The role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) serves as a direct entry point into the healthcare profession, providing fundamental hands-on care to patients in various medical settings. CNAs perform daily living activities, monitor patient health, and serve as the primary link between patients and licensed nursing staff. Achieving this certification in Delaware requires applicants to navigate a precise regulatory pathway established by the state to ensure competence and patient safety. This guide outlines the specific steps, training benchmarks, and compliance obligations necessary to gain and maintain certification in the state.
Prerequisites for CNA Training
Before an individual can enroll in a state-approved training program, several mandatory criteria must be satisfied. Most programs require candidates to have obtained a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. While the typical age requirement is 18 years, some training providers may accept applicants as young as 16, often with mandatory parental consent.
A mandatory comprehensive criminal background check is required for all individuals seeking employment in long-term care facilities and home health agencies within Delaware. This screening process often involves fingerprinting and a review of state and federal criminal history. Applicants must also complete a health screening, which typically includes a physical examination and a tuberculosis (TB) test. Basic English language proficiency is also required to ensure effective communication in the clinical setting.
Delaware CNA Training Requirements
Delaware mandates a rigorous training standard for prospective Certified Nursing Assistants, requiring 150 clock hours of instruction. This significantly surpasses the 75-hour minimum required by federal law. This curriculum is divided equally between theoretical learning and practical application, with 75 hours dedicated to classroom instruction and 75 hours devoted to supervised clinical training.
The classroom portion of the program covers subjects including basic nursing skills, restorative services, communication techniques, and patient rights. The practical clinical hours must take place in an approved facility, providing students with essential hands-on experience under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse. All training programs must be officially approved by the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services. Instruction must be administered by a Registered Nurse who possesses a minimum of two years of nursing experience, including at least one year within a long-term care facility. Verification of a program’s state approval is necessary before enrollment, as completion of an unapproved course will not qualify a candidate for the state certification exam.
The Certification Examination Process
Upon successful completion of the state-approved training program, the next step is the mandatory state competency evaluation, which is required to formally earn the Certified Nursing Assistant designation. Candidates must take and pass both sections of this examination within 24 months of their training course completion date. The examination is structured into two distinct parts: a written component, which may be offered as an oral alternative, and a clinical skills demonstration.
The knowledge portion of the test evaluates the trainee’s grasp of the curriculum through multiple-choice questions covering patient care, safety, and communication principles. The clinical skills portion requires the candidate to perform a selection of hands-on nursing procedures in front of an evaluator, demonstrating proficiency in core tasks. Candidates are permitted a maximum of three attempts to pass both sections of the exam. If an applicant fails either the written or the clinical component three times, they are required by Delaware regulation to repeat the entire 150-hour CNA training program before they are eligible to reapply for testing.
Official Nurse Aide Registry Listing
The final administrative action for a successful candidate is placement on the official Delaware Nurse Aide Registry, which is the legal authorization to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the state. Inclusion on this registry is automatic upon the candidate’s successful passing of both the written and clinical portions of the competency examination. The registry serves as a publicly accessible verification tool, allowing employers and the public to confirm a CNA’s current certification status and standing.
This listing signifies that the individual has met all state and federal requirements for training and competence. Maintaining current and accurate personal information on the registry is a continuous professional obligation. Any change in name or address must be promptly reported to the governing body to ensure that certification records remain valid and in compliance with state mandates.
Maintaining Certification in Delaware
Long-term employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant requires adherence to specific biennial renewal requirements. CNA certification in Delaware is valid for two years, and the renewal process must be initiated before the expiration date. To qualify for recertification, a CNA must meet two primary requirements during each 24-month period: a work requirement and a continuing education requirement.
The work requirement specifies that a CNA must have performed at least 64 hours of compensated nursing-related services under the supervision of a licensed nurse or physician within the preceding 24 months. The continuing education mandate requires the completion of 24 hours of department-approved education. This education must include:
A minimum of six hours dedicated to dementia care.
Two hours focused on the prevention of resident abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
A CNA who fails to meet either the work hours or the continuing education requirements, or who does not renew on time, must retake and pass the full competency examination to reactivate their certification.