CNA Certification in Maryland

The state of Maryland takes the training of qualified CNAs very seriously.  You will receive extensive training if you wish to start on the path to become a certified nursing assistant in Maryland.

Training Hours and Requirements

You will learn the skills you need to provide excellent care as a nursing assistant when attending a training course.  It is necessary to enroll in training course that has been approved by the state if you want to be eligible to sit for certification testing.  The state of Maryland requires at least 100 hours of training for potential nursing assistants.

Training programs are taught by experienced registered nurses.  You will have classroom, lab and clinical instruction providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to be a CNA.  When you complete your nursing assistant training class, you will need to sit for the CNA certification exam. T his exam is administered by the Geriatric Nursing Assistant Testing Service of Maryland.  You must pass the written as well as the skills test if you wish to become certified.

Application for Endorsement to Transfer CNA Certification to Maryland

Maryland typically only offers certification through endorsement from certain states. If your application for endorsement is not accepted, you will need to attend a training course in Maryland and then challenge the nursing assistant certification exam. Endorsement is usually offered to CNAs who received certification in: Virginia, Maine, Delaware, New York, Illinois, West Virginia, Idaho, Florida, Oregon and Kansas.

Steps For Transfer:

Take the following steps if you are hoping to transfer a CNA certification from your state to the state of Maryland.

• Verify that your certification in your former state is in good standing as well as still active.
• Contact the Maryland CNA program for an application to transfer your certification. You can call: 410-585-2044 or fax request to 410-764-8042. You can also send an email request to: estanley@dhmh.state.md.us
• Complete each section of the endorsement application as instructed.
• Submit a copy of your current CNA certification from the state where you are certified.
• Pay a $20.00 fee (personal checks are not accepted)
• Include a passport size photo of yourself with your application.
• Submit proof with your application that you had your fingerprints taken for the background check.
• Send all information to the address listed on the application.
• Your application will be returned to you if all requirements are not met.

CNA Certification Renewal in Maryland

When you live in Maryland, your will need to renew your certification every 2 years to continue working as a certified nursing assistant. In order to renew your certification you must have worked a minimum of 16 hours in a nursing assistant position during the 24 month period.

You should receive your renewal paperwork a few weeks prior to your certification’s  expiration date. Complete the form and send it back to the address listed on the paperwork. This needs to be done before the date that your certification expires. If you have let your license lapse, you will need to contact the Maryland Board of Nursing or visit their website at: http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=cna/index.html to find out what is needed to renew your nursing assistant certification.

Maryland now offers online CNA certification renewal. You can access it at: http://www.mbon.org/main.php?v=norm&p=0&c=olrenew/index.html. If you wish to renew online, you MUST have your SSN on record with the board. If your SSN is not on file with the board, you will have to complete the mail-in renewal form.

Helpful Resources: Free CNA training in Maryland and Accredited CNA classes in Maryland