CNA Classes in Delaware | Certified Nursing Assistant Training Programs

Delaware DHSS Approved Programs

CNA Classes & Training Programs in Delaware

Start your healthcare career in the First State with state-approved certification programs. Delaware offers competitive wages and quick certification in a growing healthcare market.

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Training Hours Required

$117

State Exam Fee

$36,850

Average Annual Salary

3-6

Weeks to Complete

About CNA Certification in Delaware

Quick Certification in the Mid-Atlantic

Delaware offers an efficient pathway to CNA certification with one of the lower training hour requirements in the nation, making it an attractive option for those looking to enter healthcare quickly. The Delaware Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) under the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) oversees CNA certification, requiring completion of a state-approved training program and successful passage of the competency evaluation administered by Prometric.

Despite its small size, Delaware provides diverse healthcare opportunities across its three counties. The Wilmington area in New Castle County offers proximity to Philadelphia's major healthcare market, while Kent and Sussex counties provide opportunities in community hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and the growing beach community healthcare sector. ChristianaCare, one of the largest healthcare systems in the Mid-Atlantic, is headquartered in Delaware and employs thousands of CNAs throughout the state.

Lower training hours (75) for faster certification

Proximity to Philadelphia and Baltimore job markets

No state income tax on wages under $60,000

Growing senior population in beach communities

Delaware CNA Quick Facts

Training Hours 75 hours minimum

Classroom Hours 59 hours

Clinical Hours 16 hours

Exam Format 60 questions + 5 skills

Exam Fee $117 (written + skills)

Regulatory Body Delaware DHSS/DHCQ

Registry DE Nurse Aide Registry

Training Programs

Find CNA Training Programs in Delaware

Browse Delaware DHSS-approved nursing assistant training programs. Programs are available at Delaware Technical Community College campuses, vocational schools, and healthcare facilities throughout the state.

Browse CNA Schools in Delaware

Explore our directory of DHSS-approved nursing assistant training programs. Filter by location, cost, and program type to find the perfect fit for your career goals.

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Certification Process

How to Become a CNA in Delaware

Follow these three steps to earn your CNA certification and start your healthcare career in Delaware.

Complete Approved Training

Enroll in a Nurse Aide Training Program approved by the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality. Delaware requires a minimum of 75 total training hours—59 hours of classroom and laboratory instruction plus 16 hours of supervised clinical experience. This is one of the lower requirements nationally, allowing for faster certification. Delaware Technical Community College offers programs at all four of its campuses (Wilmington, Stanton, Dover, Georgetown), and the American Red Cross provides training in the Wilmington area. Some healthcare facilities also offer employer-sponsored training programs.

Pass the State Competency Exam

After completing your training program, pass the Delaware Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation administered by Prometric. The exam consists of two parts: a written (or oral) knowledge test with 60 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit, and a clinical skills evaluation where you demonstrate 5 randomly selected competencies. The combined exam fee is approximately $117. Testing is available at Prometric sites in Delaware, including locations in New Castle County and Dover. You must pass both portions within three attempts and 24 months of completing your training program.

Background Check & Registry

Complete a criminal background check as required by Delaware law for all healthcare workers. Delaware requires a State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal history check and may require an FBI fingerprint-based check for certain positions. The background check typically costs $40-65. Once you pass the competency exam and clear the background check, your name is placed on the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry maintained by DHSS. Employers must verify your active registry status before hiring. Your certification is valid for 24 months from the date of issue.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about CNA certification in Delaware.

Delaware has one of the lower training requirements in the nation at just 75 hours, which means you can complete your certification relatively quickly—typically in 3-6 weeks depending on program format and scheduling. Full-time accelerated programs at Delaware Technical Community College or private vocational schools can be completed in as little as 2-3 weeks with intensive daily sessions. Part-time evening or weekend programs may take 4-8 weeks to accommodate students who are working or have other commitments. After completing your DHSS-approved training program, you'll schedule your competency exam through Prometric. Both the written and skills portions can usually be completed on the same day, and results are typically available within a few business days. The background check process through the Delaware State Bureau of Identification usually takes 1-2 weeks. From enrollment to receiving your certification, most students can become fully certified CNAs in Delaware within 4-8 weeks. Delaware's compact geography also means that regardless of where you live in the state, you're never far from training programs or testing sites. Some healthcare facilities may offer conditional employment while your certification is being processed.

CNA training costs in Delaware typically range from $800 to $1,800 depending on the institution and program type. Delaware Technical Community College programs generally cost $800-$1,200 including tuition and fees for state residents—Delaware Tech is the primary provider of CNA training in the state with campuses in Wilmington, Stanton (Newark area), Dover, and Georgetown. The American Red Cross Delaware Chapter typically charges $1,200-$1,500 for their programs. Private vocational schools may charge $1,200-$1,800+ but may offer more flexible scheduling or accelerated timelines. In addition to tuition, budget approximately $117 for the state competency exam, $40-65 for the background check, plus costs for scrubs/uniforms ($50-$100), textbooks ($30-$75), and any required immunizations or health screenings. Many Delaware nursing homes and healthcare facilities offer free or subsidized CNA training in exchange for a commitment to work at their facility—typically 6-12 months. ChristianaCare and other major Delaware healthcare systems sometimes offer training programs to address staffing needs. Delaware Workforce Development funding may also be available for qualifying students who meet income guidelines.

