How to Become a CNA in Maryland

To get CNA certified in Maryland, you need to complete at least 100 hours of state-approved training and pass a criminal background check. The Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) then issues your CNA credential. No exam is required for CNA certification in Maryland, and that’s what sets this state apart from almost every other.

There is one detail that confuses nearly every Maryland CNA candidate: the state has two nursing assistant certifications. CNA and GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) are separate credentials. Most employers require GNA, which does involve an exam. This guide explains both paths, what each program costs (including $0 options that pay you to train), and the exact steps for 2026, including the current MBON system disruption affecting renewals.

Maryland CNA Certification at a Glance

Here’s the full picture before you dive in.

Category	Maryland Details
Training Required	100+ hours, state-approved program
Program Length	5 to 12 weeks (full-time to part-time)
Total Cost	$0 to $2,856 (free programs exist)
CNA Certification	Training + background check (no exam required)
GNA Certification	CNA + NNAAP exam through Credentia
Minimum Age	17 (most programs require 18)
Renewal	Every 2 years, $40 fee
Average Salary	$40,000/yr ($19.23/hr) — CNA Salary in Maryland

That CNA vs. GNA distinction is the most confusing part of Maryland’s certification system. Here’s what it actually means.

Maryland’s CNA vs. GNA: Two Certifications Explained

Maryland has two nursing assistant certifications, CNA and GNA, and the difference trips up almost everyone. If you’ve been reading other guides that use these terms interchangeably, that’s why you’re confused. They are different credentials with different requirements.

This section is the most important one in this guide.

What Is CNA Certification in Maryland?

CNA certification in Maryland comes from two things: completing a state-approved training program and passing a criminal background check. No exam is required for CNA certification in Maryland. Once you submit your training completion and background check results to the MBON, the Board issues your CNA credential.

With CNA certification alone, you can work in hospitals, physician offices, home health agencies, assisted living facilities, adult daycare programs, and school systems. According to the Maryland Board of Nursing, the minimum training requirement is 100 hours through an MBON-approved program.

If you’ve been assuming you need to pass an exam to become a CNA in Maryland, you can set that worry aside. That requirement applies to GNA, not CNA. Understanding what a CNA does day to day is a good place to start if you’re still deciding whether this career fits.

What Is GNA Certification?

GNA (Geriatric Nursing Assistant) certification builds on top of CNA certification. To get your GNA, you first need CNA certification, then pass the NNAAP exam administered by Credentia.

The NNAAP exam has two parts, according to Credentia’s Maryland testing information:

Written exam: 70 multiple-choice questions. Sixty cover nursing assistant content (physical care, psychosocial care, communication, documentation, legal and ethical issues). Ten test reading comprehension. Time limit: 2 hours.

For candidates who have difficulty reading English, Credentia offers an oral exam option with 160 questions. You must request this format when scheduling.

Skills evaluation: 5 skills randomly selected from a bank of 23. You perform each in front of a trained evaluator. Time limit: 25 to 30 minutes total.

You must pass both parts. If you fail one, you retake only that portion. You have up to 4 attempts within 24 months of finishing training. The exam costs $105 through Credentia.

GNA certification opens up long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and geriatric settings, where the majority of Maryland CNA jobs exist.

CNA vs. GNA: Which Do You Need?

Most Maryland CNA candidates should pursue both certifications. Most nursing home and assisted living job postings require GNA, and training programs prepare you for both at the same time.

Certification	What It Takes	Where You Can Work
CNA only	100+ hour training + background check	Hospitals, home health, physician offices, assisted living, adult daycare, schools
CNA + GNA	CNA certification + NNAAP exam via Credentia ($105)	All CNA settings, PLUS nursing homes, long-term care, geriatric centers

If you’re targeting hospital or home health positions exclusively, CNA alone may be enough. For nursing homes and long-term care, you need GNA. When in doubt, get both.

Maryland’s process can feel complicated at first, but thousands of people complete it every year:

“just wanted to say i’ve officially passed all the tests and i am a registered cna. i’m 17 in HS and went through a career and technology program in my school where i can get my cna. i’m low key proud of myself and i found this page so i wanted to share.”

