How to Transfer Your CNA License from Virginia to Maryland

Side-by-side comparison of requirements, costs, and reciprocity. Updated 2026.

Quick Comparison

Requirement	Virginia (VA)	Maryland (MD)
Total Cost	$180	$161.25
Training Hours	120 hrs	100 hrs
Exam Required	Check with board	Check with board
Renewal Period	1 year	2 years
Reciprocity	Yes	Yes

Can You Transfer Your CNA License?

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Maryland accepts out-of-state cna credentials

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

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What You'll Need to Do in Maryland

These are the standard licensing steps in Maryland. As a licensed cna from Virginia, you may already satisfy some of these requirements.

1
Complete a MBON-approved CNA training program (minimum 100 hours: 60 classroom + 40 clinical in a licensed Maryland nursing home)
2
Complete fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) through Maryland CJIS ($31.25)
3
Apply for the NNAAP exam through the CNA365 platform (create account, select Maryland, upload documents, pay $130 exam fee)
4
Pass the written/oral knowledge exam (70 questions) and skills evaluation (5 tasks, 30 min)
5
Up to 4 attempts allowed within 24 months of training; retraining required after 4 failures
6
Upon passing, name is placed on the Maryland Nurse Aide Registry through MBON

Cost Comparison

Virginia Fees

Training Program Fee$725–$1,560
Competency Exam Fee$140
Background Check Fee$40
Total$180

Maryland Fees

Training Program Fee$625–$1,400
Competency Exam Fee$130 (written or oral + skills)
Background Check Fee$31.25
Total$161.25

Estimated Timeline

Timeline varies based on your credentials, reciprocity eligibility, and Maryland's current processing times. Contact the state licensing board for current estimates.

Explore More

Virginia CNA License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

Maryland CNA License

Full requirements, fees, and steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer my cna license from Virginia to Maryland?▾

Maryland does accept out-of-state cna credentials. 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

How much does it cost to transfer a CNA license to Maryland?▾

Government fees for a CNA license in Maryland total approximately $161.25. Additional costs may include exam fees, background checks, and education requirements.

How long does it take to transfer a CNA license from Virginia to Maryland?▾

Processing times vary by state. Contact the Maryland licensing board for current timelines.

Do I need to retake the cna exam when moving to Maryland?▾

Contact the Maryland licensing board for current exam requirements for transferring licensees.

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Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only. Licensing requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements, fees, and reciprocity policies directly with the Virginia and Maryland licensing boards before making decisions. GetLicenseMap is not a government agency and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.