The CNA certification exam consists of two parts: the written (competency) exam and the skills (hands-on) exam. We offer the convenience of taking these exams at our WITCC campuses.
The written exam is administered online through Headmaster or Credentia. For more details and to register for the written exam, please refer to the DIAL (Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing) website - Certified Nursing Assistants - Nurse Aide Training - See #2 for written exam instructions. The written exam is registered and paid through the chosen test provider.
The skills exam consists of students performing a set of CNA skills while being evaluated by a registered nurse. This is a hands-on performance evaluation and is completed in-person at an approved site. The skills exam is $125 and payment is due at the time of registration. You may register for the skills exam by calling Health Sciences Department at 319.254.6772 or with the link below.
WITCC CNA Students
Upon successfully passing the WITCC 75-Hour Nursing Assistant course, the first attempt at the skills exam is free for adult learners if taken within one year of completing the course. The student will be responsible for paying for any additional fees. Both written and skill exams must be passed within three attempts. If all three attempts result in a failure, you must re-take the 75-Hour Nursing Assistant course.
CNA Challenge Test
To get certified or re-certified as a CNA without taking the 75-hour course, you 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 upon registering.
To become certified, you must pass both exams within three tries and within one year of passing the first exam. If all three attempts are failed, you will be required to complete the full 75-hour Nursing Assistant course.
Passing Requirements of CNA State Certification
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. You will then be a certified nursing assistant and this will place you on the Iowa Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry. See the Iowa DCW website for more details.
Refund Policy
A 100% refund for skills testing 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 skills exam, contact the Health Sciences Department at 319.254.6772.