Nursing Assistant Certification in Delaware
Delaware Certified Nursing Assistants are under the jurisdiction of the Delaware Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection (DLTCRP). CNAs are certified on the basis of training and examination. Nursing education is an alternative to CNA training. CNAs who are certified in other states are required to take the Delaware assessment only if program length was not at the level Delaware asks and they are unable to document sufficient work experience.
The DLTCRP contracts with Prometric to administer examinations and manage the CNA registry.
CNAs who are employed by nursing homes (or by agencies that provide services to nursing homes) can expect to have criminal background checks and drug testing at the employment level.
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Select a Delaware Certified Nursing Assistant Topic:
- CNA Training Programs in Delaware
- Training: Nursing School
- Examination Requirements
- Prometric Fee Repayment
- The Application Process
- Out-of-State CNAs
- Contacts, Nursing Assistant Programs and Additional Information
- Advancement: CNA to RN Programs
Training: Approved CNA Programs
The most direct path to certification is to complete a DLTCRP-approved CNA program. Approved programs are a minimum of 150 hours and include 75 hours each of classroom instruction and clinical training (http://delcode.delaware.gov/title16/c030a/).
Both the DLTCRP (http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dltcrp/cnareg.html) and Prometric (https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/Nurseaide/Pages/DE.aspx) have posted the list of Delaware-approved programs. On the Prometric site, one can also find a list of examination pass rates organized by program.
Training: Nursing School
A nursing student who has completed a course in “Fundamentals/Basic Nursing” is eligible to test as a CNA if the course included at least 75 clinical instruction hours in a long term care facility.
A nursing school graduate who completed an LPN or RN program within the prior 24 months will be exempted from both CNA training and examination.
A nursing school graduate who completed a program more than 24 months in the past will need to take the CNA examination but will not be required to train as a CNA.
The Examination Process
Delaware CNAs take the Delaware Certified Nursing Assistant Competency Exam. It includes 1) a clinical skills test, which involves assisting individuals who are playing the part of residents and 2) a knowledge test which may be administered in written or oral format.
Some candidates will take their examinations on-site. Others will be scheduled at regional testing sites. Those who are testing at regional sites will enter the test site code on their application forms. Examinations are currently administered in sites in Dover, Georgetown, Wilmington, and Woodside. A list of test sites and addresses is available on the ‘Delaware Nurse Aide’ page of the Prometric site (https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/Nurseaide/Pages/DE.aspx). Upcoming test dates are posted as well.
Test takers can download other documents such as registration materials, clinical skills checklists, and candidate information bulletins. The candidate bulletin includes sample questions as well as a detailed overview of the examination process.
First time test takers will register for both tests. Individuals who fail one of the tests will bellowed to take only the failed test on subsequent attempts. First time test takers will pay $108 for both tests if they opt for the written knowledge test; they will pay $118 if they opt for the oral test. On subsequent attempts, they may $68 for a clinical skills test, $40 for a written test, or $50 for an oral test.
Candidates are allowed up to three attempts during their eligibility period. Those who do not pass within 24 months of program completion will need to re-enroll in a training program if they still seek certification.
Fee Repayment
Delaware CNA candidates must include fees when submitting applications to Prometric. However, Prometric notes that individuals who are employed at qualifying nursing homes within twelve months of program/ examination completion may have testing and training fees reimbursed. This option is not available to individuals who are employed at other types of facilities such as assisted living. Some nursing homes are also excluded; to qualify, a facility must have federal Medicare/Medicaid certification.
Individuals who are going through the training and examination process are advised to maintain documentation of their expenses.
Out-of-State CNAs
Out-of-state CNAs are eligible for reciprocity if they are current and in good standing and if they can verify either of the following:
- Completion of a 150 hour training program
- The equivalent of three months of full-time employment as a CNA under the supervision of a doctor or licensed nurse
420 hours is considered the equivalent of three full-time months.
The DLTCRP notes that Maryland nursing assistants must hold Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification to be eligible for reciprocity (http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dltcrp/cnareg.html).
The Application Process
There are three separate applications, all available on the Prometric site (https://www.prometric.com/en-us/clients/nurseaide/documents/delaware/DE_CNA_CIB.pdf). CNAs who meet reciprocity requirements will use the reciprocity application. Recent LPN and RN graduates will use the application for deemed certification; it is posted under ‘registry services’. Other candidates will apply online or use the general application form.
Applications are not all sent to the same address; this depends on eligibility route and testing site.
Certification by Examination: Examination applicants who will be testing on-site will give their applications to an on-site representative. Those who will be testing at a regional site will mail them to Prometric at the following address: Prometric, Attn: DE Nurse Aide Testing Program, 7941 Corporate Drive, Nottingham, MD 21236.
Supporting documentation will depend on eligibility route. The applicant will send one of the following:
- Training instructor signature on application, verifying completion of an approved program
- Letter from a nursing school, verifying completion of a qualifying course
- Copy of a nursing diploma
- Copy of an out-of-state CNA or GNA certificate
- Verification of past Delaware CNA certification
Certification without examination: Individuals who meet requirements for reciprocity or deemed certification will mail their applications to the DLTCRP.
The endorsement application includes a page that must be filled out by an employer or a training program administrator. Endorsement candidates will mail their $30 fees to the DLTCRP. An endorsement applicant must include a copy of a photo ID and a copy of a CNA certificate or (if verification is done online) a printout. Delaware will confirm registration status.
Applicants for ‘deemed certification’ will include copies of their nursing school diplomas. No fee is required, but applicants are advised that the process may take 30 days.
Delaware does not issue paper cards. Nursing assistants can verify their status online (https://registry.prometric.com/registry/publicDE). They may also call the registry.
Additional Information
Certification information can be found on the site of the Delaware Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection (http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dltcrp/cnareg.html) The CNA Registry can be reached by telephone at 302-577-6666.
Prometric can be reached at 866-664-9504. Applicants who have unanswered questions after reading the documents posted on the website are invited to email ‘DECNA at prometric.com’.
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