CNA License in Delaware

How to Get a CNA License in Delaware

The CNA licensing process in Delaware is regulated by DHCQ under DHSS. Testing and registry services are administered by Prometric.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved CNA Training Program

Enroll in a DHCQ-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) with 150 total hours of instruction:

• 75 hours of classroom instruction
• 75 hours of supervised clinical training in a licensed facility

The program must be completed within 24 months of your exam date.

Step 2: Apply for the CNA Exam

Submit the Delaware CNA Exam Application to Prometric:

• Apply online with a credit card
• Or apply by mail with certified check or money order

You must pass both test components within three attempts and 24 months of completing training.

Exam Overview

• Written Test: 60 questions; 90 minutes; 72% required to pass
• Oral Test: Same content read aloud with replay option
• Clinical Skills Test: Five skills assessed:
  • Hand hygiene (always tested)
  • Indirect care (scored on all tasks)
  • Three randomly selected skills

All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. A $25 rescheduling fee applies if notice is given fewer than five business days in advance.

Step 3: Take and Pass the CNA Competency Exam

Once approved, you’ll receive an admission letter via email. On exam day:

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Bring your admission letter and two valid IDs (one must be a government-issued photo ID)
• Wear scrubs and closed-toe, non-skid shoes

You must pass all five clinical skills and score at least 72% on the written or oral test.

Step 4: Get Listed on the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry

After passing both components, Prometric will automatically add your name to the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry. Your CNA license will remain valid for 24 months.

State-Approved CNA Programs in Delaware

The following nurse aide training programs are approved by DHCQ. When choosing a program, consider tuition, location, schedule, clinical availability, and job placement support.

1. Bear Professional Institute

   2500 Wrangle Hill Rd, Bear, DE 19701
   (302) 832-2744

2. Dawn Career Institute

   252 Chapman Rd, Newark, DE 19702
   (302) 273-3560

3. Delaware Skills Center

   500 Ships Landing Way, New Castle, DE 19720
   (302) 654-5392

4. Delaware Technical Community College

   400 Stanton Christiana Rd, Newark, DE 19713
   (302) 454-3900

5. Wilmington Job Corps Center

   9 Vandever Ave, Wilmington, DE 19802
   (302) 575-1710

How to Verify a CNA License in Delaware

Use the Delaware CNA Registry to confirm your certification status, expiration date, and work eligibility.

Step 1: Access the Registry Search Page

Visit the official verification page.

Step 2: Complete the Security Check

Enter the CAPTCHA to continue.

Step 3: Choose a Search Method

• Certificate # — Enter your CNA license number
• Name Search — Enter first and last name

Step 4: Submit and Review Results

Click Search to display your status. Results show:

• Full name
• Certificate number
• Status — must be Active to work
• Original certification date
• Expiration date
• Negative findings (Yes/No)
• City and county

Step 5: View Detailed Record

Click the record to view full registry details including:

• Certification route
• Training program
• Training and exam dates

How to Renew a CNA License in Delaware

Your Delaware CNA license must be renewed every 24 months through the Relias recertification portal managed by DHCQ.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You must:

• Complete 64 hours of paid CNA work under a nurse or physician
• Complete 24 hours of approved CEUs through Relias, including:
  • 6 hours dementia care
  • 2 hours abuse prevention

Step 2: Log in to Relias

Go to Relias Portal and log in with your registered email and temporary password Welcome1. Do not create a new account. Contact DHCQ at (302) 421-7410 if you cannot access your profile.

Step 3: Purchase the Renewal Package

Select the Delaware CNA Renewal Package. It includes required CEU courses and the employment verification module. The renewal fee is $25.

Step 4: Complete CEU Training

Complete all courses and post-tests. You must finish 24 CEU hours before your certification expires.

Step 5: Submit Employment Verification

Complete the 64 Hours Worked Renewal Form in Relias (Class z64). Provide:

• Employer name and address
• Supervisor’s name and title
• Date of hire (and end date if no longer employed)
• Your home address
• Your date of birth

Step 6: Verify Certification Status

Once verified by DHCQ, your updated status will appear in the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry—usually within 48 hours.

