Delaware State Guide

CNA Classes in Delaware

Launch your career in the First State. Delaware maintains a high standard for patient care, requiring a minimum of 150 training hours (75 classroom and 75 clinical) before taking the Prometric competency exam. Our guide connects you with approved programs in Wilmington, Dover, and Newark to help you join the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry.

Delaware CNA Training
Min. Training
150 Hours
Exam Provider
Prometric
Avg. Salary
$43,680
Registry
DE Registry

How to Become a CNA in Delaware

1

Complete 150 Hours of Training

Delaware requires a high standard of 150 total hours, split exactly into 75 classroom hours and 75 clinical hours in a nursing facility.

2

Fingerprinting & Background Check

Submit to a mandatory criminal background check and fingerprinting through the Delaware State Police before beginning clinical rotations.

3

Pass the Prometric Exam

Register with Prometric for your competency evaluation. You must pass the multiple-choice knowledge test and the clinical skills demonstration.

4

Registry Placement

Upon passing, your name is added to the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry managed by the Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ).

5

Renewal (208 Work Hours)

Maintain your certification every 24 months by proving at least 208 hours of paid nursing work under licensed supervision.

Delaware Certification Guide

🔄 Reciprocity & Transfers

CNAs from other states can transfer to Delaware by applying for reciprocity through the Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ). You must have an active, unencumbered license and pass the mandatory Delaware background check.

📋 SBI Background Check

All applicants must undergo a state and federal criminal background check and fingerprinting through the Delaware State Police (SBI). This is required before beginning clinical training or being listed on the registry.

⚠️ Lapsed or Expired Status

If your license has been expired for more than 24 months, or you failed to meet the 208-hour work requirement, you must retake an approved 150-hour program and pass the Prometric exam again.

Delaware CNA Salary

Certified Nurse Assistants in Delaware earn an average annual salary of $43,680. Compensation is generally highest in the Wilmington and Newark corridors, where the density of specialized long-term care and acute care facilities is greatest.

See Salary Guide →

Exams & Clinical Skills

Delaware utilizes the Prometric competency evaluation. Candidates must master 5 randomly selected clinical skills—ranging from perineal care to radial pulse measurement—to join the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry.

Practice Skills →
0 results
County School Name Address Phone

No programs found — try adjusting your search.

Delaware CNA Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many training hours are required in Delaware?

Delaware requires a total of 150 hours of state-approved training, split into 75 classroom hours and 75 clinical hours.

2. Who provides the CNA competency exam in DE?

The official exam provider for Delaware is Prometric. You must pass both the written knowledge test and the clinical skills demonstration.

3. What is the average CNA salary in Delaware?

The average annual salary for a CNA in Delaware is approximately $43,680, with higher rates typically found in the Wilmington metro area.

4. How do I renew my Delaware CNA certification?

Certifications must be renewed every 24 months. You must provide proof of at least 208 hours of paid nursing-related work during that period.

5. Can I take CNA classes online in Delaware?

Yes, hybrid programs are permitted where the 75 classroom hours are completed online, but the 75 clinical hours must be done in person.

6. Is a background check required for DE certification?

Yes. All applicants must undergo a State Bureau of Identification (SBI) background check and fingerprinting prior to certification.

7. How many attempts do I have to pass the exam?

Candidates have three attempts within 24 months of training completion to pass both parts of the Prometric competency evaluation.

8. Does Delaware offer reciprocity for out-of-state CNAs?

Yes. CNAs in good standing from other registries can apply for reciprocity through the Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ).

9. Can I work as a CNA before I am certified?

Under the 120-day rule, you may work as a nurse aide in training for up to 4 months while you finish your testing and registration.

10. Who manages the Nurse Aide Registry in DE?

The Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) manages the registry and oversees all certified nurse aide credentials.

Scroll to Top