CNA Training in Delaware
Delaware requires at least 91 hours of approved training: 75 hours of classroom and lab instruction plus 16 hours of clinical training. The Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) approves programs and keeps the Delaware CNA Registry.
If you're hired by a Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing home within 12 months of finishing, you may be reimbursed for training and testing costs. Below you'll find each step, pay, ways to train free, and approved programs in all three counties.
Training
91 Hours
Median Pay
$20.21/hr
Exam Cost
Varies
The 4 Steps to Certification in Delaware
Pick a State-Approved Program
DHCQ approves every CNA training program. Your options:
- Delaware Tech workforce programs: at the Wilmington, Stanton, Terry, Owens, Seaford, and Milford sites.
- Adult education: Delaware Skills Center, Poly Tech, and Sussex Tech adult divisions.
- Private schools and nursing homes: private schools set their own prices; some facilities train their own aides.
Complete at Least 91 Hours
Programs can add hours to either part.
Once hired, every CNA also completes at least 80 hours of orientation, 40 of them clinical.
Pass the Competency Exam
Delaware uses Prometric for the CNA Competency Exam. It has a written test and a clinical skills test.
| Exam fee | Set by Prometric |
| Attempts | 3 tries within 24 months of training |
| Registry | Delaware CNA Registry (DHCQ) |
Stay Active
Your certification is good for 24 months.
- Work at least 64 hours for pay providing nursing-related services during each 24-month period.
- Complete the required continuing education before your certification expires.
- If you miss either requirement you must retake the competency exam.
💰 How to Get CNA Training Free in Delaware
Get hired first, or use a free program.
Nursing Home Reimbursement
✨ Paid Back When You're HiredDepartment of Labor Programs
✨ Grant-Funded, If You QualifyAdult Education
✨ Low CostDelaware CNA Pay by Area
Delaware CNAs earn about the same as the national median.
| Area | Median Hourly | Median Annual | CNAs Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware (statewide) | $20.21 | $42,030 | 5,530 |
| United States (national) | $20.32 | $42,260 | 1,505,900 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Nursing Assistants (31-1131). Medians exclude overtime and shift differentials.
What It Costs to Get Certified
Get hired by a certified nursing home and you may be paid back.
Varies
Reimbursable if a certified nursing home hires you within 12 months. Adult education is often lower cost.
Varies
Set by Prometric.
Varies
A fee applies if you transfer from another state.
Moving to Delaware?
If you're a CNA in another state, you may be able to join the Delaware registry without testing.
Active CNA in Another State
If you're active and in good standing in another state (or a GNA in Maryland) and worked at least 420 hours as a CNA in the last 24 months, apply for reciprocity with the fee. No exam is needed.
Lapsed or Never Tested
If you're active elsewhere but don't have 420 hours of recent work, you can take the Delaware exam without retraining.
Questions? Call
(302) 421-7400, ext. 4
Delaware CNA Registry (DHCQ)
CNA Schools in Delaware
Every CNA training program on the Delaware DHCQ list: Delaware Tech workforce sites, adult education, private schools, and facilities. High school programs are not included. Search by name, city, or county, or filter by county.
| Program | City | County | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Professional Institute2500 Wrangle Hill Rd, Ste 120, Bear, DE 19701 | Bear | New Castle | (410) 800-1466 |
| Coleman's CNA Academy32 W Lockerman St, Ste 109, Dover, DE 19901 | Dover | Kent | (302) 553-3219 |
| Complete Care at Brackenville100 Saint Claire Dr, Hockessin, DE 19707Nursing home | Hockessin | New Castle | (302) 234-5420 |
| Cora Career Institute10252 Stone Creek Dr, Unit 5, Laurel, DE 19956 | Laurel | Sussex | (302) 715-5477 |
| Dawn Career Institute252 Chapman Rd, Ste 100, Newark, DE 19702 | Newark | New Castle | (302) 273-3560 |
| Delaware Skills Center Adult Education Division500 Ships Landing Way, New Castle, DE 19720 | New Castle | New Castle | (302) 576-5096 |
| Delaware Technical Community College Workforce Development: Milford1019 N Walnut St (Milford Senior High School), Milford, DE 19963Held at a high school | Milford | Sussex | (302) 422-1610 |
| Delaware Technical Community College Workforce Development: OwensRoute 18 (P.O. Box 610), Georgetown, DE 19947 | Georgetown | Sussex | (302) 259-6344 |
| Delaware Technical Community College Workforce Development: Seaford Innovation Center1030 W Stein Hwy, Seaford, DE 19973 | Seaford | Sussex | (302) 259-6364 |
| Delaware Technical Community College Workforce Development: Stanton400 Stanton-Christiana Rd, Newark, DE 19713 | Newark | New Castle | (302) 283-3158 |
| Delaware Technical Community College Workforce Development: Terry100 Campus Dr, Dover, DE 19904 | Dover | Kent | (302) 857-1403 |
| Delaware Technical Community College Workforce Development: Wilmington333 Shipley St, Wilmington, DE 19801 | Wilmington | New Castle | (302) 571-5300 |
| Genesis Healthcare: Lofland Park Center715 King St, Seaford, DE 19973Nursing home | Seaford | Sussex | (302) 628-3000 |
| Maggie Career Institute102 Larch Cir, Ste 104 (Larch Corporate Center), Wilmington, DE 19804 | Wilmington | New Castle | (302) 660-7100 |
| Poly Tech Adult Education Division823 Walnut Shade Rd, Woodside, DE 19980 | Woodside | Kent | (302) 697-4545 |
| Prestige Technical Institute2110 Duncan Rd, Ste 3, Wilmington, DE 19808 | Wilmington | New Castle | (302) 533-7359 |
| Stockley Center26351 Patriots Way, All Star Building, Georgetown, DE 19947 | Georgetown | Sussex | (302) 857-7500 |
| Sussex Tech Adult Education Division17099 County Seat Hwy, Georgetown, DE 19947 | Georgetown | Sussex | (302) 853-1492 |
| Unity Career Institute2131B S DuPont Hwy, Ste 4, Dover, DE 19901 | Dover | Kent | (302) 670-8323 |
No programs match. Try a nearby city or pick "All counties."
Source: Delaware Division of Health Care Quality, Delaware Approved CNA Training Programs (October 2026). High school programs are not included. Know of a closed program or a wrong number? Report a correction.
Delaware CNA Questions, Answered
Who certifies CNAs in Delaware?
The Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) approves training programs and keeps the Delaware CNA Registry.
How long is CNA training in Delaware?
At least 91 hours: 75 hours of classroom and lab plus 16 hours of clinical training.
How many times can I take the Delaware CNA exam?
Three attempts within 24 months of finishing training. After that, you must retrain.
How do I renew my CNA certification in Delaware?
Every 24 months, work at least 64 hours for pay in nursing-related services and complete the required continuing education.
Can I get CNA training for free in Delaware?
You may be reimbursed if a Medicare/Medicaid certified nursing home hires you within 12 months. Delaware JobLink may also pay if you qualify.
Can I transfer my CNA from another state?
Yes, if you are active and in good standing and have 420 hours of CNA work in the last 24 months. Otherwise you can take the Delaware exam without retraining.
Sources
- Delaware DHSS: CNA Registry and Training (approved programs, hours, routes)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Last verified: October 2026. See something out of date? Report a correction.