How to Become a CNA in Maryland 2026
Maryland issues two nursing assistant credentials: the CNA, which requires completing an MBON-approved training program and a criminal background check, and the GNA, which additionally requires passing the NNAAP exam. Most nursing home positions require GNA status. The Maryland Board of Nursing issues both credentials and maintains the state Nurse Aide Registry.
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Most states issue a single nursing assistant credential. Maryland has two, and the difference determines where you can work. The basic CNA certification covers most healthcare settings. The Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification is an additional requirement for anyone employed in a licensed nursing home.
Use the links below to jump to Maryland CNA and GNA requirements, exam information, endorsement, and renewal.
- CNA vs. GNA: Maryland’s two credentials
- CNA training requirements
- Background check requirements
- GNA examination process
- Out-of-state endorsement
- The application process
- Renewal requirements
- CMA certification
CNA and GNA: Maryland’s Two Credentials
Maryland uses two separate nursing assistant credentials. Confusing them is one of the most common mistakes prospective aides make when researching requirements.
The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is the entry-level credential. It requires completing an MBON-approved training program and passing a criminal background check. No competency exam is required. With a CNA credential, you can work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, and similar settings.
The Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) builds on the CNA status. You must hold a CNA credential before applying for GNA. The GNA additionally requires passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). Anyone working in a licensed nursing home needs GNA certification. Maryland allows newly certified CNAs to work in nursing homes for a limited period while waiting to take and pass the GNA exam.
In most other states, the credential equivalent to Maryland’s GNA is simply called the CNA. That context helps explain why Maryland’s two-tier system often surprises applicants who have researched requirements elsewhere. Readers pursuing RN or LPN licensure in Maryland can find those requirements in our Maryland nursing license requirements guide.
CNA Training Requirements
Maryland requires completion of an MBON-approved nursing assistant training program. Programs must include a minimum of 100 hours of instruction, with at least 40 of those hours completed as supervised clinical practice in a licensed Maryland facility. The remaining hours cover classroom instruction and skills labs.
A list of MBON-approved programs is maintained on the Board of Nursing’s website at health.maryland.gov/mbon. Programs are listed by school with course titles, which is useful for nursing students confirming which coursework satisfies CNA requirements.
Several categories of applicants qualify through equivalent training rather than a standalone nursing assistant program:
- Nursing students may complete CNA certification through coursework in their nursing program. In-state programs often simultaneously satisfy GNA requirements. Out-of-state nursing school coursework typically qualifies for CNA status only, since it does not include clinical experience in a Maryland nursing home.
- Graduate nurses may apply for CNA certification directly.
- International nurses may apply with documentation of approval to take the NCLEX licensing exam. They do not need to have taken the exam yet.
- Military healthcare training may qualify, depending on the specific courses completed. MBON maintains a list of qualifying military courses by branch.
Background Check Requirements
All new CNA applicants must complete a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through an approved Livescan site. Options include the CJIS Storefront in Baltimore (walk-in), Motor Vehicle Administration locations (appointment required), and authorized private providers. Fees vary by location.
Once MBON receives confirmation that fingerprints have been submitted, the Board can issue a temporary credential. A candidate can also be authorized to sit for the GNA examination at that stage, provided other eligibility requirements have been met. General CNA-I applicants whose initial application is being processed may practice for 90 days under a temporary status while awaiting their credentials. Candidates enrolled in a nursing-home-based training program have 120 days to complete training and become certified before they must be credentialed to continue working.
GNA Examination Process
Candidates pursuing GNA certification must pass the NNAAP, which is administered by Credentia. Registration is completed through the CNA365 platform. Candidates create an account, select Maryland as their eligibility route, upload required documentation, and pay the exam fee directly through that platform.
The NNAAP has two components:
- Written (knowledge) exam: 70 multiple-choice questions, with a two-hour time limit. Candidates who have difficulty reading English may request an oral examination instead. The oral exam covers the same content in 60 multiple-choice questions plus 10 reading comprehension questions.
- Skills evaluation: Candidates perform five nursing assistant tasks selected at random. At least one task requires taking and recording a measurement, such as blood pressure, weight, or radial pulse. Candidates must demonstrate four of the five tasks correctly to pass.
Both components are typically registered together on an initial attempt. For re-examination, candidates may register for just one component if they have already passed the other.
Exam results are generally available the day of testing. Candidates must take their first attempt within 12 months of completing their training program. A total of four attempts is allowed within 24 months of the training completion date. Candidates who do not pass within that window must re-enroll in a Board-approved training program before testing again.
For exam registration questions, contact Credentia at (888) 204-6249. For certification or registry questions, contact MBON at (410) 585-1900.
