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Becoming a CNA in Delaware

Steps to Become a CNA in Delaware:

If you’re interested in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Delaware, there are several steps you’ll need to follow. Below, I’ll outline each step, provide information about CNA programs, and explain what’s involved in keeping your certification active.

    • Requirements: Learn about the eligibility and requirements to become a CNA in Delaware.

    • Attend a school: Find out how to choose the right CNA program and what to expect during your training.

    • Test Information: Get details about the CNA certification exam in Delaware and how to prepare.

    • Certification Registration and Upkeep: Learn how to register your certification and maintain its active status.

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1. Requirements

To begin your journey as a CNA in Delaware, you must meet specific state requirements that ensure you are prepared to provide quality care in healthcare settings.

Key Requirements:

  • Age: You must be at least 18 years old to enroll in a CNA training program.
  • Education: A high school diploma or GED is typically required by most CNA training programs.
  • Background Check: You’ll need to pass a criminal background check and may be subject to a drug test before starting a CNA program or working as a CNA.
  • Work Requirement: After becoming certified, Delaware requires CNAs to complete at least 64 hours of nursing-related services within a 24-month period under the supervision of a licensed nurse. This is necessary to maintain your certification.

Additionally, CNAs in Delaware are required to complete 24 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every two years. Starting in January 2020, CNAs are required to complete these CEUs through an online training company, RELIAS.

2. Attend a CNA Program in Delaware

Once you meet the basic eligibility requirements, the next step is to enroll in a state-approved CNA training program. Delaware offers several options for CNA training, which typically includes classroom instruction, lab work, and clinical practice.

What to Expect from CNA Programs:

  • Training Duration: CNA programs in Delaware typically last between 4 to 8 weeks, with both full-time and part-time options available.
  • Curriculum: The program must include at least 75 hours of clinical instruction and cover key topics such as:
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Infection control
  • Communication skills
  • Resident care, including bathing, grooming, and feeding
  • Emergency procedures and safety
  • Caring for residents with cognitive impairments, like dementia

Choosing the Right Program:

When selecting a CNA training program, consider the following:

  • State Approval: Ensure the program is approved by the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DLTCRP). This is critical, as only graduates from approved programs are eligible to sit for the certification exam.
  • Location and Schedule: CNA programs are offered at community colleges, vocational schools, technical schools, and some nursing homes. Choose a program that fits your schedule and location.
  • Cost: Program costs in Delaware can range from $500 to $1,500. Some nursing homes offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment upon completion.


Featured CNA Programs in Delaware

Delaware Skills Center


3. CNA Test Information

After completing a CNA training program, you must pass the Delaware Nurse Aide Competency Examination. This exam is administered by Prometric and consists of two parts: a written test and a clinical skills test.

Breakdown of the Exam:

  • Written Test: The written portion consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and is conducted on a computer. You will have 90 minutes to complete the test.
  • Clinical Skills Test: During the clinical portion, you will be evaluated on five skills, which are chosen randomly by the testing computer. Skills you may be asked to demonstrate include handwashing, transferring a patient, taking vital signs, and more. You will have between 31 to 40 minutes to complete the skills test, depending on the tasks assigned.

Preparing for the Exam:

  • Practice Tests: One of the best ways to prepare for the written and skills portions of the exam is by using practice tests. This will familiarize you with the format and types of questions you’ll encounter on the real exam.

CTA: Click here to access our practice test

Routes to Take the Exam:

  • Route 1 – Delaware Trained: If you completed a Delaware-approved nurse aide training program within the last 24 months, you are eligible to take the exam.
  • Route 2 – Nursing Students: Nursing students who have successfully completed a basic nursing course with at least 75 hours of clinical instruction in a long-term care setting can take the CNA exam.
  • Route 3 – Lapsed Nurse Aide: If your certification has lapsed and you didn’t work the required 64 hours within the last 24 months, you’ll need to retake the certification exam.
  • Route 4 – Out-of-State Certification: If you are certified as a CNA in another state, you may take the Delaware exam without additional training. You’ll need to submit proof of your out-of-state certification.
  • Route 5 – RN or LPN Graduates: Graduates from a RN or LPN program are deemed qualified to take the exam if they apply within 24 months of graduation.

Test Fees:

  • Written Test: $40 (retakes: $40)
  • Clinical Skills Test: $75 (retakes: $75)
  • Both Written and Skills Test (first-time): $115


4. Certification Registration and Upkeep

Once you’ve passed both the written and clinical portions of the CNA exam, you can apply for your CNA certification and become listed on the Delaware CNA Registry.

Certification Registration:

  • Application: After passing the exam, you’ll need to submit an application to the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DLTCRP).
  • Documentation: Along with your application, you’ll need to submit:
  • Proof of completing your CNA training program.
  • Your passing test scores from Prometric.
  • A background check.
  • License Fees: Make sure to pay any required fees when submitting your application.

Maintaining Your Certification:

To keep your certification active in Delaware, you must:

  • Work Requirement: Complete at least 64 hours of nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse every 24 months. This can be at any licensed healthcare facility, such as a nursing home, hospital, or long-term care center.
  • Continuing Education: Complete 24 hours of continuing education (CEUs) every two years. This includes at least 6 hours of dementia training and 2 hours of patient abuse prevention training.
  • Renewal: Renewal of your CNA certification in Delaware is required every two years. If you fail to meet the work or CEU requirements, your certification will lapse, and you’ll need to retake the exam to become certified again.