Delaware permits hybrid CNA training programs that combine online theoretical instruction with mandatory in-person clinical hours, but fully online programs are not approved for state certification. The classroom/didactic portion of your training—covering topics like infection control, patient rights, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, nutrition, documentation, communication, and safety procedures—can sometimes be completed through online coursework at your own pace. However, Delaware Division of Health Care Quality regulations require that clinical training hours (minimum 16 hours) be completed in person at an approved long-term care facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. This hands-on component involves practicing essential skills like vital signs measurement, personal care assistance, mobility support, and communication techniques with actual residents. Delaware's compact size means that even if you complete theory online, traveling to clinical sites is convenient regardless of where you live in the state. When searching for programs, look for DHSS-approved hybrid options that clearly specify their online vs. in-person hour breakdown. Be cautious of any program advertising as completely online, as graduates would not be eligible for Delaware certification.

Delaware uses Prometric as its testing provider for the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. The exam consists of two parts that are typically taken on the same day at a Prometric testing site. The written knowledge test contains 60 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. Questions cover essential CNA topics including patient rights and independence, communication and interpersonal skills, infection control, safety and emergency procedures, personal care skills, basic nursing skills, mental health and social service needs, care of cognitively impaired residents, basic restorative services, and relevant regulations. If you have difficulty reading English, you may request an oral exam format when registering. The clinical skills evaluation requires you to demonstrate competency in 5 randomly selected skills from a standardized list that includes hand hygiene, vital signs measurement (blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature), positioning, transfers, ambulation, range of motion exercises, and various personal care tasks. A nurse evaluator observes as you perform each skill. Testing is available at Prometric sites in Delaware, with locations in the Wilmington area and Dover. The combined exam fee is approximately $117. You have three attempts to pass within 24 months of completing training.

Yes, Delaware accepts CNA certification from other states through reciprocity, but you must apply for endorsement through the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality before working in the state. To transfer your certification, submit a completed Reciprocity Application along with verification of your current certification directly from your previous state's nurse aide registry. Your out-of-state certification must be active and in good standing with no findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property. You'll also need to complete a Delaware criminal background check. The reciprocity application fee is approximately $30, and processing typically takes 2-4 weeks once all documentation is received. While your application is pending, you cannot legally work as a CNA in Delaware—employers are required to verify registry status before hiring. Delaware's location in the Mid-Atlantic region means many CNAs work across state lines into Pennsylvania, Maryland, or New Jersey. If you plan to work in multiple states, note that each state has its own reciprocity requirements. Once approved, your Delaware certification will follow the state's standard 24-month renewal cycle. For questions about the reciprocity process, contact the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry at (302) 292-3930.

Certification Maintenance

CNA Certification Renewal in Delaware

Delaware CNA certification is valid for 24 months and must be renewed to remain on the Nurse Aide Registry. To renew your certification, you must have performed at least 8 hours of compensated nursing-related services within the 24-month certification period. This employment must occur in a qualifying healthcare setting under the supervision of a licensed nurse—acceptable settings include nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, hospice organizations, and similar healthcare environments. Delaware does not currently require specific Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for CNA renewal beyond federal OBRA requirements, though individual employers typically provide annual in-service training as required by federal regulations. The renewal application must be submitted to the Delaware Division of Health Care Quality before your certification expires. Delaware does not charge a renewal fee for CNAs—renewal is free as long as you meet the work requirement and submit your application on time. You can submit your renewal application online or by mail. If your certification expires because you did not meet the work requirement or failed to renew on time, you will need to retake and pass both portions of the competency exam to regain active status. If your certification has been expired for more than 24 consecutive months, you may be required to complete a new training program before retesting. Keep your contact information current with the registry to receive renewal notices.

Renewal Fee

FREE

Renewal Period

Every 24 months

Work Requirement

8 hours in 24 months

CEU Requirement

None required

Career Outlook

CNA Career Opportunities in Delaware

Strategic Location in the Mid-Atlantic

Delaware offers CNAs a unique combination of competitive wages, lower cost of living compared to neighboring states, and access to major metropolitan job markets. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, CNAs in Delaware earn a median salary of $36,850 per year, or approximately $17.72 per hour. While this is near the national average, Delaware's favorable tax situation—no state income tax on wages under $60,000 and no sales tax—means CNAs keep more of their earnings compared to neighboring states.

Delaware's healthcare industry is anchored by ChristianaCare, one of the largest healthcare systems in the Mid-Atlantic region with major facilities in Wilmington, Newark, and throughout New Castle County. Bayhealth serves Kent and Sussex counties with hospitals in Dover and Milford. Beebe Healthcare operates in the growing beach communities of Sussex County, where the senior population continues to expand. These systems, along with numerous skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies, create consistent demand for qualified CNAs.

Delaware's location also provides unique advantages—CNAs living in northern Delaware can easily access the Philadelphia healthcare market, while those in the south can reach Baltimore and Maryland's Eastern Shore. The state's compact size means commuting anywhere in Delaware is manageable. Many Delaware CNAs advance their careers by pursuing LPN or RN degrees through Delaware Technical Community College's nursing programs or the University of Delaware's School of Nursing.

Average Annual Salary

$36,850

per year

$17.72/hour • No renewal fees

Nearby States

Explore CNA Training in Nearby States

Looking for CNA programs in neighboring states? Check out these resources.

Resources

Official Delaware CNA Resources

Access official state resources for CNA certification, testing, and verification.

Delaware Division of Health Care Quality

State regulatory agency overseeing CNA certification, training program approval, and nurse aide registry.

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Delaware Nurse Aide Registry

Verify your CNA status and check certification details through the official registry lookup.

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Prometric Testing

Schedule Exam

Candidate Handbook

Download the Delaware Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook for complete exam information and study guides.

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DHCQ Nurse Aide Registry

3 Mill Road, Suite 308
Wilmington, DE 19806

Call: (302) 292-3930

Prometric Support

Contact Prometric for exam scheduling, results, and testing accommodations.

Call: (800) 759-9997

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