The Certification Center develops and manages curriculum and testing for the direct care workforce in Iowa. Training and testing are administered by the community colleges within the State of Iowa as well as facility-based training sites.
The Certification Center along with all 15 Community Colleges, the State Department of Inspections Appeals and Licensing (DIAL), and the facility-based training sites work together to ensure a well-trained, competent direct care workforce in the State of Iowa.
About the Center
In 2008, the Certification Center was first established when the state of Iowa switched from paper testing to a computerized test format.
Anita Stineman, PhD, RN served as the original Center Director. When she retired, oversight of the Center was transferred to current Center Director, Shalome Tonelli, PhD, RN.
The Certification Center reaches all corners of the state by working with all community college locations. Quality and safety are important for the care of our communities and the Center supports the training and quality of Iowa's direct care workforce. In any given year, they administer over 14,000 exams in the state of Iowa.
14,000+ Exams
administered in any given year
Resources
Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL)
DIAL is a multifaceted regulatory agency charged with protecting the health, safety, and well-being of Iowans. In partnership with DIAL, the Certification Center certifies all direct care professionals in the state.
Iowa Community Colleges
The Iowa Department of Education has compiled a list of all community colleges in the Iowa. To learn more and to explore direct care professional training programs, follow the link below.
Prepare to Care Curriculum
Prepare to Care, Iowa’s Direct Care and Support Curriculum, is a comprehensive training package that prepares people to work in a variety of direct care settings. These resources give more information about the trainings and how direct care professionals can combine courses into Career Pathways to earn Advanced Training Certificates.
For questions about the Certification Center, please contact Center Director, Shalome Tonelli, PhD, RN.