Certification for home health aide: Home Care Aide Licensing Information

Home Care Aide Licensing Information

Renewals | New exam and application information | Frequently asked questions

Apply for a License

Apply online

The home care aide certification application contains an attestation. This is a legal attestation. The attestation must be completed by the person applying for certification. It is not legal for this to be completed by anyone else. It may be a reportable felony offense. We may take action against people for making false statements.

For further information please see:

If you aren’t eligible for the DSHS benefit, also known as state pay, you’ll need to pay the application and examination fees. You may use a debit card, credit card, or electronic bank withdrawal. Applicants eligible for state pay won’t be asked to pay online. Please make sure your address on the payment screen matches the address your bank has for you. This fee is not refundable. There is a convenience fee to apply online.

After reviewing your application, we may contact you with additional questions. Check for any follow-up emails, including checking your spam and junk mail folder.

You may need additional forms, in addition to your application:

If you have questions, contact our Customer Service staff at 360-236-4700.

Getting started

Online Application Instructions

See the online application video.

Online application instructions are on our website. Online applications are accessed through SecureAccess Washington (SAW) security portal. You’ll need to add the Department of Health Online Application Portal service to access the online applications. The first time you add the service, you’ll be prompted to answer several questions to verify your identity. The questions will match the name and address you provide with the existing public record information. Because the questions come from public record, you need to provide a complete address and your full legal name as it appears on your driver’s license or birth certificate. You may find you have to enter a former address, especially if your address has changed recently (within the past one or two years) to get the right questions that pertain to your identity. If don’t have sufficient information in the public record to verify your identity and aren’t currently credentialed by the Department of Health, then you’ll need to submit a paper application, as you won’t be able to access the Online Application Portal.

Once you have completed the process you will receive an email with your pending credential number, or you may look on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact Department of Health or submit paperwork.

Apply on paper

All new applicants should complete the applicable documents below. Please download and print forms.

You may also need to complete the following PDF forms:

If you have limited English proficiency, and you previously submitted an application but did not request a provisional certification on your original application, please complete the following:

If you hold a home care aide credential that has been expired under three years, please complete the following:

Fee Schedule

See fee information below

WAC 246-980-990 – Fees

Home care aide certification

Application fee (postmarked or submitted online by May 31, 2023)	$85
Application fee (postmarked or submitted online on/after June 1, 2023)	$100
Certification renewal fee (expiring by May 31, 2023)	$85
Certification renewal fee (expiring on/after June 1, 2023)	$100
Late renewal penalty	$30
Expired certification reactivation	$30
Duplicate certification	$15
Verification of certification	$25

WAC 246-12-340 – Refund of fees

Fees submitted with applications for initial credentialing, examinations, renewal, and other fees associated with the licensing and regulation of the profession, are non-refundable.

Prometric examination fee paid directly to the Department of Health

Application fee

$137

Please note: application and examination fees can be paid together in one payment method.

Certification Requirements

See certification requirements below

Education and examination

Long-term care workers must complete 75 hours of training through a program approved by the Department of Social and Health Services, and must successfully pass the home care aide certification examination.

State license verification

Applicants must list all states where they do or did hold credentials. This list must also include when the applicant has applied for a credential, even if a credential was not granted. The jurisdiction where the applicant is or was credentialed must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The jurisdiction must send the completed form directly to the department.

Personal data questions

Each applicant must answer the personal data questions. If there is a positive answer, the applicant must send an explanation, and for any conviction or legal proceeding, must also include copies of the original complaint, and the settlement or final disposition. If a case is pending, applicant must indicate status.

Background check

An applicant who is already working as a long-term care giver must have a fingerprint background check done through Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS will provide results directly to the Department of Health.

Process for approving/denying applications

We finish final review for approval after a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is fully complete, and complies with requirements in chapter 18.88b RCW and chapter 246-980 WAC. We complete background checks and make sure applicants have submitted required fees. Credentialing supervisors and lead workers have the authority to approve routine applications. The disciplining authority may conduct further review if the credentialing supervisor can’t verify the applicant meets all requirements. We’ll formally notify applicants of a denial. Those applicants may request a hearing to appeal the decision.

Renewal requirements

Home care aides must renew their license every year. Credentials expire on the credential holder’s birthday and may be renewed within 90 days of the expiration date.

Continuing education requirements

Twelve hours of continuing education approved by the Department of Social and Health Services is due each year with renewal of the certification. The home care aide must certify that he or she has completed the required continuing education with their renewal. The Department of Health randomly audits home care aides. If you are chosen for the continuing education audit, the department will contact you and request documentation that you completed the required continuing education during the required timeframe.

