How to become a CNA in Delaware.
Delaware requires 91 hours of nurse aide training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Prometric and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 91
- Training hours
- 16
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 28
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Delaware certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Yes, at employment: 16 Del.C. 1141/1145 require DHCQ criminal background checks (State Police fingerprinting, SBI + FBI) for anyone applying to work in a nursing home or home health agency, run through the DHCQ Background Check Center; mandatory drug testing also applies. Employers may hire conditionally pending the determination. Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Delaware requires 91 training hours, including 16 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 28 approved programs in Delaware - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Prometric. Certificate of completion must be dated within 24 months of the testing date; older certificates are invalid. 3 total attempts (initial plus 2 retakes); after failing 3 times must repeat the training program.
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Delaware CNA Registry (Division of Health Care Quality; public lookup hosted by Prometric). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the DE registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 2 years; apply at least 30 days before expiration with fee. Each 24-month period requires 24 hours of Department-approved CE (including 6 h dementia and 2 h abuse/neglect prevention) and at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related services under nurse supervision. Up to 30 days late with $25 late fee; otherwise lapsed and must retest.
Moving from another state
Granted if applicant holds a current CNA certificate (Maryland applicants: current GNA), is in good standing, completed a program meeting 42 CFR 483.152, and within the last 24 months has either 420 hours (3 months full time) paid CNA work under nurse/physician supervision or completed a training program with at least Delaware's required hours; reciprocity fee required.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Delaware.
CNA funding in Delaware →Delaware CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Training hours
- 91 hours
- Clinical hours
- 16 hours
- Exam provider
- Prometric
- Fee details
- Not confirmed. DHCQ links Prometric's Delaware exam page (prometric.com/exams/nurseaide-de), which returns 403 to automated fetches; the Delaware CIB now 404s and Wayback holds only a bot-challenge page. Reg 3220-2.1.3 says the application is filed with a non-refundable fee with the Department-approved test vendor.
- Deadline to test
- Certificate of completion must be dated within 24 months of the testing date; older certificates are invalid.
- Retakes
- 3 total attempts (initial plus 2 retakes); after failing 3 times must repeat the training program.
- Background check
- Yes, at employment: 16 Del.C. 1141/1145 require DHCQ criminal background checks (State Police fingerprinting, SBI + FBI) for anyone applying to work in a nursing home or home health agency, run through the DHCQ Background Check Center; mandatory drug testing also applies. Employers may hire conditionally pending the determination.
- Regulator
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: archive.regulations.delaware.gov, dhss.delaware.gov, delcode.delaware.gov, joblink.delaware.gov. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Delaware, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Delaware?
Delaware requires 91 hours of nurse aide training, including 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Prometric and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Delaware?
Prometric runs the Delaware nurse aide competency exam.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in Delaware?
Granted if applicant holds a current CNA certificate (Maryland applicants: current GNA), is in good standing, completed a program meeting 42 CFR 483.152, and within the last 24 months has either 420 hours (3 months full time) paid CNA work under nurse/physician supervision or completed a training program with at least Delaware's required hours; reciprocity fee required.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Delaware?
Every 2 years; apply at least 30 days before expiration with fee. Each 24-month period requires 24 hours of Department-approved CE (including 6 h dementia and 2 h abuse/neglect prevention) and at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related services under nurse supervision. Up to 30 days late with $25 late fee; otherwise lapsed and must retest.
How do I pay for CNA training in Delaware?
Workforce vouchers, employer sponsorship, state grants, and scholarships all pay for nurse aide training. A nursing home that hires you within a year of certification must reimburse your training costs under federal rules.
Start your training in Delaware.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.