CNA License Renewal in Iowa (2026)

CNA license renewal in Iowa is handled by the Iowa Direct Care Worker / Nurse Aide Registry (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing), which requires Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)s to renew every 24 months. Below are the renewal deadline rule, continuing-education (CE) hours, fees, and a direct link to the official renewal page — last verified 2026-06-01. This is an unofficial guide; always confirm the details with the board before you file.

Iowa CNA renewal at a glance

Renewal cycle	24 months
Deadline rule	The CNA certification itself does not expire, but active registry standing lapses if the aide performs no qualifying nursing work within a 24-month period. After 24+ months inactive, both competency tests must be retaken.
CE hours required	See board
Renewal fee	see board (fee not fixed/published)
Online renewal	Check board
Governing body	Iowa Direct Care Worker / Nurse Aide Registry (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing)

Go to the official Iowa Direct Care Worker / Nurse Aide Registry (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing) renewal page →

Last verified 2026-06-01 from the Iowa Direct Care Worker / Nurse Aide Registry (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing). manual review of Iowa DIAL Direct Care Worker Registry pages.

Continuing-education requirements for CNAs in Iowa

Active status is maintained by paid work, not classroom CE: at least 8 hours of paid nursing or nursing-related duties within each 24-month window. (Aides employed by long-term-care facilities separately receive at least 12 hours of in-service per year — an employer requirement, not a registry renewal condition.)

Need approved hours? Compare Iowa CNA CE courses (some links are affiliate links).

How to renew your CNA license in Iowa

Confirm your renewal deadline and current status on the Iowa Direct Care Worker / Nurse Aide Registry (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing) portal.
Submit the renewal application and pay the current fee.
Keep proof of CE and your renewal confirmation for your records.

Good to know: There is no self-service renewal: the Iowa employer reports the aide's qualifying hours to registry staff; aides cannot self-report. No fee is published for maintaining registry status.

CNA license renewal in Iowa: frequently asked questions

How often do I renew my CNA license in Iowa?

Iowa CNA licenses renew every 24 months. The CNA certification itself does not expire, but active registry standing lapses if the aide performs no qualifying nursing work within a 24-month period. After 24+ months inactive, both competency tests must be retaken.

Can I renew my Iowa CNA license online?

Check the Iowa Direct Care Worker / Nurse Aide Registry (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing) for the current renewal method.

What happens if I let my Iowa CNA license expire?

Practicing on an expired license is generally prohibited and can carry penalties. Late or reactivation fees may apply. Contact the Iowa Direct Care Worker / Nurse Aide Registry (Dept of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing) promptly if your license has lapsed.

Renew the same license in another state

All states: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) renewal