— State Requirements / Delaware

Delaware CNA continuing education requirements

Delaware CNAs must complete 24 hours of approved continuing education every two years — including 6 hours of dementia training and 2 hours of abuse prevention. Here is exactly how the Division of Health Care Quality rules work and which CE Vault courses count.
CE hours required

24 hours

Every 24-month certification period
Required topics

6 + 2 hours

6 hours dementia training, 2 hours abuse/neglect prevention
Paid work hours

64 hours

Nursing-related services for pay under a nurse's supervision
Renewal cycle

Every 2 years

Apply at least 30 days before your expiration date
— Renewal process

How to renew your Delaware CNA certification

Four clear steps, from your continuing education hours to filing with the Division of Health Care Quality.

01

Complete 24 approved CE hours

Delaware regulation 16 DE Admin. Code 3220 requires 24 hours of Department-approved continuing education in each 24-month certification period, including 6 hours of dementia training and 2 hours of resident abuse, neglect, and mistreatment prevention.

02

Log 64 paid nursing hours

You must perform at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of an LPN, RN, or APRN during the certification period. Volunteer hours do not count.

03

File your renewal 30 days early

Submit the recertification application and fee to the Division of Health Care Quality at least 30 days before your certificate expires, with proof of your CE hours and work hours.

04

Keep every certificate on file

Delaware may ask you to prove your hours at renewal. Your CE Vault account stores each certificate permanently — name, topic, hours, and completion date — ready to download any time.
  • Important: Delaware requires that 6 of your 24 hours be dementia training and 2 hours cover abuse, neglect, and mistreatment prevention. Complete those mandatory topics first so the remaining hours can be filled with any approved subject.
— Delaware FAQ

Delaware renewal questions, answered

The questions Delaware CNAs ask our support team most often about hours, deadlines, and lapsed certifications.

How many CEs does a Delaware CNA need?

24 hours of Department-approved continuing education during each 24-month certification period. Six of those hours must be dementia training and two hours must cover resident/patient abuse, neglect, and mistreatment prevention.

Can I complete my Delaware CEs online?

Yes. Delaware does not cap online continuing education hours, so you can complete all 24 hours through self-paced online coursework as long as the education is approved and documented.

Do I have to work to renew my Delaware CNA certification?

Yes. In addition to the 24 CE hours, you must perform at least 64 hours of paid nursing-related services under the supervision of a nurse during the 24-month period.

What happens if I miss my renewal date?

If you completed all renewal requirements you may still renew up to 30 days past expiration, with a $25 late fee on top of the renewal fee. After that the certification is lapsed, you cannot work as a CNA in Delaware, and you must retake and pass the competency test.

What if I did not finish my 24 CE hours or 64 work hours?

A CNA who fails to complete the renewal requirements must take and pass the CNA competency test again, including payment of the testing fee. Failing the test three times means repeating a CNA training program.

Can I use another state's certification instead?

No. A CNA certified in Delaware may not use certification from another state to apply for reciprocity as a way to avoid Delaware's continuing education requirements.
— Official contacts

Delaware board contact information

Always confirm current requirements directly with the state before you submit your renewal.

Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ)

  • Department of Health and Social Services, 3 Mill Road, Suite 308, Wilmington, DE 19806
  • (302) 421-7410 (New Castle County)
  • dhss.delaware.gov/dhcq/cnareg

Delaware CNA Registry

  • (302) 421-7400, extension 4 — registry status checks
  • dhssinfo@delaware.gov
  • Governing rule: 16 DE Admin. Code 3220 — Training and Qualifications for Certified Nursing Assistants
— Ready when you are

Finish your Delaware online CEs this week

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