How to Become a CNA in Delaware 2026
Delaware certifies nursing assistants through the Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection (DLTCRP), which contracts with Prometric for exam administration and registry management. Candidates must complete a 150-hour, state-approved training program and pass a two-part competency exam. You have up to three attempts to pass within 24 months of finishing training.
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The DLTCRP oversees every step of the certification process, from approving training programs to maintaining the nurse aide registry. The certification path follows five steps: confirming your eligibility, completing an approved training program, clearing a background check, passing the competency exam, and submitting your application. Out-of-state CNAs who meet Delaware’s reciprocity requirements may be able to bypass training and testing entirely.
Use the links below to jump to training requirements, exam details, application steps, reciprocity, and renewal information.
- Step 1: Meet Delaware’s eligibility requirements
- Step 2: Complete a state-approved training program
- Step 3: Submit to a background check
- Step 4: Pass the CNA competency exam
- Step 5: Apply for Delaware CNA certification
- Transfer your out-of-state CNA certification
- Renew your Delaware CNA certification
Step 1: Meet Delaware’s Eligibility Requirements
Delaware doesn’t publish a standalone eligibility checklist separate from its training and exam requirements. Still, most DLTCRP-approved programs require candidates to be at least 16 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED. Candidates must also pass a criminal background check before they can be placed on the registry.
Nursing students and recent graduates have a separate eligibility path that can shorten or eliminate the training requirement. That’s covered in Step 2.
Step 2: Complete a State-Approved Training Program
The standard path to certification starts with a DLTCRP-approved CNA training program. Approved programs are a minimum of 150 hours, split evenly between classroom instruction and supervised clinical training, with at least 75 hours in each. Programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities throughout the state.
The DLTCRP and Prometric both publish lists of approved programs. The Prometric site also includes exam pass rates by program, which can be useful when comparing your options. Training programs typically run four to eight weeks.
Nursing Students and Recent Graduates
If you’re currently enrolled in a nursing program or have recently completed one, you may qualify for a shorter route to CNA certification.
A nursing student who has completed a “Fundamentals/Basic Nursing” course is eligible to sit for the competency exam directly, as long as that course included at least 75 hours of clinical instruction in a long-term care facility. No separate CNA training program is required.
A nursing school graduate who completed an LPN or RN program within the past 24 months is exempt from both CNA training and the competency exam and can apply for certification directly through the DLTCRP. For a full overview of the LPN path, see LPN requirements in Delaware.
A nursing school graduate whose program was completed more than 24 months ago must pass the competency exam, but doesn’t need to complete a CNA training program.
If you’re weighing the CNA path against going straight for full licensure, see our guide on how to become an RN in Delaware for a comparison of the two routes. Many candidates also use CNA certification as a foundation for CNA-to-RN bridge programs down the line.
Step 3: Submit to a Background Check
Delaware requires CNA candidates to complete a criminal background check before they can be placed on the nurse aide registry. The DLTCRP evaluates criminal history on a case-by-case basis, and not every record will disqualify a candidate. Offense types related to patient safety and trust are the primary concern.
If you have a criminal history and want to know how it may affect your eligibility before investing time and money in a training program, contact the DLTCRP directly. CNAs who work at or through nursing facilities can also expect employer-level drug screening as part of the hiring process.
Step 4: Pass the CNA Competency Exam
Delaware CNA candidates take a two-part competency exam administered by Prometric. The exam includes a clinical skills test, in which candidates assist individuals acting as residents, and a written or oral knowledge test. Both parts must be passed to earn certification and be listed on the registry.
First-time candidates register for both parts at the same time. Anyone who passes one part but not the other only needs to retake the failed section on subsequent attempts. Exam sites have included locations in Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington, and Woodside, though Prometric periodically updates site availability. Confirm current active testing locations in the candidate information bulletin on the Prometric website before submitting your application.
Current exam fees are posted on the Prometric website. Fees are subject to change, so confirm amounts directly with Prometric before submitting your application. The candidate information bulletin on the Prometric site includes sample questions, a detailed exam overview, clinical skills checklists, and registration materials.
You have up to three attempts to pass within 24 months of completing your training program. Candidates who don’t pass within that window must re-enroll in a DLTCRP-approved training program before they can retake the test.
Exam Fee Reimbursement
Prometric notes that candidates who are employed at a qualifying nursing home within 12 months of completing training may be eligible for reimbursement of their testing and training fees. The reimbursement option is limited to facilities with federal Medicare or Medicaid certification. Assisted living facilities and certain other care settings don’t qualify. Keep documentation of your training and exam costs throughout the process in case you need to submit for reimbursement later.
Step 5: Apply for Delaware CNA Certification
Which application you use and where you send it depend on how you’re qualifying for certification. All application forms are available through the Prometric website.
