Idaho — Sawtooth Mountains reflected in alpine lake

Idaho Certified Nursing Assistant License

Idaho Board of Nursing

Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Unknown
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

What You'll Need

  • Proof of Training — Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
  • State Competency Exam Results — Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
  • Fingerprint background check — through IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
  • Application fee — $25

How to Apply

  1. Create Portal Account
    Go to the Idaho Board of Nursing Applicant Portal (ibn.idaho.gov/applicant-portal/) and create a new user account. You will need to provide personal details and set up your login credentials.
  2. Initiate Application
    Log in to your newly created Applicant Portal account. From your dashboard, click 'Begin a New Application' and select 'Nurse Aide' as the application type. Choose either 'Certification by Examination' or 'Certification by Endorsement' based on your eligibility.
  3. Complete Application Form
    Proceed to fill out all required sections of the online application form. This includes providing your personal information, detailed education or training history, and answering background questions.
  4. Upload Supporting Documents
    Electronically upload all necessary supporting documentation directly through the Applicant Portal. This may include proof of completion from an approved training program, official exam results, or verification of an out-of-state license for endorsement.
  5. Pay Application Fee
    Submit the required non-refundable application fee of $40 for either certification by examination or endorsement. Payment is made securely via credit or debit card within the Applicant Portal.
  6. Submit and Monitor Application
    Review your entire application and all uploaded documents for accuracy and completeness. Once satisfied, electronically submit your application. You can monitor the status and any communications regarding your application directly through your Idaho Board of Nursing Applicant Portal dashboard.
Total Fee
$25
Processing Time
Unknown
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Contact the Idaho Board of Nursing for current transfer requirements.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application
    Apply through the Idaho Board of Nursing. The application fee is $25.
  2. Provide License Verification
    Idaho requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
  3. Provide Proof of Training
    Certificate of completion from your approved CNA training program.
  4. Submit Your State Competency Exam Results
    Official verification of passing your state's nurse aide competency evaluation.
  5. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening
    Idaho requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan OR FD-258 hard card via mail. Completing prints outside Idaho can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  6. Await Board Processing
    Plan for a processing timeline of about Unknown once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization for CNAs during the endorsement process. Contact the state nurse aide registry directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Total Fee
Contact board
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Idaho Board of Nursing

Keeping Your License Active

Idaho Certified Nursing Assistant licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Idaho Board of Nursing for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$25
Endorsement application$25

Slow Downs

Fingerprinting delays
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.

Questions

How much does Idaho CNA endorsement cost?
The endorsement application fee is $25. Additional costs may include background check fees.
Is a background check required?
Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is required in Idaho.
How long does it take to transfer my CNA certification to Idaho?
Most endorsement applications take 4 to 6 Weeks.
Can I start working in Idaho while waiting?
Check with the state board about temporary practice permits while your endorsement is being processed.

Board Info

Idaho Board of Nursing
Sources