How to Reinstate a CNA License in Delaware

If your Delaware CNA license has expired and you did not meet renewal requirements, you must retest to regain active status.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

You must apply for reinstatement if:

• Your CNA license is expired and
• You did not work 64 hours in the last 24 months under a nurse or physician

Step 2: Submit the Reinstatement Application

• Download the CNA Exam Application
• Select Route 3 – Lapsed Nurse Aide
• Attach proof of prior Delaware CNA certification
• Include $115 payment (certified check/money order or credit/debit card)
• Mail to:
  Prometric – ATTN: DE Nurse Aide Program
  7941 Corporate Drive
  Nottingham, MD 21236

Step 3: Receive Authorization to Test

You’ll receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) within 10–14 business days.

Step 4: Take the Exam

• Clinical Skills Test – hands-on exam
• Written or Oral Test – 60 questions

Bring two valid IDs, one of which must be a photo ID that matches your application exactly.

Step 5: Verify Your Reinstatement

Results are issued within 7–10 business days. Once passed, your license is reinstated in the Delaware CNA Registry.

How to Transfer a CNA License to Delaware

CNAs certified in another U.S. state may apply for certification in Delaware through reciprocity. You cannot work until your status is listed as Active in the Delaware CNA Registry.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

• You hold a current and active CNA license
• No substantiated findings on any state registry
• Worked at least 3 months full-time or 420 hours in the last 24 months under a nurse or physician
• Completed a state-approved NATCEP with 150 hours (75 classroom + 75 clinical)

Step 2: Complete the Reciprocity Application

Download the reciprocity form and include:

• Completed application (Pages 3–4)
• Employer Verification Form (Page 5)
• Training Verification Form (Page 6) if no recent work history
• Copy of CNA certificate and photo ID
• Sealed self-query report from the NPDB

Step 3: Pay the Reciprocity Fee

• $30 non-refundable fee
• Check or money order payable to State of Delaware

Step 4: Submit the Application Package

Step 5: Wait for Processing

• Processing takes 4–6 weeks
• Incomplete forms will be returned
• Once approved, certification will be marked Active in the registry

Delaware Nurse Aide Registry

The Delaware Nurse Aide Registry, managed by Prometric under contract with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ), is the official record of Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) authorized to work in state-licensed healthcare facilities. The registry maintains certification and disciplinary records and provides a verification tool for employers, healthcare organizations, and the public.

Contact Information

• Mailing Address: Prometric – DE Nurse Aide Program 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236
• Phone: (866) 664-9504
• Email: DECNA@prometric.com
• Registry Search: Delaware Nurse Aide Registry
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. ET

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for the CNA exam in Delaware?

You are eligible to take the Delaware CNA exam if you meet one of the following pathways:

• New Nurse Aides: Completed a state-approved 150-hour training program within the past 24 months
• Nursing Students: Completed a fundamentals course and supervised clinicals — View application
• RN or LPN Graduates: U.S. graduates deemed eligible — View application
• Out-of-State CNAs: Active certification in another U.S. state — View reciprocity form
• Lapsed Delaware CNAs: Must retake the exam — Download application

Can I choose where to take the CNA exam?

Yes. If your training program arranges on-site testing, you will test at that facility. Otherwise, you may select a regional test site and list your preferred site code on the application.

What if I miss my scheduled CNA exam?

If you arrive late, lack proper ID, or fail to attend, your exam fee will be forfeited. A $25 rescheduling fee applies if you provide fewer than five business days’ notice. You must repay the full exam fee to schedule a new appointment.

How do I request testing accommodations?

Submit the ADA Accommodations Request Packet with your exam application at least 30 days before your test. No special approval is needed for the oral exam version.

How do I update my name or address?

To update your information with Prometric, complete the Change Request Form and include legal documentation (e.g., marriage certificate, court order). Incomplete requests will delay processing.

Can I be reimbursed for training and testing costs?

Yes. If you are employed within 12 months by a Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facility, you may qualify for full or partial reimbursement. Reimbursement is not available for employment in private homes, hospitals, or non-certified facilities. Keep your original receipts.

Key Takeaways

• Complete state-approved training: A 150-hour program with 75 hours of classroom and 75 hours of clinical instruction approved by DHCQ.
• Pass the CNA exams: Both the written/oral knowledge test and the clinical skills test are administered by Prometric.
• Apply for certification: Submit your application through Prometric to be placed on the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry.
• Keep your license active: Work at least 64 hours under nurse supervision and complete 24 hours of continuing education, including dementia and abuse-prevention training, every two years.
• Renew on time: Certification must be renewed every 24 months through the Relias system, including the $25 renewal fee.
• Transfer from another state: Out-of-state CNAs must provide active certification verification, proof of work experience or training hours, a background check, and pay the $30 reciprocity fee to DHCQ.