(671 upvotes — Reddit user)

That sense of accomplishment starts with understanding exactly what Maryland requires. Whether you’re pursuing CNA, GNA, or both, the entry requirements are the same.

What You Need Before Starting CNA Training

Here’s everything you need to qualify for a Maryland CNA training program. Go through each item before enrolling.

Age
17 is the state minimum per the Maryland Board of Nursing. Most community colleges set their own minimum at 18: Howard Community College, Anne Arundel Community College, and the College of Southern Maryland all require 18. Carroll Community College accepts students starting at 16.

Education
You need a high school diploma or GED. Without either, you can qualify by passing a scholastic entrance exam. Individual programs may set additional placement requirements: HowardCC requires a 240 or higher score on the Accuplacer reading assessment, and Prince George’s Community College requires 230 or higher.

Documentation
Two valid forms of ID plus a Social Security card or Alien Registration Card. Some programs, including HowardCC, also require proof of medical insurance for clinical placements.

Health Requirements
– MMR immunization (measles, mumps, rubella)
– Hepatitis B vaccination series
– Varicella (chickenpox) immunity
– Negative PPD tuberculosis test or clear chest X-ray
– Physical exam report signed by a physician
– Current CPR certification at the BLS/Healthcare Provider level (AHA or Red Cross)

These health requirements cost money. The full breakdown is in the Costs section below.

Background Check
Maryland requires a state and federal criminal history records check (CHRC) via electronic fingerprinting. The cost runs $51.25 to $57.25, according to MBON documentation. Electronic fingerprint results come back in 3 to 4 business days in Maryland. Start this early: MBON will not issue your CNA certificate until the background check has been reviewed and cleared.

Disqualifying factors include felony convictions within the past 7 years, certain misdemeanors related to abuse or neglect, previous professional license sanctions, and inclusion on federal or state exclusion lists. The Board reviews each case individually. If you have concerns, contact MBON before enrolling.

Before you start, it helps to know what the work actually involves:

“I love being a CNA and it’s really been a big accomplishment of mine because this job is not for the weak.”

(325 upvotes — Reddit user)

The work is demanding and deeply meaningful. If that sounds right for you, here’s what to expect from training.

Maryland CNA Training Programs and What to Expect

Maryland requires at least 100 hours of training through an MBON-approved program, per the Maryland Board of Nursing. Most programs run 130 to 150 hours because they prepare you for the GNA exam alongside CNA coursework. The typical breakdown is 60 to 75 hours of classroom instruction, 16 to 30 hours of skills lab, and 40 to 45 hours of clinical rotations at a healthcare facility.

What Training Covers

Training covers nursing fundamentals, personal care, vital signs, infection control, patient communication, safety practices, and documentation. Clinical rotations place you in real healthcare settings under RN supervision. Theory can be delivered in person or through a hybrid format where lectures are online and lab work is in person.

Program Format Options

Full-time accelerated: Howard Community College completes in 5 weeks — online theory, in-person skills lab, and weekday clinical rotation.

Part-time: Cecil College offers evening and weekend scheduling, stretching to 12 weeks. If you're working full-time, this format lets you keep your job during training.

Campus-based standard: Most community colleges run 8 to 12 weeks on a regular semester schedule, with fall, spring, and summer offerings at most locations.

Can You Get a CNA Online in Maryland?

No. Maryland does not allow fully online CNA classes for certification. Every MBON-approved program requires hands-on clinical hours at an actual healthcare facility. Programs like HowardCC use a hybrid format — online lectures, in-person lab and clinical. If you see a program advertising 100% online Maryland CNA certification, that program is not MBON-approved.

Approved Programs and Current Tuition

Program	Location	Tuition	Hours	Format
Howard Community College CNA program	Columbia	$1,700	145	Hybrid (5 weeks)
Anne Arundel Community College	Arnold	$2,856	136	Campus
Carroll Community College	Westminster	$2,178	132	Campus (2-3 months)
College of Southern Maryland	La Plata	$2,389	100+	Campus
CCBC	Baltimore area	$2,194	136	Campus
Harford Community College	Bel Air	$1,953	141	Campus (includes exam fee)
Prince George's Community College	Largo	$1,600	varies	Campus
Allegany College of Maryland	Cumberland	varies	100+	Campus

For the complete MBON-approved training directory, see Maryland CNA programs and the Maryland Board of Nursing's program list.

