Hawkeye Community College
1501 East Orange Road
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Phone:
- (319) 296-4456
CNA Classes in Waterloo, IA
1 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training program in Waterloo. Iowa requires 75 hours minimum of training and uses TestMaster Universe/Headmaster (with Credentia available for the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam) for the competency exam.
Programs in Waterloo
1
State Required Hours
75 hours minimum
Exam Vendor
TestMaster Universe/Headmaster (with Credentia available for the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam)
All CNA Programs in Waterloo
Becoming a CNA in Iowa
Becoming a Certified Nurse Aide in Iowa is regulated by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL), which approves all Nurse Aide Training Programs, oversees the Direct Care Worker Registry, and as of January 2026 contracts with TestMaster Universe/Headmaster as the central testing administrator. Iowa requires the federal minimum of 75 hours of training — with roughly 45 classroom/lab hours and at least 30 clinical hours — which is identical to neighboring Missouri and Nebraska but well below California's 160-hour standard.
Frequently Asked Questions: CNA Training in Waterloo
How many CNA training programs are available in Waterloo, IA?
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Our directory lists 1 state-approved Certified Nurse Aide training program in Waterloo, IA. All programs must meet Iowa's minimum of 75 hours minimum and prepare graduates to sit for the TestMaster Universe/Headmaster (with Credentia available for the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam) competency exam.
How do I become a CNA in Waterloo, IA?
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To work as a CNA in Waterloo, you must meet a Iowa-approved training program of at least 75 hours minimum, pass the TestMaster Universe/Headmaster (with Credentia available for the Remotely Proctored Knowledge Exam) competency exam (Two-part competency evaluation: a 70-item written (or remotely proctored) knowledge test plus a hands-on skills test of 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills), and clear a Criminal background check through DIAL's Health Facilities Division. Most candidates complete the full process in 5-9 weeks from program start to Direct Care Worker Registry listing.
Are there free CNA classes in Waterloo?
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No Waterloo program on our directory currently advertises free tuition, but many Iowa nursing facilities pay for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after certification. Ask local long-term care employers about employer-sponsored training programs, and check the American Red Cross and Job Corps for additional pathways.