CNA Requirements in Maryland
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland: the training, exam, background check, and timeline you need to plan for.
Find Maryland CNA Training ProgramsMaryland CNA Requirements at a Glance
Minimum Age
16
Training Hours
100 hours minimum
(Federal minimum: 75)
Time to Certification
8-14 weeks from program start to registry listing
Exam Vendor
Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor
Becoming a CNA in Maryland
Becoming a nurse aide in Maryland is uniquely structured among U.S. states because the Maryland Board of Nursing operates a two-tier system. Effective April 1, 2026, the state formally redesignated its credentials: what used to be called GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) is now CNA-I, and what used to be called CNA is now CNA-II. CNA-II requires completing a 100-hour MBON-approved training program and registering with the Board, while CNA-I requires the additional step of passing the NNAAP-style competency exam — and CNA-I is the credential you need to work in any licensed Maryland nursing home.
Maryland requires 100 hours of state-approved training (25 hours above the federal minimum of 75), with at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice in a licensed Maryland nursing home. The Maryland Board of Nursing partners with Credentia as the primary testing service, and on October 23, 2024 MBON approved Headmaster (D&SDT) as an additional vendor to address scheduling shortages ahead of the April 2026 redesignation. Each NNAAP exam attempt through Credentia costs $105 and you have up to 4 attempts within 24 months of finishing training.
After you pass the NNAAP exam, complete the CJIS/FBI background check, and submit the $20 initial application fee, the Maryland Board of Nursing adds you to the Maryland CNA Registry — typically within 4-8 weeks during the April 2026 system-transition period. You can verify your status at lookup.mbon.org/verification. Maryland certification is valid for 2 years and renewing requires that you worked for compensation in a nursing or nursing-related capacity within the past 24 months. CNA-I status is required to work in any licensed Maryland nursing home, hospice, or assisted living facility caring for medically complex residents.
Detailed Maryland CNA Requirements
Regulatory Body
Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON), Maryland Department of Health
Minimum Age
You must be at least 16 years old to begin CNA training in Maryland.
Education Requirement
No statewide high school diploma or GED requirement for registry placement; many MBON-approved training programs require a diploma/GED or set their own minimum age at 17 or 18
Training Hours
100 hours minimum required.
At least 100 hours of instruction with a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical practice in a licensed Maryland nursing home
Background Check
Criminal history records check (CHRC) through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) and FBI; substantiated findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation on any state registry disqualify applicants
Competency Exam
Administered by Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor. NNAAP-style two-part exam: a 70-item written (or oral) knowledge test plus a hands-on skills test of 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills
Cost: $115 total through Credentia ($43 written or $43 oral knowledge exam + $72 skills evaluation); Headmaster pricing is set separately for approved Maryland test sites
Application Fee
$20 MBON initial CNA/GNA application fee; criminal background check fees of roughly $51-$57
Total Cost Estimate
$500-$2,500 depending on whether training is employer-sponsored, a community college, or a private provider
Where You Can Work
Maryland-licensed nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, home health agencies, and hospice programs; CNA-I (formerly GNA) certification is required to work in licensed nursing homes
What's Different About Maryland
Effective April 1, 2026, Maryland redesignated 'GNA' as CNA-I and 'CNA' as CNA-II — Maryland still operates a two-tier nurse aide system unique in the United States, requiring 100 hours of training (25 above the federal minimum) and a separate NNAAP exam to work in any licensed nursing home
How to Become a CNA in Maryland: Step by Step
Confirm you meet Maryland's eligibility requirements
The Maryland Board of Nursing requires applicants to be at least 16 years old (most training programs set their own minimum at 17 or 18), able to read and write English, and free of disqualifying criminal history. You will complete a CJIS/FBI criminal background check before certification, and substantiated findings of abuse or neglect on any state registry are permanent disqualifications.
Enroll in an MBON-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP)
Find a 100-hour nurse aide training program approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing. Approved providers include Maryland community colleges, the University of Maryland School of Nursing, many nursing homes, and private schools. The program must include at least 100 hours of instruction with a minimum of 40 hours of clinical practice in a licensed Maryland nursing home.
Complete the 100-hour training and submit your initial application
Pass all classroom modules and demonstrate the required clinical skills. Submit Maryland Board of Nursing Form for initial CNA/GNA certification with the $20 application fee. Note that effective April 1, 2026 these forms have been updated to reflect the new CNA-I (formerly GNA) and CNA-II (formerly CNA) terminology.
Complete the CJIS/FBI criminal background check
Submit fingerprints through a CJIS-approved Live Scan vendor for state and FBI background checks. Fees typically run $51-$57. Results are returned to MBON and must clear before your initial certification is issued.
Register and schedule the NNAAP exam through Credentia (or Headmaster)
Create an account at credentia.com/test-takers/maryland and register for the NNAAP-style competency evaluation. The fee is $105 per attempt and you have up to 4 attempts within 24 months of finishing training. As of late 2024, Headmaster (D&SDT) is also approved by MBON as an additional testing vendor to address scheduling shortages.