Weighing more than just tuition? Our guide on how to choose a CNA program covers accreditation, clinical quality, and pass rates.

Starting a program can feel both exciting and overwhelming:

"Hello.. my name is Eric and I've decided to embark on this journey to help people who need it.. also to help myself in the future and to care for my mother that is ill. I'm currently enrolled in a 4 week course and I'm feeling comfortable but anxious at the same time."

(551 upvotes — Reddit user)

That combination of purpose and nerves is normal. Maryland programs take you from fundamentals to clinical skills in as few as 5 weeks. Those tuition numbers add up, though. You may not need to pay any of them.

Free CNA Training in Maryland: Every Option Listed

Yes, free CNA training exists in Maryland, and several programs pay you while you train. Here's every legitimate option currently available.

Employer-Sponsored Free Training

UMMS (University of Maryland Medical System) — 8-week paid training

This is the strongest free option in Maryland: you get paid during training. UMMS runs an 8-week CNA training program where students are compensated throughout. You also get guaranteed job placement at a UMMS facility. UMMS operates 13 hospitals across Maryland, including University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, Shore Regional Health on the Eastern Shore, and Upper Chesapeake in Harford County.

Find current openings through the UMMS careers portal. Search for "CNA training" or "nursing assistant trainee."

Adventist HealthCare CNA Academy — free training, books, and supplies

Adventist HealthCare hires you first, then trains you. The CNA Academy is approximately 6 weeks of classroom instruction, skills training, and clinical rotations. Tuition, books, and supplies are covered, and guaranteed employment follows after certification. The program is based in Montgomery County and the DC suburbs. Apply through the Adventist HealthCare careers portal.

MOLC Inc. — free CNA classes in Baltimore

MOLC Inc. (Maryland Opportunity and Life Change) offers free CNA classes in Baltimore for qualifying participants. Eligibility is typically based on income or residency criteria. Apply through the MOLC Inc. website or in person at their Baltimore office.

If you think free CNA training sounds too good to be true, here's what actually exists:

"For context I (20F) have been working as a CNA for a year now, said facility paid for my CNA training and was my first ever job as a CNA and in healthcare in general."

(2,489 upvotes — Reddit user)

Maryland has several programs that work exactly this way. Here's what else is available.

Scholarships and Workforce Grants

Montgomery College — needs-based scholarships
Montgomery College offers needs-based financial assistance for its CNA/GNA program. Unlike employer-sponsored programs, this option doesn't require an employment commitment. Contact [email protected] for eligibility and application details.

Facility-sponsored training
Many Maryland nursing homes and assisted living facilities cover training costs for CNA trainees in exchange for a 6 to 12 month employment commitment. Under federal law (42 CFR § 483.152), Medicare/Medicaid-certified nursing facilities must reimburse training costs for employees who complete certification within 12 months. Contact facilities directly and ask about CNA training programs or tuition reimbursement.

Maryland Department of Labor workforce development grants
WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) funding can cover CNA training for qualifying Maryland residents. Eligibility varies by income, employment status, and other criteria. Contact the Maryland Department of Labor or your nearest American Job Center to find what's currently available. The MBON also maintains a scholarship information page at mbon.maryland.gov.

These programs are genuinely free, but most come with trade-offs. UMMS and Adventist HealthCare expect you to work for them after certification. Facility-sponsored programs typically require 6 to 12 months. Montgomery College and workforce grants don't carry employment strings.

Passing the Maryland GNA Exam (NNAAP)

If you're pursuing GNA certification, here's what the exam looks like.

The GNA exam is administered by Credentia through the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP). Maryland uses Credentia exclusively — not Prometric, not Pearson VUE. If you're coming from another state where you used a different testing vendor, that changes here. For context on vendors in other states, see NNAAP exam vendors by state.

If you're feeling anxious about the exam, you're in good company:

"I'm so relieved I have 100 years to take my CNA exam!"

