StateLicensed

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License Requirements in Delaware

Verified · July 2026
Training hours
91 hrs
Upfront cost
—
Exam
Delaware State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (written and skills)
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
Issuing board
Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) — Division of Health Care Quality, CNA Registry

How to get licensed

  1. 1

    Meet the prerequisites

    Pass a criminal background check. DHCQ requires criminal background checks (SBI/FBI fingerprinting) and drug testing for CNA registry applicants. No minimum age was stated in the accessed DHCQ regulation text or program materials. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-11-25. [4]

  2. 2

    Complete approved training

    Complete 91 hours of training (including 16 clinical hours) at a state-approved program. Minimum 91 clock hours: 75 hours classroom/lab instruction plus 16 hours of supervised clinical skills training in a Department-approved facility, per DHSS Secretary's Order on CNA Training and Qualifications (effective Feb 19, 2022; still linked as current guidance from the CNA Registry page). Several alternate routes (reciprocity, RN/LPN graduate, nursing student) can substitute for completing a Delaware-based program. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-12-10. [1]

  3. 3

    Delaware State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (written and skills)

    Pass the Delaware State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (written and skills). DHCQ's own fee-schedule 'Information Booklet' is hosted on Prometric's site, which blocked automated access on both the live page and every available Wayback Machine snapshot (interstitial-only archive); could not verify the exact dollar fee from an accessible official source. [2]

  4. 4

    Submit your application

    Submit your application to Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) — Division of Health Care Quality, CNA Registry. [3]

  5. 5

    Receive your license

    Once your application is approved, Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) — Division of Health Care Quality, CNA Registry issues your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for Delaware.

Fees

Fee Amount
Application fee [3] None specified
License fee [3] None specified
Renewal fee [3] $25
Delaware State Nurse Aide Competency Exam (written and skills) [2] None specified

Renewal (recertification) fee is $25, paid online through the state's RELIAS continuing-education platform. No separate DHCQ application or license fee beyond the Prometric exam fee (which could not be verified — see exams[].notes) was found on official sources. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-12-10.

Renewal & continuing education

Renew every 2 years.

Certification period is 2 years. Renewal requires completing RELIAS in-service coursework (the specific required hour count was not stated in the accessed DHCQ materials) plus documented proof of at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related work during the prior 24 months. Verified via archive snapshot 2025-12-10.

Reciprocity

Endorsement/reciprocity from another state is available.

Reciprocity (Route 7) is granted to an out-of-state CNA (or Maryland GNA) in good standing who, within the last 24 months, has completed either 420 clock hours (3 months full-time) of paid CNA work or a training/competency program equal to Delaware's requirements, plus payment of the reciprocity fee (amount not published). Verified via archive snapshot 2025-12-10.

2 state-approved training providers in Delaware — browse programs and compare schools on tradecolleges.org.

Frequently asked questions

How many training hours does Delaware require to become a CNA?

A minimum of 91 clock hours: 75 hours of classroom/lab instruction and 16 hours of supervised clinical skills training in a Department-approved facility, per DHSS's Secretary's Order on CNA Training and Qualifications.

Who administers Delaware's CNA competency exam?

Prometric administers the written and clinical skills portions of the Delaware State Nurse Aide Competency Exam.

How much does it cost to renew a Delaware CNA certification?

The renewal fee is $25, paid online through the state's RELIAS continuing-education platform.

How often do Delaware CNAs need to renew, and what's required?

Every 2 years. Renewal requires completing RELIAS in-service coursework and documenting at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related work during the prior 24 months.

Can an out-of-state CNA transfer their certification to Delaware?

Yes, via the reciprocity route: applicants need a current CNA (or Maryland GNA) certificate in good standing, plus either 420 hours of recent paid CNA experience or equivalent training, and payment of the reciprocity fee.

Sources

  1. [1] dhss.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/dhcq/pdf/DepartmentofHealthandSocialServicesOrderregardingCertifiedNursingAssistantTrainingandQualifications_02182022.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  2. [2] prometric.com/en-us/clients/nurseaide/pages/de.aspx — accessed 2026-07-10
  3. [3] dhss.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/12/2-page-relias-reminder-October-9-2025_AW.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10
  4. [4] dhss.delaware.gov/dhcq/bgchks/ — accessed 2026-07-10
  5. [5] dhss.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/dhcq/pdf/Doc1_WaystobecomeaCNAinDE_103122.pdf — accessed 2026-07-10