Home Care Aide | Washington State Department of Health

We can help you:

Change your contact information | Find application status | Renew your license

File a complaint | More resources for health professionals | Verify your license (Provider Credential Search)

Related links

Licensing information – applications and forms, fees, licensing requirements and additional information.

Continuing education, training classes, and other resources – See our Resources webpage for links to a list of continuing education classes, nursing assistant bridge training programs, the DSHS background check process and a checklist for new long-term caregivers.

Interpreters available for the written examination – The Department of Health offers the home care aide examination in the following languages: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian and Vietnamese. When requested, the department provides an interpreter to read the home care aide examination to accommodate other languages not listed above. More information is on our Individual Interpreter Project webpage.

Current Topics

Home Care Aide New Fees

* Date application is submitted online or, if mailed in, postmarked.

Home Care Aides and COVID-19

With the Governor’s rescission of proclamations related to COVID-19, both the Department of Social and Health Services and the Department of Health have administrative rules in place to allow additional time to complete training and certification. Specific information is in table below:

Home Care Aides and COVID-19 training timelines

Worker hired or rehired during the time frame of:	Must complete basic training no later than:	Must be certified as a HCA or CNA no later than:
August 17, 2019 to September 30, 2020	January 31, 2023	August 31, 2023
October 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021	April 30, 2023	November 27, 2023
May 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022	July 31, 2023	November 27, 2023
April 1, 2022 to September 30, 2022	October 31, 2023	February 27, 2024
October 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023	November 30, 2023	March 28, 2024
Beginning July 1, 2023	Standard training requirements	Standard certification requirements

Community partners meeting on August 1, 2023, 3 to 4:30 p.

m.

Microsoft Teams meeting

Join on your computer, mobile app or room device 

Join the meeting by selecting this link 

Meeting ID: 838 2746 9810 
Passcode: 340139 

One tap mobile
+12532050468,,83827469810#,,,,*340139# US
+12532158782,,83827469810#,,,,*340139# US (Tacoma)

Download Teams | Join on the Web
Or call in (audio only) 

Legislative Changes to the Home Care Aide Profession

Due to recent legislation, the following changes take place on July 23, 2023:

• If a home care aide credential is expired less than five years, no continuing education is required to renew the credential. You will simply complete the required forms and pay the fee. If a credential is expired for more than five years, retraining and examination is required.
• If a caregiver in training changes employers or returns to employment with a former employer, they may now start over with a new date of hire. This starts over the 200 days they have to receive their credential. To restart the 200 days: 
  • If you are obtaining an initial credential, speak with your credentialing specialist by email or phone.
  • If you are renewing an expired credential, submit an updated Employment Verification Form online.
• You will be able to provide care to the following individuals without obtaining or maintaining a home care aide credential:
• Biological, step, or adoptive child or parents.
• Siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grandparents, and grandchildren (including by marriage or domestic partnership).
• If you care for one of the above individuals, work with the Consumer Direct Care Network Washington to be classified as an exempt family caregiver.
• You will be required to obtain and maintain a home care aide credential when caring for a spouse or registered domestic partner, unless you qualify for the US Dept of Veteran Affairs home and community-based programs.

The following changes will take place on September 1, 2023:

• From September 1, 2023, through July 1, 2025, if your credential has been expired for more than six months but less than two years, your credential will be automatically renewed with no fee, forms to complete, or CE requirements.

How to Get Certified as a Home Health Assistant in 4 Steps • BUOM

November 11, 2021

Home Health Assistants take care of their patients from the comfort of their own home. They are highly regarded for their practical skills and compassion for the elderly and disabled. If you are interested in becoming a home health assistant, you might find it helpful to know how they get certified. In this article, we’ll explain what home health care worker certification is, the benefits of getting one, and the four steps you can take to get it.

What is a home health assistant certification?

The Home Health Assistant Certification is a certification that provides professionals with training in caring for people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. Certified home health workers learn how to provide home care to their patients. The Home Health Assistant Certification also teaches them how to:

• Track and record patient vital signs and food intake

• Report changes in the patient’s health status to a supervisor or case manager

• Provide patient care such as bathing, dressing, and feeding

• Monitor and manage patient medications

• Infection care and dressing changes

• Do housework for the patient, such as washing dishes, vacuuming, and folding laundry.