(617 upvotes — Reddit user)

In reality, Maryland gives you up to 24 months and 4 attempts after completing training. Here's what the CNA exam overview actually looks like.

Written Exam Structure

The written portion has 70 multiple-choice questions. Sixty cover nursing assistant content: physical care (hygiene, nutrition, elimination), psychosocial care, communication, documentation, and legal/ethical issues. Ten test reading comprehension.

Time limit: 2 hours.

For candidates who have difficulty reading English, Credentia offers an oral exam with 160 questions. Request this format when scheduling.

Questions are scenario-based — "A resident refuses to eat lunch. What should you do first?" They test judgment and applied knowledge, not just memorized definitions.

Skills Evaluation

You'll perform 5 randomly selected skills from a bank of 23. Common skills include hand hygiene, measuring blood pressure, assisting with ambulation using a transfer belt, positioning in bed, pericare, and range of motion exercises.

An evaluator scores each skill against a standardized checklist. Every step must be performed in the correct sequence, including infection control measures. You have 25 to 30 minutes for all 5 skills combined.

Failing one skill can fail the entire skills portion. Practice on real classmates, not just mannequins. The techniques work differently on actual people, and evaluators notice.

Scheduling, Retakes, and Testing Locations

Register through Credentia's online portal at credentia.com/test-takers/maryland. You have 4 attempts within 24 months of completing training. Each attempt costs $105. If you fail one portion, you only retake that portion.

After 4 failed attempts, you must re-enroll in a Maryland-approved training program before testing again.

Howard Community College offers a standalone GNA Skills and Exam Preparation course for $179 — a one-day refresher covering all 23 skills plus test-taking strategies, useful if you want a focused review before test day.

Test yourself with our free CNA practice exam before scheduling. For study strategies, see how to study for the CNA exam. For skill-by-skill walkthroughs, work through our CNA skills test series.

Total Cost of CNA Certification in Maryland

Here's every fee you'll pay, including the ones other guides leave out.

Fee	Cost
Program tuition (community college range)	$1,600 to $2,856
Program tuition (free program)	$0
MBON CNA initial application	$20
GNA exam fee (Credentia NNAAP)	$105
Criminal background check (fingerprinting)	$51.25 to $57.25
CPR certification (AHA or Red Cross BLS)	~$60
Drug screen and PPD test	~$60
Total: free program path	~$296 to $302
Total: community college path	~$1,896 to $3,158

Scenario 1: Free program path (UMMS or Adventist HealthCare)
Tuition: $0. MBON application: $20. GNA exam: $105. Background check: ~$54. CPR and screens: ~$120. Total: approximately $299.

Scenario 2: Community college path
Tuition: $1,700 to $2,856. MBON application: $20. GNA exam: $105. Background check: ~$54. CPR and screens: ~$120. Total: approximately $1,999 to $3,155.

Budget an extra $100 to $200 for scrubs, a stethoscope, and transportation to your clinical site. Some programs include textbooks in tuition (HowardCC does); others don't.

Ongoing costs: $40 renewal fee every 2 years. Out-of-state endorsement: $20 one-time.

How to Look Up a Maryland CNA License

Maryland no longer issues paper CNA certificates. Your proof of certification is the MBON online registry, updated daily.

The MBON states directly that paper licenses are not secure and are only accurate at the time they are printed. The Board warns against relying on paper certificates because of forgery and identity theft risks. The online registry is the authoritative, current source for both CNAs and employers.

How to Verify Your Certification

1. Go to lookup.mbon.org/verification/
2. Search by name, certification number, or partial Social Security number
3. Find your record and confirm your status (Active, Expired, Suspended, or other)
4. Your certification type (CNA or GNA), status, and expiration date display in the results

Addresses and Social Security numbers don't appear in search results for security reasons.

What Employers See

If you're an employer verifying credentials, the MBON registry is your primary and only reliable source. A printed certificate or scanned copy is not sufficient. Run the lookup at lookup.mbon.org/verification/ and confirm the candidate's name, certification type, and current status match what they've provided.

Keep your contact information current in the registry. Renewal notices and MBON correspondence go to your registered address. If you've moved, update your information through the MBON portal before your next renewal date.

