A comprehensive guide to the Delaware CNA Registry: From application to renewal
Welcome to the gateway for becoming a CNA in Delaware! The Delaware CNA Registry serves as the authoritative hub, ensuring the qualification, competence, and adherence to standards for all CNAs in the state. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get on the Delaware CNA Registry and essential details for maintaining an active status.
Requirements to get on the Delaware CNA Registry
Fees
The application process is free of charge.
Minimum Age
You must usually be at least 16 years old to attend CNA classes.
Minimum Education
Training school may require you to have a high school diploma or a GED.
Training Requirements
To become a CNA in Delaware, you must either complete a Delaware approved Nurse Aide Training Program within the last 24 months or be enrolled in a Delaware licensed nursing program.
If you are enrolled in a Delaware licensed nursing program:
To qualify you must have completed a Fundamentals/Basic nursing course, as well as a specific number of hours of supervised clinical practicum in either a facility or a hospital. The total clock hours of clinical training required for certification shall be determined by the Department through a written order signed by the Secretary. At no time may the number of clock hours be less than those required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Currently, the clock hours requirements are the following:
- The training program shall be a minimum of ninety-one (91) clock hours in length, meaning 75 clock hours of classroom instruction including laboratory time, and; 16 clock hours of clinical skills training in a department-approved Delaware licensed facility.
- All CNAs hired to work in a facility shall undergo a minimum of 80 clock hours of orientation, at least 40 of which shall be clinical.
Competency Test
Nursing students qualify for the CNA competency exam by submitting a letter from their nursing school confirming their enrollment and a transcript demonstrating successful completion of relevant courses. You can find more information in the Candidate Information Bulletin State of Delaware by Prometric.
Background Check
CNA schools usually require you to submit a criminal background check as well as fingerprinting. Furthermore, all applicants for employment in long-term care facilities and home health agencies must have a criminal background check, according to State of Delaware law.
Applying to appear on the Delaware CNA Registry
Where to apply
Fill out the application form and submit it by email to DHSS_DHCQ_CNA_CERT@DELAWARE.GOV with all the relevant documents. You will then be admitted to the CNA competency test and added to the CNA register upon successful completion of the written and clinical skills tests.
Required Documentation
During the application, you will need to provide the required documents as well as proof of successful completion of the CNA competency test.
Restrictions
If you have any findings against you, these will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and you must provide all information required by the Registry.
Processing Time
If you pass both parts of the exam, your name will be added to the Delaware Registry. Processing time varies but should not take longer than a few weeks at most.
How to keep your license on the Delaware CNA Registry
Stay Active
The certification period is for 24 months, and you must recertify every 2 years by completing and verifying the following during each 24-month certification period and before certification expiration:
- You must complete 24 hours of department-approved continuing education which must include six hours of dementia training and two hours of resident/patient abuse/neglect/mistreatment prevention training.
- You must perform at least 64 hours of nursing-related services for pay under the supervision of a nurse.
Renew
To renew your application and become recertified, you must:
- Go to Relias and log in. Do not create or register an account for yourself in RELIAS. An account has been automatically created for you. CNAs will log in by entering their e-mail addresses and a temporary password (Welcome1). If you do not have that information, you can contact the DHCQ office at 302-421-7410.
- Pay the $25 renewal fee online with your debit or credit card.
- Choose the available packages of classes so you can complete the 24 hours of continuing education.
- Verify that you meet the required 64 hours of nursing-related work within the last 24 months. Enter the details of your employer and supervisor.
- Download your certificate of completion.
Processing time: Up to 48 hours after you have completed all of your courses and submitted your Employment information.
You can find more information about the recertification process in this guide about the Delaware Certified Nurse Aide Recertification Procedure, as well as in the guide about Relias.
Reactivate your expired license
CNAs whose certifications expire (i.e. not meeting recertification criteria) are deemed lapsed. In that case, you must contact Prometric (1-866-664-9504) or visit Prometric’s Delaware Nurse Aide Exam website for more information about the required CNA written and clinical skills tests. A fee of $115, payable to Prometric by credit or debit card, is required for exam registration.
Delaware CNA reciprocity
For those seeking reciprocity, additional information can be found on our Delaware CNA Reciprocity page.
Delaware Registry and contact details
Link to Registry: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhcq/cnareg.html
Link to license lookup: https://registry.prometric.com/publicDE
Contact information:
Email: DHSS_DHCQ_CNA_CERT@DELAWARE.GOV
Phone: (302) 421-7403
Address:
Division of Health Care Quality – Office of Long Term Care
The Cambridge Building – University Office Plaza
263 Chapman Road, Suite 200
Newark, DE