Certified Nursing Assistant in Maryland
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MD. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.
BLS OEWS 2024, Maryland.
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route How to become a certified nursing assistant in Maryland
To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Maryland, individuals must complete a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved training program of at least 100 hours, which includes a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. After completing the training and a criminal background check, applicants must pass the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) exam administered by Credentia. Maryland offers reciprocity for CNAs certified in other states, provided their certification is active and in good standing.
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Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Maryland. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.
checklist Maryland requirements
| Licensing body | Maryland Board of Nursing |
| State license | Required |
| Education | Completion of a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved training program of at least 100 hours, including a minimum of 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. |
| Exam | National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) via Credentia ($105) |
| Application fee | $20 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Reciprocity | Maryland offers reciprocity for active CNAs; endorsement application, background check, photo, and fee required.Reciprocal states: Maryland offers reciprocity for CNAs with active certification in good standing from another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia. The application process requires submitting an endorsement application, proof of current out-of-state certification, a criminal background check, a passport-size photo, and a $20 application fee. Some sources specifically mention Virginia, Maine, Delaware, New York, Illinois, West Virginia, Idaho, Florida, Oregon, and Kansas as states for which endorsement is usually offered, with other applications reviewed on a case-by-case basis. |
| Notes | Minimum age is not explicitly stated, but some programs may require applicants to be at least 18 years old or enrolled in high school. A criminal background check is required. Renewal requires having worked for pay as a CNA for at least 8 hours in the past 24 months. |
Source: Maryland Board of Nursing
Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Maryland? See whether Maryland recognizes an out-of-state credential — with the tier and pathway for all 50 states — in our Certified Nursing Assistant license reciprocity guide.
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- check_circleMaryland license required — clearer credential signal to employers
Compare Certified Nursing Assistant head-to-head
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