CNA license requirements in Indiana (2026)
If you want to start working in healthcare without years of school or a heavy financial commitment, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Indiana is one of the smartest moves you can make. The training is shorter than most states, just 105 hours, and the whole certification process can be done in as little as four to ten weeks. Indiana also has 45% more nursing facility beds per person than the national average, which translates directly into strong, consistent demand for CNAs across every corner of the state, from Indianapolis and Fort Wayne to smaller communities.
Who regulates CNA certification in Indiana?
CNA certification in Indiana is overseen by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). The competency exam itself is administered by Ivy Tech Community College, which IDOH has contracted specifically for this purpose, a setup unique to Indiana among most states. Once you pass, your information is submitted to the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry, which is the official record that allows you to legally work as a CNA. Employers are required to verify your registry status before hiring.
| Body | Role in CNA Certification |
|---|---|
| Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) | Oversees CNA certification standards, approves training programs, and manages Indiana’s Nurse Aide Registry. |
| Ivy Tech Community College | Contracted by IDOH to administer the statewide CNA competency evaluation, including both written and skills examinations. |
| Indiana Nurse Aide Registry | Maintains the official certification record. Employers must verify active CNA status through the registry before hiring. |
| Training Programs | Community colleges, vocational schools, healthcare facilities, and other state-approved providers deliver CNA education and clinical training. |
Basic requirements to become a CNA in Indiana
Indiana’s entry bar is relatively accessible, there are no formal education prerequisites to enroll in a training program. That said, most programs and employers require applicants to be at least 18 years old. Here’s the full checklist before you apply.
| Requirement | What it means | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old, which is required by most Indiana training programs and healthcare employers. | Standard |
| Education Prerequisites | No specific educational requirements established by IDOH. A high school diploma or GED is not required to enroll in most CNA training programs. | Open Access |
| Training Program | Complete an Indiana Department of Health-approved Nurse Aide Training Program consisting of at least 105 training hours. | Required |
| Competency Exam | Pass both the written examination and clinical skills evaluation administered through Ivy Tech Community College. | Required |
| Background Check | Criminal background screening is generally required before employment in licensed healthcare facilities. | Required |
| Registry Listing | Your certification must appear on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry before you can legally work as a CNA. | Required |
One notable advantage in Indiana: new hires at nursing facilities can begin working within 120 days of their hire date while completing the certification process, as long as they submit proof of employment. This means you can start earning before you’re fully certified.
Step-by-step: how to get certified in Indiana
The path from zero to certified follows four clear steps. Most full-time candidates wrap up the entire process, training, exam, and registry listing, somewhere between four and ten weeks.
Enroll in an IDOH-Approved 105-Hour Training Program
Find and complete a Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). Programs must include at least 105 hours of instruction, combining classroom education and supervised clinical practice in a real healthcare environment.
Training is available through Ivy Tech Community College, vocational schools, career centers, and licensed healthcare facilities throughout Indiana. Tuition typically ranges from $700–$1,500, although some employers offer free training in exchange for a post-certification work commitment.
Apply for the Competency Exam Through Ivy Tech
After completing training, submit your CNA exam application through the Ivy Tech CNA Portal. Payment is required when the application is submitted.
Keep your training completion documentation available, as it may be required during the application process. Candidates retaking only one portion of the exam pay a reduced fee.
Pass the Two-Part Competency Examination
The Indiana CNA exam consists of a written knowledge examination and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation administered by Ivy Tech at approved testing locations across the state.
Both portions must be passed to earn certification. If either section is failed, candidates may retest. However, after three unsuccessful attempts, completion of a new training program is required before testing again.
Complete the Required Background Check
Most licensed healthcare facilities require a criminal background screening before employment. This process is commonly coordinated by the employer or training provider.
Individuals with certain disqualifying findings, including substantiated abuse, neglect, or exploitation cases, may be ineligible to work as a CNA in Indiana.
Get Listed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry
After successfully passing both exam components, your results are submitted to the Indiana Department of Health. Your name is then added to the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry, typically within a few days to two weeks.
Registry listing serves as your official CNA certification. You can also access and print your certification card through your Access Indiana account.
What’s on the Indiana CNA competency exam?
The Indiana CNA exam has two parts, both administered by Ivy Tech. The written test is based on the IDOH Nurse Aide Training Program curriculum. The clinical skills evaluation tests your ability to perform basic nursing tasks safely and competently. You must pass both to receive your certification.
- Multiple-choice format
- Oral (audio) option available
- Infection control and safety
- Patient care basics and hygiene
- Communication and resident rights
- Up to 3 total attempts allowed
- 3–5 hands-on skills demonstrated
- Performed at an Ivy Tech testing site
- Hand hygiene and infection control
- Taking and recording vital signs
- Mobility assistance and transfers
- Proper patient positioning
| Topic Area | What It Covers | Exam Section |
|---|---|---|
| Infection Control | Handwashing procedures, proper PPE use, standard precautions, and isolation protocols. | Written + Skills |
| Patient Safety | Fall prevention, safe patient positioning, accident prevention, and emergency response procedures. | Written + Skills |
| Resident Rights | Dignity, privacy, informed consent, confidentiality, and OBRA regulations. | Written |
| Basic Nursing Care | Vital signs, personal hygiene assistance, feeding support, and daily care activities. | Written + Skills |
| Mobility and Transfers | Bed-to-chair transfers, ambulation assistance, wheelchair safety, and mobility techniques. | Skills |
| Communication | Reporting patient changes, documenting observations, and effective resident interaction. | Written |
How long does it take to become a CNA in Indiana?
