Maryland CNA Registry Guide

Requirements to get on the Maryland CNA Registry

Fees

• Initial CNA application: $20
• Exam fee (both written and skills): $130 (payable to Credentia)
• Written or oral exam only: $45
• Skills evaluation only: $85
• Criminal History Records Check (CHRC): $31.25 at CJIS sites

Minimum Age

You must be at least 16 years old to qualify for CNA certification in Maryland. Some training schools may require you to be at least 18 years old.

Minimum Education

There is no minimum education requirement for Registry consideration. However, some training schools may require you to have a high school diploma or a GED.

Training Requirements

To qualify, you must complete a 100-hour state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program. This must include at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice in a licensed Maryland nursing home. If you’re looking for approved training programs in Maryland, check out our comprehensive list of CNA programs in Maryland.

Competency Test

The Maryland CNA competency test consists of the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP), which includes a written or oral test and a skills evaluation. To take the test, you’ll need to register through Credentia’s CNA365 platform.

For exam registration, create an account on the CNA365 platform, select Maryland as your eligibility route, upload required documents, and pay the exam fee. Your application must be approved before you can schedule your exam.

You must pass both parts of the examination within 24 months of completing your training program. You are allowed up to four attempts. If you fail after four attempts, you must complete a new 100-hour training program before attempting the exam again.

Background Check

You must complete a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) through the Maryland Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). Use one of the official fingerprint providers.