American International Technical University

Maryland CNA Certification – Basic Eligibility

To qualify for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in Maryland, an individual must:

• Be at least 16 years of age*
• Hold a high school diploma or GED
• Successfully complete a Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) approved training program totaling at least 100 hours, including:
• A minimum of 60 hours of classroom (didactic) instruction
• A minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical experience
• Pass all required criminal background checks
• Successfully pass the Maryland CNA certification examination

CNA certification is issued and regulated by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON).

*Note: Exact age, training, and documentation requirements are determined by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) and may change over time. Always refer to MBON for the most current standards.

Core Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for CNA certification in Maryland must meet the following core requirements:

• Age:
  • At least 16 years of age*
• Education:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Identification:
  • Valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Tax Identification Number (TIN)
• Health Clearance:
  • Proof of required immunizations (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B)
  • Negative tuberculosis (TB) test
  • Recent physical exam or documentation of current health status
• Background Check:
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check and fingerprinting, as required by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON)

Training and Education Requirements

To qualify for CNA certification in Maryland, you must complete:

• Approved Training Program:
  • Completion of a Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) – approved CNA program.
• Minimum Program Hours:
  • A total of 100 hours of instruction, typically including:
    • 60 hours of classroom (didactic) instruction
    • 40 hours of supervised clinical experience
• Program Curriculum Includes:
  • Basic nursing skills
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • Personal care skills
    • Patient/resident rights and communication
• Pre-Clinical Requirement:
  • Completion of a 16-hour pre-clinical module focused on:
  • The CNA role and responsibilities
  • Safety and infection control
  • Ethics and professional conduct

Certification and Examination

To obtain CNA certification in Maryland, applicants must:

• Pass the NNAAP Examination:
  • Successfully complete the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam, which includes:
    • A written or oral knowledge test
    • A hands-on skills evaluation
• Submit an Application to MBON:
  • File an initial CNA certification application with the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) and meet all documentation and fee requirements.
• GNA Certification for Long-Term Care:
  • To work in a long-term care or nursing home setting, you must also obtain Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) certification by passing the state-approved GNA exam.

Certification Renewal Process

• Renewal Cycle:
  • CNA certification in Maryland must be renewed every two years.
• Eligibility for Renewal:
  • To be eligible for renewal, you must:
    • Have worked as a CNA for pay at some point during the previous two years
    • Complete and submit the CNA renewal application to the Maryland Board of Nursing
• Renewal Fee:
  • The current renewal fee is $40 for the two-year certification period.