Candidates applying through examination submit their application to Prometric. Those testing on-site hand their application to an on-site representative. Those testing at a regional site mail their application to Prometric at the address listed in the candidate information bulletin. Supporting documentation varies by eligibility route and includes one of the following:
- A training instructor’s signature on the application, verifying program completion
- A letter from a nursing school confirming completion of a qualifying course
- A copy of a nursing diploma
- A copy of an out-of-state CNA or GNA certificate
- Verification of past Delaware CNA certification
Candidates applying through reciprocity or deemed certification mail their applications directly to the DLTCRP rather than to Prometric. Recent LPN and RN graduates applying for deemed certification use the application listed under “registry services” on the Prometric site. No fee is required for deemed certification, but processing can take up to 30 days.
Delaware doesn’t issue paper certificates. You can verify your certification status at any time through the Prometric online registry or confirm it by phone with the DLTCRP.
Out-of-State CNAs: Reciprocity and Endorsement
Delaware recognizes CNA certifications from other states through a reciprocity process. To qualify, you must be current and in good standing on your home state’s registry, and you must be able to document one of the following:
- Completion of a training program of at least 150 hours
- The equivalent of three months of full-time work as a CNA under the supervision of a licensed nurse or physician (Delaware defines this as 420 hours)
Maryland CNAs have one additional requirement: you must hold Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification, not just standard Maryland CNA certification, to qualify for Delaware reciprocity.
The endorsement application includes a section that an employer or training program administrator must complete. You’ll mail your application, a copy of a photo ID, and a copy of your CNA certificate or online verification printout to the DLTCRP. The current endorsement fee is posted on the DLTCRP website.
Renewing Your Delaware CNA Certification
Delaware CNA certification is valid for 24 months. Renewal requires completing continuing education hours during each certification period. Delaware’s recertification procedures were updated effective October 2025, so confirm the current hour requirements and approved topic areas directly with the DHCQ before your certification period ends. Letting your certification lapse may require you to retake the competency exam.
You can check your certification status and expiration date at any time through the Prometric online registry.
Contacts and Additional Resources
Delaware Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection (DLTCRP): CNA registry and certification oversight. Current contact numbers for the CNA registry are listed on the DHCQ contact page. Confirm the number for your region before calling, as office numbers vary by location.
Prometric: Exam administration and registry management for Delaware CNAs. Candidate line: 866-664-9504. Email: [email protected].
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CNA in Delaware?
Most candidates complete the process in six to twelve weeks. Training programs run four to eight weeks, and scheduling and receiving exam results typically add another two to four weeks. Candidates applying through reciprocity or nursing school exemptions may complete the process faster since they don’t need to complete a training program.
How many times can I retake the Delaware CNA exam?
Delaware allows up to three attempts to pass the competency exam. Both the clinical skills and knowledge sections must be passed within 24 months of completing your training program. If you don’t pass within that window, you need to re-enroll in a DLTCRP-approved training program before testing again.
Can I transfer my CNA certification from Delaware to another state?
Yes. Delaware accepts out-of-state CNAs through a reciprocity process. You must be current and in good standing on your home state’s registry, and you must verify either 150 hours of training or 420 hours of qualifying work experience. Maryland CNAs must also hold GNA certification. Applications go directly to the DLTCRP.
Does Delaware require continuing education to renew CNA certification?
Yes. Delaware CNA certification expires every 24 months and must be renewed before it lapses. Delaware’s recertification procedures were updated in October 2025, so confirm the current continuing education hour requirements and approved topic areas directly with the DHCQ before your certification period ends.
Who regulates CNA certification in Delaware?
The Delaware Division of Long-Term Care Residents’ Protection (DLTCRP) regulates CNA certification and maintains the nurse aide registry. Prometric contracts with the DLTCRP to administer the competency exam and manage the registry on a day-to-day basis.
Key Takeaways
- 150-hour training program required — Approved programs split the hours evenly between classroom instruction and clinical training. Most run four to eight weeks.
- Two-part exam administered by Prometric — Candidates must pass both a clinical skills test and a written or oral knowledge test. Up to three attempts are allowed within 24 months of finishing training.
- Nursing students and graduates have faster routes — Recent LPN or RN graduates can apply for certification without training or testing. Students who’ve completed Fundamentals can test directly.
- Reciprocity available for out-of-state CNAs — Delaware accepts certified CNAs from other states who meet training or work experience requirements. Maryland CNAs must also hold GNA certification.
- Certification renews every 24 months — Renewal requires completing continuing education hours approved by DHCQ. Confirm current requirements before your certification period ends.
Find DLTCRP-approved CNA training programs in Delaware, compare program options, and get application information for your area.