Loading...
Loading...
How to become a CNA in Maryland. Training: 100 hours required. Exam provider: Credentia (via CNA365 platform) – National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). Total initial fees: $161.25. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Certified Nursing Assistant
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
60% of data points are verified against official sources. 11 fields based on preliminary research. 5 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
100 hrs
Training Hours
Credentia (via CNA365 platform) – National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP)
Exam Provider
$161.25
Total Initial Fees
2 years
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours
Must have performed at least 16 hours of compensated employment as a nursing assistant during the two years preceding renewal
Work Hours Req
Regulatory Information
VerifiedGoverning Authority
Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)
(410) 585-1900
Program Approval Body
Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)
State-Approved Training Program Required
Regulated by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)
State-Approved Training Program
Training Hours Breakdown
100
Total Hours
60
Classroom
40
Clinical
Program Approval Body
Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)
Topics Covered
Exam Requirements
VerifiedRequired
Written Exam
Available
Oral Exam Option
Required
Skills Evaluation
Exam Provider
Credentia (via CNA365 platform) – National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP)
Written Exam Details
70
Questions
Skills Evaluation Details
5
Skills Tasks
30 min
Time Limit
Attempts Allowed
4
Retest Waiting Period
Must pass both components within 24 months of completing training; up to 4 attempts allowed before retraining is required
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; some employers cover training costs | $625–$1,400 |
Competency Exam Fee Written only: $45; oral only: $45; skills only: $85; all fees non-refundable | $130 (written or oral + skills) |
State Registration Fee No separate state registration fee; endorsement application fee for out-of-state is $20 | $0 |
Background Check Fee Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) through Maryland CJIS; Livescan fingerprinting at approved sites | $31.25 |
Total Initial Fees $130 exam fee + $31.25 background check; excludes training program tuition | $161.25 |
Scope of Practice
Mostly verifiedAllowed Duties
Restricted Duties
Supervision Requirements
Must work under the supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN)
Approved Work Settings
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
Must have performed at least 16 hours of compensated employment as a nursing assistant during the two years preceding renewal
Work Requirement
12
In-Service/CE Hours
Renewal Fee
$40
Biennial renewal fee; criminal history check may also be required if previous results are no longer valid
Inactive Reinstatement
If certification has lapsed, must retake and pass the competency exam or complete retraining
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 may apply by endorsement; must hold current, active CNA certificate from another state and be listed on a registry meeting OBRA standards; $20 endorsement application 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.
Maryland uses Credentia (CNA365 platform) for the NNAAP exam. The state allows 4 exam attempts (more than the typical 3). The oral exam is available in Spanish. Maryland requires 16 hours of compensated employment for renewal, double the federal 8-hour minimum. Nursing assistant trainees can work up to 120 days while enrolled in a program.
Maryland requires 100 training hours (60 classroom + 40 clinical), exceeding the federal OBRA minimum of 75 hours
Maryland uses Credentia (CNA365 platform) for the NNAAP exam, not Pearson VUE or Prometric
Up to 4 attempts allowed (more generous than most states' 3 attempts)
Oral exam available in English and Spanish (60 multiple-choice + 10 reading comprehension)
Minimum age is 16 years old
Fingerprint-based criminal history check through Maryland CJIS ($31.25) required
Maryland requires 16 hours of compensated employment for renewal (double the federal 8-hour minimum)
May work as a nursing assistant trainee for up to 120 days while enrolled in a Board-approved program
Contact MBON at (410) 585-1900 or mbon@maryland.gov; hours Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm (Wed from 9:30am)
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 Maryland.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#23 of 51
Salary
#23 of 51
Cost
#31 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Nursing Assistants (SOC 31-1131)
Entry Level
$37,120
25th percentile
Median
$40,000
+1% vs. national avg ($39,530)Experienced
$45,780
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
24,230 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+214% salary growth potential
You are here
CNA
$40,000
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
You are here
CNA
State-approved training program (4-12 weeks)
$40,000
Practical nursing program (12-18 months) + NCLEX-PN
$69,870
ADN or BSN degree + NCLEX-RN
$96,830
MSN or DNP + national certification
$125,530
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: 7–21 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) — Licensing Requirements
2–6 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides and practice tests for the certified nursing assistant exam.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Maryland requires 100 hours of training and passage of the Credentia (via CNA365 platform) – National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) competency exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. All certification is managed through the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).
Requirements vary by state. Always verify current requirements with your state Board of Nursing.