(FAQ)Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I become a GNA?

You must successfully complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and pass both the written and skills portions of the NNAAP examination. The time frame for successfully completing both exams varies, by state. Please check with your training program or the Exam Overview section of this handbook.

2. May I perform the duties of a Nurse Aide before I am certified?

If you are currently attending an approved training program in a nursing home, you have 120 days in which to complete the training and become certified. During that period, a student may not perform any duty for which they have not been trained and checked by the instructor. If you are not enrolled in an approved facility training course, you may not perform any nurse aide duties until you become certified.

3. How do I arrange for special accommodations?

Special requests must be submitted and approved prior to testing. Documentation from your physician or other qualifying professional must be included with the request. Please refer to the Special Exam Requests and Services section of the candidate handbook for details.

4. How do I decide which exam to take?

An Oral Examination in English may be substituted for the Written examination if you have difficulty reading English. It contains 10 reading comprehension questions in which you must identify job-related words.

5. Is there a time limit in which I must pass both exams?

You have up to twelve (12) months following completion of a Maryland Board of Nursing approved CNA program to take the NNAAP examination. If you fail any portion of the NNAAP exam with your first attempt, you have a total of four (4) attempts within twenty-four (24) months to retake and pass both parts of the exam, immediately after your nursing assistant completion date.

6. Can I register for an exam or check my scores online?

Registration must be done through the Credentia Platform.

• Results may be viewed at www.credentia.com/test-takers/maryland.

• If you passed both parts of the examination, your name will be forwarded to the Maryland Board of Nursing for placement on the Maryland Geriatric Nursing Assistant Registry. Registration may be verified online at https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx.

7. What form of payment do you accept, and may I take it to the test site?

All payments (money order, company check, or certified check, made payable to "Credentia") must be sent with the application to Credentia prior to scheduling an exam. NO form of payment will be accepted at the test site.

8. What is the next test date?

9. Test dates at Regional Test Sites are listed on the Credentia website at http://www.credentia.com/test-takers/maryland.

10. How long will it take me to find out if I passed or failed?

Score Reports are provided the day of the examination. If the site experiences technical difficulties with faxing answer sheets, they will be sent to Credentia for hand scoring and results will be posted within 5-7 business days after testing.

The Registry FAQ

11. How do I verify if I’m on the Nurse Aide Registry?

You can verify your status on the Geriatric Nurse Aide Registry online at https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

12. How do I change my name and/or address?

Complete the form in the back of the handbook and mail it with appropriate documentation to the Maryland Board of Nursing, Nursing Assistant program.

13. How long will my name remain on the registry?

GNA registration expires at the same time as your Maryland CNA certification. There is one fee for the CNA renewal and that includes the GNA-re-registration fee.

14. My certification expired. How do I renew it or become certified again?

You must contact the Maryland Board of Nursing, Nursing Assistant Certification Program, at 410-585-2041.

15. I’m moving to or from another state. May I perform nurse aide duties in that state?

If you wish to transfer your GNA registration, contact the Maryland Board of Nursing, Nursing Assistant program at 410-585-2044.