Pass both portions of the NNAAP exam to become CNA-I (formerly GNA)
The written test is 70 multiple-choice questions; the skills test asks you to perform 5 randomly selected nurse aide skills under a nurse aide evaluator's observation. Passing both portions earns you Maryland CNA-I status (formerly called Geriatric Nursing Assistant or GNA), which is required to work in licensed Maryland nursing homes.
Get listed on the Maryland CNA Registry
Once Credentia (or Headmaster) transmits your passing scores and MBON processes your application and background check, you are added to the Maryland CNA Registry. Verify your status anytime at lookup.mbon.org/verification. You can then work as a CNA-I (or CNA-II if you complete only the CNA path without the NNAAP exam) in approved Maryland facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CNA-I and CNA-II in Maryland?
Effective April 1, 2026, Maryland redesignated its nurse aide credentials. CNA-I is the new name for what used to be called the Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) — it requires completion of MBON-approved 100-hour training plus passing the NNAAP-style competency exam, and is required to work in any licensed Maryland nursing home. CNA-II is the new name for what used to be called the CNA — it requires completion of training and MBON registration but does not require the NNAAP exam.
Why does Maryland require 100 hours of training when the federal minimum is 75?
Maryland requires 100 hours of MBON-approved training (with at least 40 clinical hours in a licensed nursing home) to reflect the state's policy that nurse aides should have substantial supervised clinical experience before working in long-term care settings. The 25 extra hours above the federal minimum align with the heavy long-term-care employment market in Maryland and with the state's two-tier CNA-I/CNA-II structure.
Who administers the Maryland CNA exam?
Credentia is the primary testing service for the Maryland NNAAP exam, and you register at credentia.com/test-takers/maryland for $105 per attempt. On October 23, 2024 the Maryland Board of Nursing approved Headmaster (D&SDT) as an additional approved testing vendor to address scheduling capacity issues. As of late 2025 Headmaster is fully operational for approved CNA-I training programs.
How long does it take to become a CNA in Maryland?
Most candidates complete the entire process in 8 to 14 weeks. The 100-hour training program typically runs 4-8 weeks depending on full-time vs. part-time pacing. After training you need another 2-4 weeks for the NNAAP exam (Credentia or Headmaster) and 2-4 weeks for MBON to process your $20 application, $51-$57 background check, and registry placement. The April 2026 system transition may add processing time.
What is the minimum age to become a CNA in Maryland?
The Maryland Board of Nursing minimum is 16, but in practice most MBON-approved training programs (especially community colleges) require students to be 17 or 18. A high school diploma or GED is not required by the state for registry placement, though many training programs require one for admission.
How much does it cost to become a CNA in Maryland?
Total costs typically range from $500 (employer-sponsored or community-college-subsidized) to $2,500. The 100-hour training program runs $700-$1,500 at most community colleges, the Credentia NNAAP exam is $105 per attempt, the MBON initial application fee is $20, and the CJIS/FBI background check runs $51-$57. Budget another $50-$100 for required uniforms, stethoscope, and physical exam.
Free Study Materials for the Maryland CNA Exam
The Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor exam used by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON), Maryland Department of Health tests both knowledge and hands-on skills. Use these free study guides to prepare for the topics most commonly tested in Maryland:
Infection Control
Standard precautions, PPE, hand hygiene, transmission-based precautions, and biohazard handling for the Maryland CNA exam.
Basic Nursing Skills
Vital signs, intake/output, positioning, transfers, and range of motion — the largest block on the Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor skills test.
Personal Care & Elimination
Bathing, peri-care, oral care, toileting, and incontinence management — heavily tested Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor skills in Maryland.
Safety & Emergencies
RACE/PASS fire safety, fall prevention, choking, CPR, and seizure care — required knowledge for Maryland CNA candidates.
Communication Skills
SBAR handoff, therapeutic communication, and adaptations for hearing, vision, and dementia residents — tested throughout the Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor exam.
Patient Rights
OBRA '87 resident rights, HIPAA, advance directives, and freedom from restraints — graded on every Maryland CNA practical exam skill.
Data Collection & Reporting
Objective vs subjective data, pain scales, what to report immediately, and documentation rules used on the Maryland exam.
Body Systems & Conditions
Cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and endocrine basics, plus pressure-injury staging — frequently tested on the Maryland written exam.
End-of-Life Care
Hospice vs palliative care, Kübler-Ross stages, and postmortem care for Maryland CNAs working in long-term care.
Mental Health & Dementia
Delirium vs dementia, sundowning, validation therapy, and de-escalation — frequently tested on the Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor written exam in Maryland.
Legal & Ethical Issues
Scope of practice, the four elements of negligence, mandatory reporting, and ethical principles every Maryland CNA must know before working.
Test yourself for the Maryland CNA exam
Free Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor Practice Tests
The Credentia is the primary testing service, with Headmaster (D&SDT) approved by MBON on October 23, 2024 as an additional vendor written exam used in Maryland has 60 scored multiple-choice questions. Drill our free NNAAP-style practice tests until you can consistently score above 80%, then walk into the testing center confident.
Ready to Start Your Maryland CNA Career?
Find approved training programs, free study materials, and license verification tools for Maryland.