CNA Certification in Delaware

How to Become a Certified Nursing Assistant in Delaware

Obtaining CNA certification in Delaware is not an overly complicated matter, but it does require a few very specific steps. Firstly, it is the Delaware Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection, or the DLTCRP, that oversees the training and testing programs for CNA certification in the state. The group also works directly with Prometric Inc. to develop and administer the mandatory Nurse Aide Competency Exam and to then administer the CNA Registry. All of the training and testing meets federal standards.

If you want to obtain certified nursing assistant certification in Delaware, those are the two agencies that you will need to work with directly. A CNA candidate must first apply for training in an approved program and then apply for the exam.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for your training in Delaware you have to meet some very clear and specific criteria. They are:

The candidate has to be 16 or older;All candidates have to have proof of high school graduation or proof of a GED;Some facilities require CPR certification;The candidates must present evidence of immunizations, including the hepatitis B vaccine series;Candidates have to have a drug and TB screening along with a full physical; andCriminal background checks and fingerprinting is required. Past conviction of a felony theft, drugs, violent offenses, and offenses involving patients or vulnerable persons are automatically disqualified from training acceptance. Some lesser convictions may also lead to disqualification. The Criminal Background Checks & Mandatory Drug Testing is available at (302) 577-7295, ext. 244 for more information.

Applying for CNA Certification in Delaware

Most of the candidates for CNA certification in Delaware will require training in an approved program, but the following will not need only take the exam or apply for registration:

Student nurses or graduate nurses who has completed a course of no less than 75 hours of study;Lapsed CNAs who have been on the state registry in the past and with 64 hours of work in the last 24 months;Out of state CNAs with at least three months of employment;RNs or LPNs with more than 24 months of certification; orReciprocity candidates with good standing can simply register with the state.

If training is required, the DLTCRP has a full list of approved programs available to download. Courses must use at least 150 hours divided equally between classroom and clinical work. Once the candidate completes the program, they can register for the exam.

The examination involves written questions and performance of skills. A sample is available from Prometric.

Costs

In Delaware, the approved programs can vary in price, but range from $800 to $1000, including books and materials. The courses last a few months, and then the student can apply for the test.

Testing has separate fees and these are:Written and Skills: $108
Oral and Skills: $118
Written retake: $40
Oral only retake: $50
Skills Exam only retake: $68

FAQ

For those pursuing certified nursing assistant certification training in Delaware, the following items are very helpful to know:

According to federal law, a candidate employed by (or with an offer of employment from) a nursing home may not pay for their own training or certification;Candidates are allowed to work in a healthcare setting for up to 120 days before receiving their license. However, if they fail to be certified in that time frame they cannot continue to serve as an aide;The candidate has to take the exam within 24 months of the completion of training, and pass it, or will have to re-train; andDelaware CNAs must complete 24 hours of continuing education during each 24-month certification period. To renew the license and remain active the CNA has to have performed at least 64 hours of paid nursing services in the past 24 months.

Helpful Resources around the Web

Division of Long Term Care Residents Protection (DLTCRP)

CNAWindsor Building 24 NW Front Street
Milford, DE 19963
http://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dltcrp/cnareg.html

Prometric1260 Energy Lane
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 800.818.8917
Fax: 800.813.6670
Web: www.prometric.com/NurseAide/DE