CNA Training in Maryland

In Maryland, CNAs are not required to sit for an examination; however, GNAs are required to do so. The GNA certification is required for those who work in a licensed facility that provides elder care. Maryland uses the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) through Pearson Vue, which provides skills and knowledge examinations. However, applicants must register through the Red Cross.

The skills examination tests applicants in five randomly selected skills although at least one skill will be taking a patient measurement, such as blood pressure. The written knowledge examination includes 70 multiple-choice questions. Applicants who prefer to take the test orally will receive 60 multiple-choice theory questions as well as ten multiple-choice questions that test basic comprehension.

Students must apply by the 15th day of the month to be scheduled to take the examination the next month. Students will receive a ticket to test about two weeks before their scheduled testing day. The fee to take both parts of the examination is $105. An additional fee applies to receive the certification from the Red Cross, which is $20 initially. After taking the examination, students will find out immediately whether or not they have passed. Those who have not passed can retake each part of the test up to four times total before being required to retrain. Those who are testing again will only need to pay a fee for the section they are taking. The knowledge test costs $35, and the skills test costs $70.

CNAs moving to Maryland from another state can take part in the reciprocity that the Maryland Board of Nursing offers. CNAs must be currently registered as CNAs with another state and must include a copy of the certificate along with the application to the Maryland Board of Nursing. Additionally, applicants must not have any accusations of abuse, neglect or maltreatment of patients on their records. Those who answer yes on the application to any of the disciplinary questions must include a copy of the court records discussing the discipline.

Applicants will receive a Maryland certificate within 45 days. Out-of-state applicants who are not yet listed on their previous state’s registry will need to complete a Maryland-approved training program. The fee for reciprocity is $20.

Maryland residents with GNA licensure must renew their certificates every two years. Those who have just received their certificates may have less time to renew initially because Maryland requires renewal on the 28th day of the month of the individual’s birthday. GNAs can renew anytime from 60 days before this date to 20 days after it before the license is considered expired. To renew, individuals must have worked at least 16 hours in the past two years. Renewals can be done online or by mail and require the inclusion of the applicant’s social security number. Renewal costs $40 and is payable to the Red Cross.

NNAAP® EXAMINATION REGISTRATION
Maryland Checklist for Certification by Reciprocity
Online Certification Renewal

Links
–Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
–Maryland Board of Nursing
–Nurses Aide Registry
–License Verification

Contacts

Maryland Board of Nursing
4140 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215-2254
Phone: 888-202-9861
Email: Loretta Barner