Out-of-State Endorsement
CNAs certified in another state may apply for Maryland endorsement if their registry status is current and they are in good standing. MBON provides an endorsement application and checklist on the Board’s website at health.maryland.gov/mbon.
An out-of-state CNA who is not currently active on another state’s registry must enroll in an MBON-approved training program before applying. Endorsed CNAs who plan to work in Maryland nursing homes must also meet GNA requirements, which may include passing the NNAAP exam.
The Application Process
Some candidates receive application materials through their training program. Others may request materials directly from MBON. The Board updated its forms effective April 1, 2026. Both an initial application and an endorsement application, along with checklists for each, are available at health.maryland.gov/mbon. As of April 2026, MBON’s online payment system is not operational. Submit completed applications by mail to the Maryland Board of Nursing, Certification Division, 4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215. Check the MBON website for updates on online submission availability.
The certification process concludes when MBON adds the candidate to the Maryland Nurse Aide Registry. Maryland does not issue paper certificates. Registry listing serves as official proof of certification, and registry status can be verified through the “Look Up A License” feature on the MBON website.
Renewal Requirements
CNA certification in Maryland is issued for a two-year period. Renewal requirements differ by credential level. GNAs (CNA-IIs) must document at least 16 hours of active practice for compensation as a nursing assistant within the two years before their expiration date. Basic CNA (CNA-I) holders must submit a verification of employment from their employer for the certification period. Both credential levels must also attest to completion of an approved Implicit Bias Training and Structural Racism course, a requirement added effective April 1, 2026. The renewal fee is $40. There is no separate GNA renewal fee when renewal requirements are otherwise met. Verify current requirements directly with MBON, as procedures may continue to update during the Board’s ongoing system transition.
Certified Medicine Aide (CMA) Certification
Maryland CNAs may also pursue adjunct certification as a Certified Medicine Aide (CMA). To be eligible, a candidate must hold GNA credentials and have completed at least one year of experience as a GNA in a Maryland-licensed nursing home. The training program must be MBON-approved, and the candidate needs a recommendation from the facility director. CMA certification allows qualified nurse aides to administer medications under appropriate supervision.
Additional adjunct certifications available to Maryland CNAs include Home Health Aide and Dialysis Technician. CMA candidates must hold GNA credentials before applying. CNA status alone does not satisfy the CMA prerequisite. CNAs interested in advancing to registered nursing can find program options in our guide to CNA to RN bridge programs.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to pass an exam to become a CNA in Maryland?
Not for the basic CNA credential. Maryland’s CNA certification requires completing an MBON-approved training program and passing a background check, with no competency exam. The exam requirement applies to the GNA credential, which is needed for nursing home employment.
What is the difference between a CNA and a GNA in Maryland?
Both are nursing assistant credentials issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing. The CNA is the entry-level credential, earned through training and a background check. The GNA adds a competency exam requirement, the NNAAP administered by Credentia, and is required for employment in licensed nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
How long does CNA training take in Maryland?
Most MBON-approved programs take four to twelve weeks to complete, depending on the scheduling format. All programs must include at least 100 hours of instruction with a minimum of 40 supervised clinical hours. Accelerated programs covering the full requirement in four weeks are available across the state.
Can I work as a nursing assistant while my CNA application is being processed?
Maryland allows a 90-day temporary practice period for CNA-I applicants whose initial application has been submitted and is being reviewed by MBON. Candidates enrolled in a nursing-home-based training program have 120 days to complete training and become certified before they must hold a credential to continue working at that facility. Applicants not in a facility-based program may not perform nurse aide duties until fully certified.
How do I transfer my CNA certification from another state to Maryland?
Out-of-state CNAs can apply for a Maryland endorsement if their certification is current and active on another state’s registry. Candidates whose certification has lapsed must complete an MBON-approved training program. CNAs intending to work in Maryland nursing homes must also meet GNA requirements, including passing the NNAAP exam.
Key Takeaways
- Two credentials, two purposes — CNA certification covers most healthcare settings, and GNA certification is required specifically for nursing home employment.
- No exam for basic CNA — Maryland’s CNA credential is earned through an MBON-approved training program and background check, with no competency exam required.
- Credentia administers the NNAAP — GNA candidates register through the CNA365 platform for a written component (70 questions) and a skills evaluation (5 tasks).
- 100 training hours required — MBON-approved programs must include at least 100 hours of instruction, with a minimum of 40 supervised clinical hours in a licensed Maryland facility.
- Renewal is every two years — GNAs must document 16 hours of active practice for compensation. Basic CNAs submit a verification of employment. Both credential levels now also require an Implicit Bias and Structural Racism training attestation.
Find MBON-approved CNA training programs in Maryland, compare options by location and schedule, and review application requirements before you apply.