• Transporting patients to doctor appointments

• Connect with patients, listen to their stories, and provide emotional support

Benefits of a Home Health Assistant Certification

Here are some reasons why you might benefit from a Home Health Assistant certification: windows, mobile apps, games – EVERYTHING FOR FREE, in our closed telegram channel – Subscribe 🙂

This is often required

Here are three reasons why home health assistants need certification:

• Many states ask for it: More and more states require additional training before you can become a home health assistant. Consider researching the requirements in your area before pursuing certification.

• Taking on additional responsibilities: Many home health aides take on additional responsibilities or mixed roles. Some of these duties legally require a home health aide to be certified before they can perform them.

• Insurance agency affiliates ask for it: Insurance companies that may be affiliated with a home health care company require certification for all home health care assistants. Some companies create their own independent requirements, so consider the guidelines for each company when applying.

It leads to meaningful work

Here are three reasons many people find homecare work meaningful:

• Socializing: In addition to physical health, home helpers keep their patients company. While providing care, they often listen to their patients’ stories and share their own.

• Home comforts: When home helpers provide care, they allow their patients to remain in the privacy and familiarity of their own home. They provide essential services to people who can only get help at home, not in a hospital.

• Help financially: Home health assistants reduce their patients’ stress levels and help them live a decent life. This is the kind of work that attracts compassionate and gentle people.

It gives you a useful set of skills

Here are three reasons why home health assistant certification can be useful both in and out of the professional environment:

• Caring for your family. The skills you gain as a home helper certification can help you care for the needs of young and old family members. If someone in your family needs emergency help, you can feel confident knowing that you have experience in dealing with the situation.

• Take care of yourself: You can use the skills you gain from your home helper certification to take care of yourself. Knowing how to monitor vital signs and treat certain injuries can help you deal with a medical emergency.

• Co-worker Care: You can use your housekeeping skills to take care of co-workers in your workplace. They might feel more secure knowing they are working with a qualified healthcare professional.

It can lead to professional growth

Here are two ways that domestic helper certification can lead to professional growth:

• Working privately: Some certified professionals decide to become private medical professionals. They do this by building strong relationships with clients and providing additional training while working with a government-owned home health care company.

• CNA and LPN: Many home helpers use their work experience to advance to the role of certified nurse assistant or licensed practical nurse. If you want to expand beyond the home health aide position, consider looking for certifications offered online and in your area.

How to get certified as a home helper in 4 steps

Here are four steps you can take to get certified as a home helper:

1. Complete training

To pass the certification exam, home health assistants are trained by an accredited institution. Here are eight steps you can take to prepare for home health care training:

1. Get your high school diploma, or GED.

2. Research home care schools for courses offered in your area.

3. Look for programs that offer the National Home Care Association exam for private employment.

4. Check if you need background checks or additional certifications to apply for the program.

5. Check the school’s course calendar to make sure it fits your schedule.

6. Check the number of graduates of each school and the number of exams passed.

7. If it’s a paid program, check if it fits your budget.

8. Find out how many teaching hours are required for your program and state.

2. Pass Written Exam

After home health care assistants complete health care training, they take a written certification exam. Here are the four details of the written exam:

• Includes 60 to 70 questions.

• The questions cover 13 topics.

• You have 90 minutes to complete the test.

• The pass rate is 70 to 80 percent, depending on the state.

3. Practical Skills Exam

After the Home Health Assistants complete the written exam, they take the Practical Skills Exam. Here are five details about the practical skills exam:

• It tests three to six skills randomly selected by exam moderators.

• The exam tests skills such as checking vital signs and bathing patients.

• It takes 25 to 30 minutes to complete.

• You can pass between 70 and 80 percent, depending on the state.

• There are some critical skills that require adequate work to pass.

4. Register with the HHA Registry

After home health aides pass their exams, they go to the registry to register their certification. This registry is overseen by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Once you apply to this department, you can legally use your certification on resumes and job applications.

Please note that none of the entities mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

Jobs/Careers – HCS Home Health Care Of NY

Join the HCS Home Health Care Team Today!

Are you looking for a favorable work environment and a professional but family atmosphere?

HCS Homecare is currently recruiting and we are providing our staff with:

• Flexible working hours – Our caregivers work varying hours per week depending on their needs.
• Benefits – Paid sick time, health insurance, worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, subscription and holiday bonuses
• Hourly, daily and night shifts
• Significant overtime – 90 226 Many of our caregivers regularly receive overtime and wages.
• Preparation – We provide initial and ongoing training to improve your technical and customer service skills.