Certified Nursing Assistant in Indiana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.
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route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Indiana
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Indiana, individuals must complete a state-approved nurse aide training program of at least 75 hours, which includes both classroom and clinical instruction. After completing the training, candidates must successfully pass both the written and skills portions of the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam, administered by Ivy Tech Community College. Certification renewal is required every two years and is free, provided the CNA has worked at least 8 hours in nursing-related duties within the preceding 24 months. Indiana offers reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs who meet specific criteria, including passing the written exam.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Indiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Indiana requirements
| Licensing body | Indiana Department of Health |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Minimum 75-hour state-approved training program (at least 30 hours classroom, 75 hours clinical) or 105-hour state-approved training program. |
| Exam | Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam via Ivy Tech ($100) |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Indiana offers reciprocity, but out-of-state CNAs must pass the written competency exam.Reciprocal states: Indiana offers reciprocity. Out-of-state CNAs must be in good standing on another state's registry, complete an application, submit required documentation, and take the written portion of the Indiana Nurse Aide Competency Exam. A letter from an employer indicating at least 8 hours of work in the past 24 months may be required if the out-of-state certification was issued more than two years prior. |
| Notes | No age requirement. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in nursing-related duties in the past 24 months. Must pass a criminal background check and physical exam to enroll in some training programs. Must be able to complete simple mathematical equations (adding/subtracting) and read and write in English. |
Source: Indiana Department of Health
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Indiana? See whether Indiana recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Certified Nursing Assistant license reciprocity guide.
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- check_circleIndiana license required — clearer credential signal to employers
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