The full process, from starting training to getting listed on the registry, typically takes 4 to 10 weeks full-time. Part-time schedules stretch this to 3 months or more. One practical tip: submit your Ivy Tech exam application as soon as your training is complete to avoid unnecessary delays in scheduling.
| Program Type | Training Duration | Total Timeline to Certified |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (Daytime) | 3–5 weeks | ~4–8 weeks |
| Part-Time (Evenings / Weekends) | 6–10 weeks | 8–14 weeks |
| Employer-Sponsored / Facility-Based | Varies (often faster) | Can start work within 120 days of hire |
Indiana allows newly hired CNAs at nursing facilities to begin working within 120 days of their hire date while completing the certification process, with proof of employment submitted to IDOH. This is one of Indiana’s most practical allowances for new entrants to the field.
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Indiana?
Indiana’s certification costs are on the lower end compared to many other states. The exam fee is a flat $100 for both parts (effective January 1, 2025), administered through Ivy Tech. Training tuition varies but many employer-sponsored options can bring your out-of-pocket cost to zero.
| Cost Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Training Program Tuition | $700 | $1,500 | Varies by school, training provider, and program format. |
| Competency Exam (Both Parts) | $100 | $100 | Fixed statewide fee through Ivy Tech Community College. |
| Retake Fee (One Part Only) | $90 | $90 | Applies when only the written or skills portion must be retaken. |
| Study Materials / Supplies | $0 | ~$60 | Frequently included in tuition, but some programs require separate purchase. |
| Total Estimated Cost | ~$800 | ~$1,660 | Many healthcare employers offer tuition reimbursement or fully sponsored training. |
Many nursing homes and assisted living facilities in Indiana offer free CNA training in exchange for a post-certification work commitment. If you’re open to starting work at a specific facility, this is the fastest and cheapest route to certification.
CNA salary and job outlook in Indiana, 2026
Indiana’s CNA pay is notably competitive, significantly higher than neighboring states like Florida, and demand remains strong driven by the state’s high concentration of long-term care facilities. Here’s how the numbers break down across multiple sources as of 2026.
For most entry-level CNAs in Indiana, a realistic starting expectation is $17–$19/hr. Experienced CNAs in hospital settings or specialty care (memory care, rehab, hospice) typically earn $20–$24/hr or more. Indianapolis tends to run slightly above the statewide average.
| Work Setting | Approx. Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term Care / Nursing Home | $36,000–$39,000 | Largest employer of CNAs in Indiana. |
| Statewide Average (CNA) | $39,713 | ZipRecruiter estimate (March 2026). |
| Indianapolis Metro Area | $39,880–$41,747 | Slightly above the statewide average. |
| Top Earners (90th Percentile) | $52,811 | Typically requires experience and specialty settings. |
Salary Disclaimer: Salary estimates are based on publicly available wage data, employer job postings, and labor market information. Actual earnings vary by employer, geographic location, specialty, shift differentials, overtime opportunities, certifications, and experience level.
Where can you work as a CNA in Indiana?
Once you’re listed on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry, you can work in any licensed healthcare facility in the state. Indiana’s high density of nursing facility beds, 45% above the national average, means more consistent opportunities than most states, particularly in long-term care.
| Facility Type | Common Settings | Demand Level |
|---|---|---|
| Skilled Nursing Facilities | Long-term care, post-acute rehabilitation, and memory care units | Very High |
| Hospitals | Medical-surgical units, ICU support, and emergency departments | High |
| Assisted Living Communities | Independent living and assisted senior living communities | High |
| Home Health Agencies | Private home care, hospice, and palliative care services | Very High |
| Outpatient Clinics | Mental health facilities, dialysis centers, and rehabilitation clinics | Moderate |
CNA license renewal in Indiana
Your Indiana CNA certification must be renewed every 24 months. The renewal model is straightforward, no continuing education credits are required. You simply need to have stayed active as a CNA in paid employment. If your certification lapses beyond two years, a new training program and exam will be required before returning to the registry.
| Renewal Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Renewal Cycle | Every 24 months |
| Work Requirement | At least 8 hours of paid CNA work in a nursing-related setting within the previous 24 months. |
| CEU / Education Requirement | 12 hours of in-service education annually. Most employers provide this training at no cost. |
| Renewal Fee | No Fee No reinstatement fee required through IDOH. |
| Lapsed Less Than 2 Years | Complete a renewal application and submit proof of qualifying work experience or training. |
| Lapsed More Than 2 Years | Retraining Required Must complete a new 105-hour Nurse Aide Training Program and pass the competency exam again. |
Can you transfer a CNA license to Indiana?
Yes, Indiana accepts out-of-state CNA certifications. Your home-state certification must be active and in good standing, with no disciplinary history. Importantly, out-of-state CNAs must pass Indiana’s written exam within 120 days of starting to work in the state, so plan accordingly.
| Step | What’s Required |
|---|---|
| Active Certification | Current, valid CNA certification in your home state that is not expired, suspended, or revoked. |
| Good Standing | No disciplinary actions, substantiated complaints, registry findings, or pending investigations. |
| Written Exam | Must pass Indiana’s written competency examination (NATCE) within 120 days of beginning employment in Indiana. |
| Application Route | Submit a reciprocity application through the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry along with all required supporting documentation. |
| Registry Listing | Final Step Once approved, your name is added to the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry and you may work as a CNA in Indiana. |
Unlike some states that offer full reciprocity without additional testing, Indiana requires out-of-state CNAs to pass the written exam within 120 days. Budget for the $90–$100 exam fee when planning your transfer timeline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Licensing Information Disclaimer: Licensing requirements, fees, examination details, renewal standards, and Nurse Licensure Compact participation may change over time. While we strive to keep this information current and accurate, MyShyft does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information provided. Always verify licensing requirements directly with the Indiana Board of Nursing before making educational, licensing, employment, or relocation decisions. Reliance on information contained on this page is at the reader’s own risk.