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How to become a CNA in Delaware. Training: 150 hours required. Exam provider: Prometric. Total initial fees: $115+. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Governing Authority
Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) – Department of Health and Social Services
Official website →Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
73% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
150 hrs
Training Hours
Prometric
Exam Provider
$115+
Total Initial Fees
2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
24 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related services under nurse/physician supervision during each 24-month certification period
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) – Department of Health and Social Services
(302) 421-7410
Program Approval Body
Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) – Department of Health and Social Services
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
150
Total Hours
75
Classroom
75
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Prometric
Written Exam Details
60
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
72%
Passing Score
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
3
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass within 3 attempts within 24 months of program completion; after 3 failures, must retake training
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Fingerprinting
Immunizations Required
TB Test Required
Abuse Registry Check
Physical Exam Required
CPR Certification
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Program Fee Varies by program; employers of nurse aides in Medicare/Medicaid facilities must cover training costs | $875–$1,800 |
Competency Exam Fee Written/oral + clinical skills: $115; retakes: $75 (skills only) or $40 (written/oral only); $25 rescheduling fee if less than 5 business days notice; paid to Prometric | $115 |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee | $0 |
Background Check Fee Background check required; costs vary | Varies |
Total Initial Fees Exam fee plus background check costs (excludes training program tuition) | $115+ |
Scope of Practice
VerifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) or physician
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years (24 months)
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related services under nurse/physician supervision during each 24-month certification period
Work Requirement
24
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$25
Biennial renewal fee paid online through Relias recertification portal
Late Renewal Fee
N/A
If lapsed, must apply for reinstatement or retrain
Inactive Reinstatement
Must complete a new training program and pass the competency exam if certification has lapsed for more than 24 months without meeting work and CE requirements
Regulatory Board
CNAs must maintain active certification by meeting work hour requirements and completing in-service training within each renewal cycle. Failure to renew may require retaking the competency exam.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State CNA Certification
Transfer Process
Out-of-state CNAs can transfer certification by providing proof of active status, work history (420+ hours in past 24 months), and paying a $30 non-refundable reciprocity fee
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Out-of-state CNAs typically need to apply for reciprocity through the state's nurse aide registry. Verification of active, good-standing status on the originating state's registry is usually required.
Delaware has one of the highest CNA training requirements at 150 hours (split evenly: 75 classroom + 75 clinical). The renewal requirements are also notably strict: 64 hours of paid work (8x the federal minimum) and 24 hours of CEUs per 2-year cycle. CNA certification is overseen by DHCQ (not the Board of Nursing), and Prometric manages both the exam and the nurse aide registry. Reciprocity requires documentation of 420+ work hours.
Delaware requires 150 training hours (75 classroom + 75 clinical), double the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
The competency exam is administered by Prometric, which also manages the Delaware CNA Registry
Written exam has 60 questions with a 72% passing score (higher than many states)
Renewal requires 64 hours of paid work (much higher than the federal 8-hour minimum) and 24 hours of approved CEUs
Reciprocity requires 420+ hours of work in the past 24 months and a $30 fee
DHCQ (Division of Health Care Quality) oversees CNA certification, not the Board of Nursing
Renewal is managed through the Relias recertification portal
Delaware does not approve fully online CNA programs
There is no interstate compact for CNAs. Transfer between states requires reciprocity application to the new state's Nurse Aide Registry.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Delaware.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#46 of 51
Salary
#25 of 51
Cost
#12 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$36,280
25th percentile
Median
$39,240
-1% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$43,680
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
5,660 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Nursing Assistants (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+4.1%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+57,000
over 10 years
Annual Openings
182,300
per year (avg.)
1.4M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Nursing Career Ladder+226% salary growth potential
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CNA
$39,240
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$39,240
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$66,090
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$92,610
MSN or DNP + national certification
$127,810
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 8–24 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
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Delaware requires 150 hours of training and passage of the Prometric competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) – Department of Health and Social Services.
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.