Question 1

Iowa CNA Certification Overview

Accepted Answer

To become a Certified Nurse Aide in Iowa, you must complete a state-approved CNA training program and pass the Iowa Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric on behalf of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

Iowa requires a minimum of 75 hours of CNA training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Most approved programs meet or exceed this requirement.

The exam has two parts:
• A written (or oral) knowledge test: 70 multiple-choice questions

Question 2

Iowa CNA Written Exam — What Is Tested

Accepted Answer

The Iowa written exam uses the NNAAP format. All 70 questions come from six content areas:

• Physical Care Skills (45%) — bathing, grooming, feeding, transfers, positioning, catheter care, elimination
• Safety & Emergency Procedures (14%) — fall prevention, RACE fire protocol, Heimlich maneuver, seizure response
• Infection Control (14%) — handwashing, PPE donning and doffing order, isolation precautions
• Resident Rights (11%) — OBRA regulations, right to refuse care, privacy, abuse reporting

Question 3

Iowa Prometric Testing Locations

Accepted Answer

The Iowa CNA written exam is administered at Prometric testing centers throughout the state:

• Des Moines
• Cedar Rapids
• Davenport
• Sioux City
• Iowa City
• Waterloo
• Council Bluffs
• Ames
• Dubuque
• Ankeny

To find the nearest Prometric center and available exam dates, visit prometric.com and search for Iowa nurse aide. Your training program issues your authorization to test upon completion. Des Moines and Cedar Rapids have the most testing availability.

Question 4

Iowa CNA Skills Test — What to Expect

Accepted Answer

The clinical skills evaluation is held at a Prometric skills testing site. You will demonstrate 5 randomly selected skills before a trained evaluator.

Handwashing is evaluated with every skill — perform it at the start and end of each demonstration. Failing to complete hand hygiene steps is the most common reason Iowa candidates fail the skills test.

Commonly tested skills include:
• Handwashing
• Measuring and recording blood pressure
• Providing perineal care for a female resident
• Transfer

Question 5

How to Prepare for the Iowa CNA Exam

Accepted Answer

Iowa's written exam first-attempt pass rate is approximately 70–75%. Structured practice testing is the most reliable preparation method.

1. Take a full diagnostic 70-question practice test before studying. Your topic scores reveal where to focus.
2. Prioritize Physical Care Skills — 45% of the exam.
3. Study Infection Control and Safety together — PPE order and RACE protocol are heavily tested.
4. Run at least one full timed 90-minute practice test before exam day.
5. Target 80% on practice te

Question 6

After You Pass — Iowa Nurse Aide Registry

Accepted Answer

After passing both parts of the Iowa exam, your name is added to the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry. Iowa employers must verify registry status before hiring nurse aides in licensed facilities.

Your Iowa CNA certification is valid for 24 months. To maintain active status, you must work as a nurse aide for at least 8 hours for pay during each renewal period. Lapsed certifications require retaking the full competency exam.

Registry status can be verified through the Iowa Department of Health and Human

Free CNA Practice Test Iowa — NNAAP Exam Prep Guide

Iowa CNA Certification Overview

Iowa CNA Written Exam — What Is Tested

Iowa Prometric Testing Locations

Iowa CNA Skills Test — What to Expect

How to Prepare for the Iowa CNA Exam

After You Pass — Iowa Nurse Aide Registry

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