How to Get Your CNA Certification in Delaware (DE): 2026 Guide
Delaware uses Prometric for CNA testing and requires 150 total training hours — split evenly between classroom and clinical instruction.
Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant in Delaware takes longer than in most states because the state requires 150 total training hours — twice the federal minimum. After you graduate from an approved program, you take the Prometric nurse aide competency exam. This guide explains Delaware's training requirement, the exam structure, fees, testing locations, and the no-shortcut renewal rule.
Delaware CNA at a glance
- Testing vendor: Prometric
- Training hours: 150 total (75 classroom + 75 clinical)
- Exam format: 60 multiple-choice written/oral questions + 5 hands-on skills
- Passing score: check with Prometric for current passing thresholds
- Exam fee: approximately $115 for both parts
- Registry: Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
- Renewal: 24 months; lapsed CNAs must retake both exams
Who oversees CNA certification in Delaware
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) approves training programs, maintains the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry, and sets renewal rules. Prometric administers the actual competency exam under contract with the state. DHSS also reviews reciprocity applications for out-of-state CNAs.
Training programs in Delaware
Delaware requires 150 hours of state-approved training — 75 classroom hours and 75 supervised clinical hours. Programs are offered at:
- Adult education centers in Wilmington, Newark, and Dover
- Community colleges (Delaware Technical Community College campuses in Wilmington, Dover, and Georgetown)
- Long-term care facilities with approved in-house training programs
- Some private training academies
Most programs run 6–10 weeks. Tuition typically runs $1,200–$2,500, plus $150–$300 for textbooks, uniforms, the Delaware State Police background check (SBI), and the BLS certification course.
The state's 150-hour requirement reflects Delaware's emphasis on extended clinical readiness before employment. Programs that don't meet the clinical minimum cannot graduate candidates for the registry.
The Delaware CNA exam: Prometric details
Prometric's two-part nurse aide exam includes:
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Written or Oral Exam — 60 multiple-choice questions covering Delaware's nurse aide standards, safety, basic nursing skills, resident rights, and infection control. The oral version is available for an extra fee.
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Skills Evaluation — 5 randomly selected skills demonstrated in front of a Prometric nurse evaluator. Handwashing is always tested and embedded in the timed skill sequence.
You must pass both parts to be listed on the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry. DHSS requires candidates to pass within 3 attempts and within 24 months of completing the training program.
How much does the Delaware CNA exam cost?
- Written + skills combined — ~$115
- Oral upgrade — ~$20
- Skills retake — ~$70
- Written retake — ~$45
- Delaware SBI background check — $15–$25
- State registry listing — included
Training program tuition is paid separately and ranges $1,200–$2,500. With exam fees and supplies, Delaware's total cost-of-entry is one of the highest in the country.
Where to take the test in Delaware
- New Castle County — periodic testing through approved programs and regional sites; the largest testing pool
- Kent County — limited sessions; book in advance because fewer test dates run
- Sussex County — periodic testing, often hosted by approved facilities
- Wilmington area — closest option for northern Delaware candidates; best scheduling availability
- Dover area — central Delaware sessions scheduled seasonally
Prometric publishes available dates through its nurse aide scheduling portal. Delaware is a small state, so most candidates drive 30–60 minutes to the nearest active site.
Scheduling and what to bring on test day
Bring government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport), your Prometric test confirmation email, and clinical scrubs for the skills portion. The written/oral and skills portions may be scheduled on the same day or on separate days depending on site availability.
Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled slot. Prometric verifies your identity and the exam materials before starting.
After you pass: Delaware certification and renewal
Your name is added to the Delaware Nurse Aide Registry after both exam parts are passed. Certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, document at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work during the certification period under the supervision of an RN or LPN.
If your certification lapses, Delaware requires you to retake both the written/oral and skills exams. There is no experience-only shortcut — even if you've worked continuously, you must retest.
Common pitfalls specific to Delaware
- 150-hour requirement: Twice the federal minimum; stay on top of attendance. Missing hours can delay graduation.
- Lapse penalty: Delaware does not allow renewal by work verification alone if your certification expires.
- Fee uncertainty: Contact Prometric directly for the exact current fee schedule, as it changes yearly.
- SBI background timing: Delaware SBI background checks take 2–4 weeks; submit during week 1 of training.
FAQ
How long does it take to become a CNA in Delaware? Plan 6–10 weeks for the 150-hour training plus 2–4 weeks for exam scheduling and registry listing.
Can I challenge the Delaware CNA exam without training? Generally no. You must complete a state-approved 150-hour program.
How much does CNA training cost in Delaware? Expect $1,200–$2,500 for tuition plus $150–$300 for supplies, the SBI background check, and the exam fee.
What happens if my Delaware CNA certification lapses? You must retake both the written/oral and skills exams; work history alone does not qualify for renewal.
Practice for the Delaware CNA exam with our questions at /exam and hands-on skill guides at /skills.
