, food and drinks into the testing area.
Receiving Your Scores
Test results are disbursed on the same day of the test. If you fail the test, the results letter will give instructions for retesting. If you pass the test, Ivy Tech will submit your results to the Department of Health, and you’ll receive your license within 8 to 10 weeks. Retesting requires a new testing fee.
Contact the Registry
Indiana State Department of Health
Division of Healthcare Education and Quality
2 North Meridian Street, 4B
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-7442 (Long Term Care Receptionist)
(317) 233-1325 (ISDH Main Switchboard)
Aide Registry Program Manager
Darlene Jones
dkjones@isdh.in.gov
Phone: (317) 233-7351
Fax: (317) 233-7750