Home Care Aide

A Home Care Aide (HCA) in Washington State is a certified caregiver who assists clients with daily activities, including personal care, mobility, and household tasks. HCAs must complete state-approved training, pass a certification exam, and meet background check requirements to provide care in homes, assisted living, or long-term care settings.

How to Become a

Becoming a Home Care Aide (HCA) in Washington State involves completing state-approved training, passing a certification exam, and meeting background check requirements. Here is an overview of the process and links to learning paths that help you meet training requirements.

Home Care Aide

FAQs about CNA Training

Can I complete my CNA continuing education online?

Yes, many continuing education courses for CNAs in Washington can be completed online, as long as they are from a DSHS-approved training provider. This makes it easier to fit training into your schedule.

When do I need to complete my CNA continuing education?

You must complete your continuing education before your certification renewal deadline each year. It’s important to track your hours and ensure your training is completed on time to avoid a lapse in your credential.

What types of topics count toward CNA continuing education?

Continuing education can include a variety of healthcare-related topics, such as infection control, patient rights, dementia care, cultural competency, and communication skills. The courses must be relevant to CNA responsibilities and approved by the state.

How many hours of continuing education do CNAs need in Washington?

In Washington, CNAs are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education each year to maintain their certification. These hours must be approved by the Washington State Department of Health.

I’ve already finished Core Basic Training — what should I do?

If you’ve completed Core Basic Training elsewhere, but still need Population-Specific training, Learning Plan 5 is the right choice. This plan covers only the final component needed for HCA certification.

What if I’ve already completed Orientation and Safety?

If you have already completed the Orientation and Safety portion of your HCA training, choose Learning Plan 3 or 4. These plans provide only the remaining components you need — Core Basic Training and Population-Specific training.

Where do I start my HCA training?

If you are new to caregiving and haven’t completed any required training, you should start with HCA Learning Plan 1 or 2. These include Orientation & Safety, 54 hours of Core Basic Training, and Population-Specific components, fully meeting the 75-hour training requirement.

Caregiver Training for a

Home Care Aide

The most straightforward way to achieve an HCA Training Certificate is through one of our DSHS-approved, 100% online HCA Learning Plans.

We offer different learning plans to match different student needs. Choose between in-person or virtual Skills Labs, as well as training in English or Spanish.

View Courses for HCA in WA

Cost and Fees

Training and certification costs may vary depending on the program you choose.

Additional Costs:

State Certification Application Fee
Exam Fees
Background Check Fees

Visit the DOH HCA website for more information on the above fees.