CNA Certification in Maryland

How to Become a CNA in Maryland

Working as a nurse aide is rewarding on a personal level. Some students use their CNA certification as a stepping stone to other careers such as registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. However, those who stay in this health care career will still have many job opportunities at their disposal.

In Maryland, by law, you must be certified and registered in order to even be considered for employment in a healthcare facility. In order to be certified and placed on the registry, you must pass a state-mandated licensing examination and a CNA training course designated by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Enrollment and Completing CNA Classes

Step 1

Find an approved program in your state

To get CNA certification in Maryland, you must pass a training program that is approved and governed by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

You also must meet certain requirements before you can enroll in the required CNA classes. Students must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, and submit to a full physical screening and background check. Because of the nature of the work, the screening will include testing for contagious illnesses. Also, your background check must not yield any offenses that could place patients at potential risk.

Step 2

Complete your CNA training program

The state mandates a minimum of 100 hours of training. This time is divided between classroom work  and hands-on training.

CNA classes will include curriculum such as changing linens, disease control, infection prevention, and an understanding of medical terminology. You will also learn how to operate commonly used medical equipment such as blood pressure devices and scales. Other courses may involve teaching you basic phlebotomy skills and how to handle patient emergency situations.

CNA Testing Procedures and CNA Certification

Step 1

You must pre-register to take the certification exam. This must be done after you complete your CNA training.

Step 2

Find an exam location

The exam can be taken at one of eight regional Red Cross facilities located in Maryland. The exam costs $20.00 for initial certification and $40.00 for renewals which must be done every 24 months.

A number of training schools also serve as authorized testing centers. However, when this is not the case, you will need to pre-register at a nearby training facility.

Step 3

Pass the exam

The first section of the exam consists of multiple-choice questions followed by a reading portion. The second part of the exam includes a test on clinical skills which will require successfully completing five basic nurse aide tasks that are chosen at random by the instructor. These may include any of the tasks required of a nurse aide such as brushing a patient’s hair or teeth, taking a pulse, or performing CPR.

You will have roughly two and a half hours to complete both portions of the exam. When the exam is complete, results will be forwarded to the registry. If you pass both portions of the exam, you will receive your CNA certification and can start working.

Our practice tests can help you prepare for Maryland CNA exam.

Step 4

After you pass the certification exam, you can then create a resume and start looking for work.

Step 5

Although a CNA career is rewarding and fulfilling for most, we encourage you to not stop furthering your education. For example, many CNAs go on to take RN or LPN courses.

For additional information regarding CNA certification in Maryland, visit:

Maryland Nurse Aide Registry
Maryland Board of Nursing
4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
Phone: (410) 585-1900
Fax: (410) 585-8042