The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) is pleased to announce a new initiative that will make it significantly easier for aspiring certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to complete their certification. Starting this summer, students will be able to take their CNA written exams remotely, online, eliminating the need to travel to one of Iowa's testing sites.
“We’re excited to provide CNA students with more flexibility and convenience,” said Governor Kim Reynolds. “This is a major step forward in supporting Iowa’s future health care workforce.”
DIAL has contracted with two nationally recognized testing providers—Headmaster and Credentia—to offer secure, remote online written testing for CNA candidates across the state.
"This change increases accessibility and flexibility for students, particularly those in rural areas or with limited transportation options," stated DIAL Director Larry Johnson, Jr. “Iowa needs to meet the demands of Iowa workers where they are at and provide all innovative options to bring qualified workers into the health care workforce,” said Johnson.
Headmaster's website is active and accepting student registrations as of today. Credentia is expected to launch its online testing portal later this summer.
While the written exam CNAs are required to pass will be available remotely online, students will still be required to complete the skills test onsite at approved locations to demonstrate practical competencies.
Safety measures are in place to ensure the reliability and integrity of the remote testing.
Students who successfully complete both the written and skills exams and pass the required coursework will be automatically added to the Iowa Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry within 10–14 days after test completion. Placement on the DCW Registry is necessary for any CNA who wishes to work in an Iowa nursing home. Neither testing nor placement on the registry are required for CNAs who plan to work in an assisted living facility, hospital, or other health care facility that is not a nursing home.