Reimbursement of Training Fees:

If you’re employed by a Medicare/Medicaid federally certified nursing facility within 12 months of completing your training, you may be eligible for reimbursement of training and testing fees. Keep track of all receipts for fees related to the training program, textbooks, and exams.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a CNA in Delaware. The process involves meeting state requirements, completing an approved training program, passing the competency exam, and keeping your certification up to date.

Other Local CNA Programs

id Name Image Website Street Address City State Zip Code Map Link plus_code Phone latitude longitude latlong Category Reviews Rating 5star 4star 3star 2star 1star description Monday Hours Tuesday Hours Wednesday Hours Thursday Hours Friday Hours Saturday Hours Sunday Hours Details
348 Governor Bacon Health Center AF1QipP5EPijJiaT_N9B5QffRuk6747-pqzzG4qK9vJv=w408-h306-k-no https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/main/maps/bacon/bacondir.htm 248 Colter Rd Delaware City DE 19706 HCC7+JX Delaware City, Delaware (302) 836-2550 39.57 -75.59 39.5715123-75.5850292 2 5.0 2 0 0 0 0 More details
349 Dover High School AF1QipMFTr-154tPkPh_ohJgxe64OlMoqJqPMq0oU4UX=w408-h306-k-no https://csddhs.ss19.sharpschool.com/ 1 Dover High Dr Dover DE 19904 5C5G+3G Dover, Delaware (302) 241-2400 39.16 -75.57 39.1576622-75.5736701 High school 28 4.4 22 2 1 0 3 7AM to 4PM 7AM to 4PM 7AM to 4PM 7AM to 4PM 7AM to 4PM Closed Closed More details
350 Wilmington Job Corps Center AF1QipPG2nHrAIhqjeBQSCBfs47tPqKhLaZut3ctwpgZ=w426-h240-k-no https://wilmington.jobcorps.gov/ 9 Vandever Ave Wilmington DE 19802 QF26+Q4 Wilmington, Delaware (302) 575-1710 39.75 -75.54 39.7519436-75.5396318 Employment center 24 3.1 12 0 1 1 10 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM 8AM to 5PM Closed Closed More details
351 Bear Professional Institute https://www.bearprofessionalinstitute.com/ 2500 Wrangle Hill Rd Bear DE 19701 J74P+4C Bear, Delaware (302) 832-2744 39.61 -75.71 39.6053541-75.7139793 Nursing school 6 5.0 6 0 0 0 0 More details
352 Beebe Healthcare AF1QipNDO80kJNxwzXqM58oVBR97HrMId2TqBZjH9riA=w408-h252-k-no https://www.beebehealthcare.org/ 424 Savannah Rd Lewes DE 19958 QVC4+CP Lewes, Delaware (302) 645-3300 38.77 -75.14 38.771-75.1432293 Hospital 398 2.7 141 19 13 22 203 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
353 Churchman Village AF1QipP0t7VZJlhdGdVcYocBIcxvpdJ9orzOehX0vlIC=w408-h271-k-no https://www.churchmanvillage.com/ 4949 Ogletown Stanton Rd Newark DE 19713 M8WQ+RF Newark, Delaware (302) 998-6900 39.70 -75.66 39.697125-75.661357 Nursing home 70 3.2 27 12 2 3 26 Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours Open 24 hours More details
354 Dawn Career Institute AF1QipPJ21ecqOw0iecUrv7Po77pGUuBicTwNjoMzkqt=w408-h272-k-no https://dawncareerinstitute.edu/ 252 Chapman Rd Newark DE 19702 M89F+G2 Newark, Delaware (302) 273-3560 39.67 -75.68 39.6688335-75.677484 Educational institution 76 3.2 35 7 1 5 28 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 8PM 9AM to 4:30PM 9AM to 1PM Closed More details
355 Delaware Skills Center AF1QipMJmmpWLadd_BH8lzDjbYDu91dnwv2lWrJVuBF2=w466-h240-k-no https://www.deskillscenter.org/ 500 Ship's Landing Way New Castle DE 19720 MC9V+WX New Castle, Delaware (302) 654-5392 39.67 -75.56 39.6698085-75.5551142 Educational institution 38 4.8 33 4 0 0 1 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM 8AM to 4PM Closed Closed More details
356 Delaware Technical Community College - Stanton Campus - Newark AF1QipOAQ5imyLFA_3lHzeiKMrszhY5gQ4XYV4qlIvXJ=w408-h306-k-no https://www.dtcc.edu/our-campuses/stanton/ 400 Stanton Christiana Rd d201 Newark DE 19713 M9Q2+MF Newark, Delaware (302) 454-3900 39.69 -75.65 39.6891998-75.6487862 Community college 86 4.0 56 8 6 1 15 More details
357 Delaware Technical Community College - Charles L. Terry Jr. Campus - Dover AF1QipNWnQf8YkL8JD3kKhmFDvq4-khht3M4EAEsAHr1=w408-h306-k-no https://www.dtcc.edu/our-campuses/dover/ 100 Campus Dr Dover DE 19904 5CXQ+73 Dover, Delaware (302) 857-1000 39.20 -75.56 39.1981614-75.5623213 Community college 119 4.1 79 14 4 3 19 More details