CNA Requirements in Delaware
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Delaware: the training, exam, background check, and timeline you need to plan for.
Find Delaware CNA Training ProgramsDelaware CNA Requirements at a Glance
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
75 hours
Time to Certification
5–10 weeks (training 4–6 weeks, exam and registry 2–4 weeks)
Exam Vendor
Prometric
Becoming a CNA in Delaware
Becoming a CNA in Delaware is one of the more streamlined pathways on the East Coast — the state sticks with the federal 75-hour training minimum rather than imposing a state-specific addition, so full-time candidates can typically complete their program in 4 to 6 weeks. Delaware Technical Community College runs the largest network of approved training programs, often at modest tuition rates for state residents, and the American Red Cross operates additional programs in the Wilmington area. Several long-term care facilities also sponsor CNA training in exchange for a post-certification work commitment.
The background screening process is the most common bottleneck for Delaware candidates. The Delaware Board of Nursing requires both a Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal background check and a federal FBI fingerprint clearance, and processing usually takes 1 to 3 weeks after fingerprint submission. Schedule your background check appointment as early as possible in your training, not as a final step — disqualifying offenses under the Delaware Healthcare Worker Background Check rules cover most violent felonies, theft, fraud, sexual offenses, and vulnerable-adult abuse, with recent non-automatic offenses reviewed case-by-case.
Once you are listed on the Delaware CNA Registry, you can work in long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and other Board of Nursing-licensed healthcare settings statewide. Delaware is also a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which is worth noting if you plan to advance your career to LPN or RN — the compact lets you hold a multi-state nursing license once you reach those levels, useful if you live in northern Delaware and commute to Pennsylvania or Maryland. The CNA credential itself is not part of the compact, so out-of-state CNAs must apply for Delaware certification by endorsement rather than relying on a compact privilege.
Detailed Delaware CNA Requirements
Regulatory Body
Delaware Division of Professional Regulation, Board of Nursing
Minimum Age
You must be at least 16 years old to begin CNA training in Delaware.
Education Requirement
No high school diploma or GED required by the Delaware Board of Nursing, though most training programs require basic English literacy
Training Hours
75 hours required.
Minimum 75 hours total, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a long-term care setting
Background Check
State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal background check plus federal FBI fingerprint clearance
Competency Exam
Administered by Prometric. Two-part exam: a written (or oral) knowledge test plus a hands-on skills evaluation
Cost: Approximately $100–$120 total for both portions (check Prometric's current Delaware fee schedule)
Application Fee
Delaware Board of Nursing CNA application fee (typically $20–$50)
Total Cost Estimate
$0 (employer-sponsored) to $1,500 (private program)
Where You Can Work
Long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and other licensed healthcare settings throughout Delaware
What's Different About Delaware
Delaware meets the federal 75-hour minimum and is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), which can affect multi-state nursing pathways if you plan to advance to LPN or RN later
How to Become a CNA in Delaware: Step by Step
Confirm you meet the prerequisites
You must be at least 16, free of disqualifying convictions under Delaware Board of Nursing rules, and able to read and write English. There is no formal high school diploma requirement, but most training programs require basic English literacy.
Find a Delaware Board of Nursing-approved training program
Look for a 75-hour state-approved program. Approved programs are offered at Delaware Technical Community College, the American Red Cross, nursing facilities, and private career schools. The program must include the federal-minimum 75 hours with at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience.
Complete the 75-hour training program
Pass all classroom modules, demonstrate the required clinical skills, and obtain your program completion documentation. Your program registers you with Prometric for the competency exam.
Complete SBI and FBI background screening
Submit fingerprints to the Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) for both state and federal FBI background checks. Disqualifying offenses include violent felonies, theft, fraud, sexual offenses, and vulnerable-adult abuse. Plan 1 to 3 weeks for processing.
Schedule and pass the Prometric competency exam
Apply through Prometric's Delaware nurse aide portal and schedule both the written/oral knowledge test and the skills evaluation. You must pass both portions to be added to the Delaware CNA Registry.
Get listed on the Delaware CNA Registry
Once you pass both exam portions and your background check clears, Prometric transmits your results to the Delaware Board of Nursing and you are added to the state CNA Registry, accessible through the Delaware Professional Regulation online verification system. You can then begin working as a CNA in any Delaware licensed healthcare facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the minimum requirements to become a CNA in Delaware?
You must be at least 16, complete a Delaware Board of Nursing-approved 75-hour training program (with at least 16 clinical hours), pass both an SBI state and federal FBI fingerprint background check, and pass both portions of the Prometric competency exam. A high school diploma is not required by the Board of Nursing, though most training programs expect basic English literacy.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Delaware?
Most full-time programs take 4 to 6 weeks. After training, allow 2 to 4 weeks for the Prometric exam and registry listing, plus 1 to 3 weeks for background check processing (you can typically begin background processing during training). Total time from program start to registry listing is usually 5 to 10 weeks.
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Delaware?
Delaware Technical Community College programs are often $400 to $1,000 for residents. Private programs may run higher. Many nursing facilities sponsor training in exchange for a work commitment. The Prometric exam costs approximately $100 to $120 for both portions, plus a Delaware Board of Nursing application fee in the $20 to $50 range and fingerprinting fees. Total out-of-pocket cost typically ranges from $0 to $1,500.
Do I need a high school diploma to become a CNA in Delaware?
No. The Delaware Board of Nursing does not require a high school diploma or GED to obtain CNA certification. Most training programs require basic English literacy but do not check for a high school credential. If you are still in high school you can take CNA training as early as age 16 through dual-enrollment programs at Delaware Tech.
What background check does Delaware require for CNAs?
Delaware requires both a Delaware State Bureau of Identification (SBI) criminal background check and a federal FBI fingerprint clearance before certification is issued. Fingerprints are submitted through an SBI-approved Live Scan vendor. Disqualifying offenses under Delaware healthcare worker background check rules include most violent felonies, theft, fraud, sexual offenses, drug trafficking, and vulnerable-adult abuse. Processing typically takes 1 to 3 weeks.
Is Delaware part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Delaware is part of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) for Registered Nurses and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses — but the compact does not cover CNAs. Out-of-state CNAs must apply for Delaware certification by endorsement through the Board of Nursing, providing verification from their current state's registry and passing the Delaware background check. The compact becomes relevant if you later advance to LPN or RN in Delaware and want to practice in other compact states.
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