How to become a CNA in Maryland.
Maryland requires 100 hours of nurse aide training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
- 100
- Training hours
- 40
- Clinical hours
- Varies
- Exam fee
- 165
- Programs
Step by step
Five steps to your Maryland certification
- 1
Meet the entry requirements
Fingerprint based state and federal criminal history records check (CHRC) required for first time CNA applicants and at renewal per MBON schedule Most programs also ask for photo ID, a TB test, and proof of immunizations.
- 2
Finish a state approved training program
Maryland requires 100 training hours, including 40 hours of supervised clinical work. Only programs approved by the state qualify you for the exam.
See all 165 approved programs in Maryland - 3
Pass the state competency exam
The exam has a written or oral knowledge test and a hands on skills test, run by Credentia. COMAR 10.39.01.07: must sit for the competency evaluation within 24 months of meeting the education requirements, otherwise retrain Four attempts total (first plus three retakes), with at least 45 calendar days between attempts; after four failures must complete a new approved training program
- 4
Get listed on the nurse aide registry
Once you pass, your name goes on the Maryland Board of Nursing Nursing Assistant certification (CNA / GNA). Employers check the registry before they hire you.
Search the MD registry - 5
Keep your certification active
Every 2 years (expires 28th of birth month in odd/even year matching birth year); $40 fee; at least 16 hours of paid employment as a nursing assistant in the 2 years before expiration, otherwise pass a competency evaluation; CHRC per schedule; 30 day grace period
Online classes
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Ask each program how its classroom hours are delivered. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
Moving from another state
Certification by endorsement: hold a certificate in good standing from a state with essentially similar requirements, have completed a training program meeting Board standards, pay $20 endorsement fee, CHRC, and verifications sent directly to the Board. Out of state CNAs are not required to take the NNAAP.
Paying for training
Vouchers, employers, grants, and scholarships cover nurse aide training in Maryland.
CNA funding in Maryland →Maryland CNA requirements
- Credential
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Training hours
- 100 hours
- Clinical hours
- 40 hours
- Exam provider
- Credentia
- Deadline to test
- COMAR 10.39.01.07: must sit for the competency evaluation within 24 months of meeting the education requirements, otherwise retrain
- Retakes
- Four attempts total (first plus three retakes), with at least 45 calendar days between attempts; after four failures must complete a new approved training program
- Background check
- Fingerprint based state and federal criminal history records check (CHRC) required for first time CNA applicants and at renewal per MBON schedule
- Online classroom
- Online classroom allowed, with state conditions
- Regulator
- Maryland Board of Nursing
Checked September 2026 against official state and exam provider sources: regs.maryland.gov, credentia.com, health.maryland.gov. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the state or your program before you pay.
Becoming a CNA in Maryland, answered.
How many hours of training do you need to be a CNA in Maryland?
Maryland requires 100 hours of nurse aide training, including 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. Then you pass the state exam through Credentia and get listed on the nurse aide registry.
Who gives the CNA exam in Maryland?
Credentia runs the Maryland nurse aide competency exam.
Can you take CNA classes online in Maryland?
Online classroom allowed, with state conditions. Skills lab and clinical hours are always in person.
I am a CNA in another state. Can I work in Maryland?
Certification by endorsement: hold a certificate in good standing from a state with essentially similar requirements, have completed a training program meeting Board standards, pay $20 endorsement fee, CHRC, and verifications sent directly to the Board. Out of state CNAs are not required to take the NNAAP.
How do you renew a CNA certification in Maryland?
Every 2 years (expires 28th of birth month in odd/even year matching birth year); $40 fee; at least 16 hours of paid employment as a nursing assistant in the 2 years before expiration, otherwise pass a competency evaluation; CHRC per schedule; 30 day grace period
How do I pay for CNA training in Maryland?
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 Maryland.
Compare approved programs, then get matched to funding that pays for it.