How to Become a CNA in Indiana 2026
To become a CNA in Indiana, you’ll need to complete an IDOH-approved training program of at least 105 hours, then pass the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The exam has two parts: a written knowledge test and a hands-on skills evaluation. Passing both earns you a listing on the Indiana Nurse Aide Registry.
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Indiana certifies nursing aides through the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH). The path follows a consistent structure: complete an approved training program, pass a two-part competency exam, and get listed on the state registry. Most candidates finish training in 4 to 10 weeks, depending on the program schedule and format.
On this page:
- Basic Requirements
- CNA Training in Indiana
- The Competency Exam
- The Application Process
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Qualified Medication Aides
Basic Requirements
Age requirements vary by training program. Many programs require students to be between 16 and 18 years old. Most programs also require a high school diploma or GED and a criminal background check before clinical rotations begin. A TB test and physical exam are typically required before clinical training starts. These are program-level admission requirements and may vary by school.
CNA Training in Indiana
IDOH-Approved Programs
IDOH-approved programs are at least 105 hours in total, including at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of supervised clinical training. Clinical rotations take place in licensed long-term care facilities. Indiana does not permit fully online CNA training. Some programs offer blended formats in which the classroom portion is delivered online, but the clinical component must be completed in person.
Programs typically run 4 to 10 weeks. Full-time accelerated tracks finish faster. Evening and part-time options take longer but allow more flexibility for working adults. Some employers and long-term care facilities may offer employer-sponsored or tuition-assisted CNA training. A current list of IDOH-approved programs is available on the Indiana Department of Health CNA training page and is searchable by county and city.
Candidates have a two-year window to sit for the competency exam after completing a training program. A candidate who doesn’t test within that window must complete another approved program before becoming eligible again.
Alternate Training Pathways
Nursing students and recent nursing school graduates are eligible to sit for the CNA exam without completing a separate aide training program. Graduates who have not yet attempted the nursing board exam need only take the written portion of the CNA test. Graduates who have attempted but not passed the nursing board exam must complete both the written and skills portions.
Foreign nurses with eligibility verified by an approved credentialing organization, such as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS), can also test as CNAs in Indiana. They must complete both exam portions.
Military medics may qualify based on their service training documentation, including a DD214 or equivalent transcript.
The Competency Exam
Indiana’s required test is the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam. The exam has two parts.
The written test contains 100 multiple-choice questions. Candidates must answer at least 80 questions correctly to pass. In cases involving a visual impairment, literacy difficulty, or a diagnosed learning disability, the test may be administered orally instead.
The skills test requires candidates to demonstrate hand hygiene plus four additional skills selected at random from the standard skill set. A proctor evaluates each skill for correct and safe technique.
Most candidates take both portions on the same day. A candidate on restricted activity may sit for the written portion only. Up to three attempts are allowed. Candidates who don’t pass receive information on where to improve.
To sit for the exam, candidates must present a valid government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. Results are provided on-site. A candidate who can’t keep a scheduled appointment must reschedule in writing at least 48 hours in advance, or full fees will apply.
Current exam fees and scheduling information are available directly from the testing vendor. Confirm fees before submitting your application.
The Application Process
Applications are submitted when a candidate is ready to schedule their exam. The application must include documentation of eligibility. What that looks like depends on your training pathway:
- IDOH-approved program completers: The program director confirms classroom hours, and the clinical supervisor confirms clinical hours. Both signatures appear on the application.
- Nursing students and graduates: A current transcript or official letter from the nursing school is required. Transcripts must be sent directly from the school to the testing vendor. Students and graduates must have earned at least a C in nursing fundamentals.
- Foreign nurses: An eligibility letter from CGFNS or another approved credentialing organization.
- Military medics: A DD214, transcript, or equivalent documentation.
- Out-of-state CNAs: A copy of the current certificate showing the certificate number and expiration date. Applicants from Illinois and Alabama provide an employer letter instead, showing the applicant’s name, job title, and dates of employment. The minimum is one eight-hour shift, though this requirement is waived if certification was earned within the prior two years.
After passing the exam, a certificate is issued.
Out-of-State CNAs
CNAs currently certified in another U.S. state are required to take only the written examination. An out-of-state CNA may begin working in Indiana before testing, but must pass the exam within a defined period of starting work. Confirm the current timeline directly with IDOH before starting.
Qualified Medication Aides
A CNA who meets the work experience and educational requirements set by IDOH can pursue additional credentialing as a Qualified Medication Aide (QMA). QMA candidates must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Check IDOH directly for current QMA eligibility requirements. CNAs considering a longer path into registered nursing can review CNA-to-RN bridge program options.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Related: How to become an LPN in Indiana | How to become an RN in Indiana | LPN Programs in Indiana | RN Programs in Indiana | Medical Assistant Programs in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Indiana?
Most Indiana CNA programs take 4 to 10 weeks to complete. Full-time schedules move faster. Part-time and evening options take longer. After completing training, candidates have up to 20 years to pass the competency exam before they need to repeat the program.
What is on the Indiana CNA competency exam?
The exam has two parts: a 100-question written test and a hands-on skills evaluation. The written test requires a passing score of 80%. The skills portion requires candidates to demonstrate hand hygiene and four additional randomly selected skills correctly. Up to three attempts are allowed.
Can I become a CNA in Indiana without completing a formal training program?
In certain cases, yes. Nursing students, recent nursing graduates, foreign nurses with CGFNS eligibility, and military medics may qualify to sit for the exam without completing a separate aide training program. Each pathway has its own documentation requirements.
Do I need a background check to start a CNA program in Indiana?
Most Indiana CNA programs require a criminal background check, TB test, and physical before clinical training can begin. Age requirements also vary by program. Many require students to be between 16 and 18 years old. These are program-level requirements and may vary by school. Check with your specific program before applying.
What is a Qualified Medication Aide in Indiana?
A Qualified Medication Aide (QMA) is a CNA with additional credentialing to assist with medication administration. QMA candidates must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Work experience is required. Check IDOH directly for current QMA eligibility requirements.
Key Takeaways
- 105-hour minimum training — IDOH-approved programs include at least 30 hours of classroom instruction and 75 hours of supervised clinical training in a licensed facility.
- Two-part competency exam — The written test has 100 questions with an 80% passing threshold. The skills test covers hand hygiene and four randomly selected hands-on skills. Three attempts are allowed.
- Multiple eligibility pathways — Nursing students, graduates, foreign nurses verified by CGFNS, and military medics can test without completing a separate aide training program.
- Out-of-state CNAs take the written exam only — CNAs certified in other states can begin working in Indiana before testing, but must pass within a set window. Confirm the current deadline with IDOH.
- QMA credentialing is available — CNAs who meet IDOH’s work experience and educational requirements can pursue Qualified Medication Aide training to expand their scope.
Indiana-approved CNA programs are available across the state. Use the search below to find training options near you.