Your Guide to HCA Training and Certification
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The Home Care Aide (HCA) Training Certificate is a 75-hour basic training program approved by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Completing this training is one of the first steps toward obtaining full HCA certification.
Train Fully Online
Cornerstone is the only approved provider in Washington State that offers the entire 75-hour HCA program, including both course modules and skills training, completely online. This allows students to meet all training requirements at their own pace and from any location, without the need to attend in-person sessions.
Requirements
HCA certification is required for all long-term care workers (LTCWs) in Washington State. LTCWs include caregivers and, in some cases, activities or transportation staff who work in assisted living facilities (ALFs), adult family homes (AFHs), home care agencies, or as individual providers (IPs) through the DSHS COPES Program.
Certification
The 75-hour HCA Training Certificate must be completed within 120 days of hire. After completing the course, students submit proof of training with their HCA Application to become eligible for the Washington State HCA Certification Examination.
HCA Training Options
HCA Application Resources
We recommend filing your application using the Washington State Department of Health's online portal. This will ensure your application can be processed as timely as possible.
Review the most up-to-date HCA information on the WA Department of Health (DOH) website.
Frequently asked questions, answered by DOH.
You can check the status of your HCA license here.
HCA Exam Resources
This is a PDF that explains what skills are evaluated on the test and how your examiners evaluate them.
You’ll find detailed information about the your Home Care Aide exam here.
Get a head start and prepare for your HCA skills test in advance.
Registration information, exam requirements, fees, and other resources.
Common HCA Questions
For Questions About Your Application:
If you have questions about your application or general HCA credentialing questions, please contact the Department of Health Home Care Aide Call Center at 1(360) 236-2700.