State terminology: Certified nursing assistant (CNA). Delaware CNA Registry ↗ · terminology checked November 5, 2026.
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Delaware Health and Social Services, Division of Health Care Quality.
How do I transfer my CNA credential to Delaware?
Review the agency instructions and the details that still need confirmation before choosing a pathway.
What does CNA reciprocity mean?
States use the terms reciprocity, endorsement and transfer to describe how they review nurse aide credentials from another state. Each state defines its own process, so use the term your new state uses. Approval is not automatic. The destination state decides whether your training, testing, work history and registry status meet its rules.
A nurse aide registry is an official state list used to check nurse aide status. A competency evaluation is the state-approved nurse aide exam. Its format varies by state. This guide explains the published instructions, but the agency decides whether you qualify.
How do you become a CNA in Delaware?
State-approved initial programs require at least 91 clock hours: 75 classroom/laboratory and 16 clinical in an approved Delaware licensed facility.
- The agency directs initial examination applicants to Prometric; pass written and clinical-skills tests for registry addition. Use the hub’s current exam-application link.
- A separate 80-hour employer orientation is not part of the 91-hour course minimum.
Official training directory: Delaware Approved CNA Training Programs (agency page, by county) ↗
Which pathway applies to you?
Reciprocity without examination
Active good-standing out-of-state CNA; Maryland applicants need GNA
- Meet federal-equivalent training; within 24 months have 420 paid supervised hours, or training/evaluation hours at least equal to Delaware requirements.[1]
Obtain the current reciprocity application
Request the current application from DHCQ before sending documents or payment. Confirm the current form with the agency.[1]
Official route: DHCQ application; confirm the current delivery instructions. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
Out-of-state examination route
Active out-of-state CNA/GNA without three months of full-time employment
- Submit current certification and pass the Delaware competency exam; Delaware training is not required for this route.[1]
Official route: Prometric exam application linked from the hub. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
Retest after Delaware lapse
Former Delaware CNA lacking renewal education and/or 64 paid hours in the certification period
- Submit past-certification proof and retake the state exam.[1]
Official route: Prometric testing. [1] Open agency instructions ↗
What if you previously held a nurse aide credential in Delaware?
Use Delaware renewal/lapsed rules for an existing Delaware record rather than assuming new reciprocity.[1]
Who sends registry verification?
Confirm who must send any outgoing registry verification.
What exceptions apply?
No additional exception is listed in the reviewed sources.
What fees does the state publish?
| Item | What the source says |
|---|---|
| Reciprocity without examination: Reciprocity fee | $30; confirm the current amount and mailing address with DHCQ.[3] |
What should you confirm with the agency?
- Confirm the current $30 fee, mailing address and verification-sender rules with DHCQ.
The state decides eligibility and approval. This guide does not grant a credential.
What will the Delaware planner ask?
- Which pathway applies to you? (Reciprocity without examination, Out-of-state examination route, Retest after Delaware lapse)
- Have you previously held CNA certification in Delaware? (Yes, No, I’m not sure)
Sources
- CNA Registry ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · 7 Ways to Become a CNA: routes 3,4,6; Recertification Procedure
- CNA Reciprocity Application (2022 linked filename) ↗
Checked November 3, 2026 · Official application PDF.
- Delaware CNA Registry Frequently Asked Questions ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Reciprocity: $30 fee; 420 hours or equivalent training; Maryland GNA requirement.
- 16 Delaware Administrative Code 3220 CNA certification renewal ↗
Checked November 4, 2026 · Certification period; 24 hours of CE; 64 hours of paid work; 30-day late renewal; lapse