Tests are required by the federal government and the State of Iowa if you plan to work in a certified long-term care facility as a nurse aide.  The tests are given in two parts, the Nurse Aide Written Test and the Nurse Aide Skills Competency testing.  Both tests must be passed within three attempts. If a candidate does not pass the written OR skills test after three attempts, they must retake the 76-hour course AND begin a new testing cycle.

Nurse Aide Written Test

Beginning February 2, 2026, the Iowa Community Colleges will now be working with D&S Diversified Technologies, also known as Headmaster LLP and TMU, to offer the Iowa Nurse Aide State Knowledge (Written) Exam.  

All Iowa Community Colleges will be serving as proctor sites only.  Headmaster/TMU will serve as the Registration Host, including payment and keeper of all candidate information, exam information, and testing results.  The Iowa Community Colleges will only serve in the capacity of a test host site and exam proctor.  The new registration and payment site for all Iowa nurse aide candidates taking the Written testing is: ia.tmutest.com

The DIAL website offers Remote Testing for the written testing.  Testing candidates can access this information through the DIAL website. The Remote Registration link is: dial.iowa.gov/how-do-i-cna-training

Please Note: This Applies ONLY to the State Written Nurse Aide Exam.  All State Skills Nurse Aide Testing remains unchanged, and you may continue to sign up at any Community College site or location that offers approved State Skills Testing

Nurse Aide Skills Competency

Please contact the Continuing Education Office at 641-422-4358 or 1-888-466-4222 ext. 4358 for available dates and times

Cost:  $125 – Payment is required at the time of registration.

Registration: 641-422-4358
When registering, you will need to provide the name of your course instructor(s). Your instructor(s) cannot be your evaluator.

For additional testing needs, please contact the Health Program Specialist.

Picture ID is required to test.  All testing is in McAllister Hall.   Candidates should bring a watch with a second hand, wear appropriate attire for testing session, and arrive during the first hour of testing. Testing times are on a first come first served basis.  Due to potential wait time, candidates should plan accordingly and bring materials to study.

Testing session dates are subject to change.

Nurse Aide Skills Testing Guidelines and Protocols

• Candidates must follow all NIACC guidelines to protect the health and safety of faculty, staff, and the community.