Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training & certification requirements vary considerably across the U.S. In some states, the requirements go beyond the federal minimum while in other states requirements are nearly identical to the federal standards.

This page displays Maryland CNA Requirements as of February 2023.

To see requirements in other states, visit nursinghome411.org/cna-reqs.

Maryland CNA Requirements

  • Education & Training Requirement
    • Individuals must complete a state approved nurse aide training and competency evaluation program.
  • Testing Requirement
    • Individuals must pass both a written and skills test.
  • Renewal & In-Service Requirements
    • Same as federal.
  • Hours
    • Of the 100 hours, a minimum of:
      • (1) 60 hours shall be devoted to didactic instruction and classroom laboratory practice; and
      • (2) 40 hours shall be devoted to clinical training experiences in a clinical facility.
    • Curriculum
      • The following content areas shall form the framework of the curriculum:
        • (a) Role of the CNA;
        • (b) Infection control;
        • (c) Safety and environment;
        • (d) Mobility and positioning;
        • (e) Elimination;
        • (f) Data collection;
        • (g) Hygiene;
        • (h) Treatments;
        • (i) Communication:
          • (i) Observing, recording, and reporting;
          • (ii) Interpersonal relations; and
        • (j) Legal and ethical considerations.
      • A training program shall provide at least 16 hours of classroom laboratory training before a trainee’s direct assignment to client care. This instruction shall include the following topics:
        • (a) Role of the CNA;
        • (b) Infection control;
        • (c) Safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver;
        • (d) The environment;
        • (e) Communication:
          • (i) Observing, recording, and reporting;
          • (ii) Interpersonal relations; and
        • (f) Legal and ethical considerations.
      • The training program shall identify the unit objectives and performance indicators for each of the areas:
        • Caring for the Resident When Death is Imminent
        • Mental Health and Social Service Needs
        • Modifying Aide’s Behavior in Response to Residents’ Behaviors
        • Allowing the Resident to make Personal Choices
        • Care for the Cognitively Impaired including,
          • Techniques for Addressing the unique Needs and Behaviors of the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Resident
          • Communicating with the Cognitively Impaired Resident
          • Understanding the Cognitively Impaired Resident
          • Appropriate Responses to the Cognitively Impaired Resident
          • Methods of Reducing the effects of Cognitive Impairment
        • Basic Restorative Services
        • Promoting the Residents’ Independence and Right to Make Choices
        • Recognizing Abnormal Changes in Body Functioning and the Importance of Reporting Such Changes to the Supervisor.
        • Awareness of Developmental Tasks Associated with the Aging Process
        • How to Respond to Residents’ Behaviors Using the Resident’s Family for Emotional Support
        • Providing Privacy and Confidentiality to the Resident
        • Giving Assistance in Resolving Grievances and Disputes
        • Maintaining Care and Security of Residents’ Possessions
        • Avoiding the need for Restraints