The CNA testing consists of two parts. The written exam is a 100-question, computer-generated, multiple-choice test that is completed online in our testing center. The skills exam includes students performing hands-on assigned caregiving tasks that are evaluated by a RN.
The written exam is $65, and the skills exam is $125. The total amount due for both exams is $190. Payment is due at the time of registration.
WITCC CNA Students
Upon successfully passing the WITCC 75-Hour Nursing Assistant course, the first attempt at the written and skills exam is free if taken within one year of completing the course. The student will be responsible for paying for any additional attempts at the time of registration. Both exams must be passed within three attempts. If all three attempts result in a fail, you must re-take the 75-Hour Nursing Assistant course.
CNA Challenge Test
Anyone who wants to get certified or re-certified as a CNA without taking the 75-hour course may challenge the State CNA Exam. You are allowed up to three attempts for both the written and skills exams, and each attempt must be paid for separately.
To become certified, you must pass both exams within three tries and within one year of passing the first exam. If you do not pass both exams within that year - regardless of whether you passed one or not - you must retake both exams.
If you fail all three attempts, you will be required to complete the full 75 -hour Nursing Assistant course.
Successful completion of both the written and skills testing is required by the State of Iowa to work in a certified long-term care facility. A score of 70% or better is required to pass both the written and skills exam. This will place you on the Iowa Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry. To remain active on the registry please refer to the DCW requirements on their site.
Refund Policy: A 100% refund will be given when a 24-hour notice is given to the Health Sciences Department. A refund will NOT be authorized if the Health Sciences Department has not received a 24-hour notification of cancellation. To cancel or reschedule the exams, contact the Health Sciences Department at 319.254.6772.