Renewing Your Maryland CNA Certification

Maryland CNA certification renews every 2 years for a $40 fee.

As of April 2026, the MBON online renewal system is down. You cannot submit or pay for renewal online right now. All renewals must be submitted by mail.

Renewal Requirements

• Fee: $40 (check or money order payable to Maryland Board of Nursing)
• Employment: Document at least 16 hours of active, compensated employment as a nursing assistant during the preceding 2-year period
• Continuing education: None required — Maryland does not require CE hours for CNA renewal, unlike most states
• RN supervisor approval: Not required (eliminated July 1, 2010)

Current Mail-In Process (April 2026 Update)

1. Download the fillable renewal application from the MBON website (updated April 1, 2026)
2. Complete the application electronically — MBON recommends against handwritten submissions
3. Print the completed application
4. Enclose a check or money order for $40, payable to Maryland Board of Nursing
5. Include all required supporting documentation (see the MBON renewal checklist on their website)
6. Mail to: Maryland Board of Nursing, Certification Division, 4140 Patterson Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21215-2254

The standard renewal window is 90 days before to 30 days after your expiration date. Mail early to account for processing time.

If your certification has lapsed more than 30 days, contact MBON directly. Reinstatement requirements vary based on how long the lapse has been.

Moving to Maryland? How to Transfer Your CNA

If you're already certified as a CNA in another state, you can apply for Maryland endorsement without repeating training. Maryland uses the term "endorsement" — many people search for "reciprocity," and both terms refer to the same process.

Endorsement Application Process

To apply, you need:
- Completed MBON endorsement application (current form dated April 1, 2026)
- Copy of your current CNA certification from your home state
- Fingerprint-based background check (same process as new applicants)
- $20 application fee

Your existing certification must be active and in good standing at the time you apply. If MBON denies your endorsement application, you'll need to complete a Maryland-approved training program and pass the GNA exam.

DC and Virginia CNAs

Maryland borders four states plus DC, and cross-border work is common in the DMV area.

If you hold Virginia CNA certification or DC CNA certification and you work in Maryland, you need Maryland endorsement. Your home state certification does not carry over automatically.

The same applies if you're coming from Pennsylvania, Delaware, or West Virginia. Maryland accepts endorsement applications from all states, as long as your certification is active and in good standing.

Growing Your Career Beyond CNA in Maryland

CNA certification is often the first step in a healthcare career, not the final one. Maryland has specific pathways worth knowing about.

Bridge Programs in Maryland

Pathway	What It Opens	Typical Timeline
CNA to CMA (Certified Medication Aide)	Medication administration in LTC	A few months, MBON-approved program
CNA to CNA-DT (Dialysis Technician)	Dialysis centers, kidney care	Specialized certification via MBON
CNA to LPN	Expanded clinical scope, higher pay	12 to 18 months, NCLEX-PN
CNA to RN (ADN)	Full nursing license	2 years
CNA to RN (BSN)	Hospital and advanced practice	3 to 4 years

CMA and CNA-DT are Maryland-specific MBON credentials. Most CNA guides don't mention them, but they're real advancement paths that don't require a full degree.

Employer Tuition Reimbursement

Major Maryland healthcare systems including UMMS, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and MedStar Health offer tuition reimbursement for CNAs pursuing LPN or RN education while employed. If you start at UMMS through their paid training program, you have a direct path to funded advancement without out-of-pocket education debt.

Many Maryland nurses started exactly where you are now:

"My nursing journey started when I got my CNA license in 2015 in high school which then I entered a 4 year program nursing program. I had failed two classes which almost got me kicked out the program but the professors readmitted me and I graduated with my BSN in 2017. I started as a new grad in 2018 and worked in a neuro-medsurg floor for 4 years until 2021."

(1,650 upvotes — Reddit user)

That path from high school CNA to BSN nurse — with setbacks included — is a real one. Maryland's combination of employer programs and bridge credentials supports it.

Now that you know what it takes to become certified, see what Maryland CNAs actually earn. For a deeper look at career outlook and job demand, see why become a CNA in Maryland.