How to Reinstate Your Lapsed CNA License in Iowa
If your CNA certification has lapsed in Iowa, contact the Iowa Nurse Aide Registry to find out what options you have. Reinstatement rules, eligibility windows, exam providers, and fees are set by Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) — they are the only authoritative source for your specific situation.
Reinstatement window
24 months
CE hours required
None
Exam fee
Varies — contact registry
Typical timeline
Varies — contact your registry
Registry & Authority
Iowa Nurse Aide Registry
Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)
Official registry websiteExam Provider & Fees
Credentia
Register at credentia.com. Contact Iowa DIAL for the current combined exam fee.
Step-by-step reinstatement process in Iowa
Follow these steps in order to reinstate your Iowa CNA certification.
Look up the official Iowa nurse aide registry
Use the official registry link above to visit Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)'s website. Look up your listing to see your current status and learn who to contact about reinstatement.
Contact the registry to ask about your reinstatement options
Call or email Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) directly. Explain that your certification has lapsed and ask what your options are. They will tell you your eligibility, current requirements, fees, and approved exam provider — if any reinstatement path is available to you.
Follow the process your registry specifies
Reinstatement processes vary by state and individual situation. Follow the exact steps Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) provides. This may involve scheduling an exam, completing training hours, or other requirements specific to your case.
Confirm your active listing before returning to work
After completing all requirements, verify that your listing shows as active in the Iowa registry before accepting a nursing aide position. Do not work in a nurse aide role until your listing is confirmed.
Always verify with the official registry
State requirements change. Confirm current reinstatement rules with Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) before scheduling your exam. The information above reflects publicly available guidance as of 2025–2026.
Prepare for the Iowa competency evaluation with a state-specific plan
You've done this before. CNA-Ready's reinstatement track targets exactly what lapsed CNAs need to refresh — without making you relearn what you already know.
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Cost comparison: Iowa
Full retraining program
Varies by state
Provider-specific · Confirm with the registry
CNA-Ready reinstatement prep
Best valueFrom $24.99/mo
Self-paced · Cancel anytime
Plus Varies — contact registry exam fee regardless of which prep path you choose.
Iowa CNA reinstatement: frequently asked questions
Your Iowa reinstatement window is open.
Start prep today — timing and eligibility depend on your state and testing vendor. Confirm current requirements with the official registry.
Start Free — No Credit Card RequiredFrom $24.99/month · Cancel anytime