Training & Certification | Washington Caregiver Careers

Home care aide

There are several pathways to become trained and certified as a Home Care Aide. As a home care aide you can work in a variety of settings, including home care, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities.

Training Requirements

Complete 75 hours of training

Certification: Department of Health

Next Steps

Complete 75 Home Care Aide training:
- 5 hours of Orientation and Safety training before starting work.
- 70 hours of Basic Training within 120 days of being hired.
Apply for Certification with the Department of Health within 14 days of being hired in a caregiver job.
Information on scheduling your exams will be provided after your application is processed by the Department of Health.
Pass knowledge and skills exams.
The Department of Health will issue your certification.
Obtain certification within 365 days of being hired.

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Caregiver standing next to client in their home.

Pathways to training

Training as you work
Some employers provide or register you with an approved training program that allows you to work while you train.

Contact a Navigator

Training before you work
You can complete training before applying for a job, giving you more job options and flexibility.

Find a Training Class

HCA Continuing Education

Home Care Aide certification must be renewed each year, usually by your birthday. Renewal requires 12 hours of continuing education.

Paid family caregiver

Paid family caregivers must complete specific training designed to build confidence and support their caregiving journey.

Training Requirements

35 hours of training

Certification: None

Next steps

Most paid family caregivers are required to complete 35 hours of training. After you apply with Consumer Direct Care Washington, you’ll get details on how to sign up for your required paid training.

5 hour Orientation & Safety Training completed as part of your hiring tasks.
After you're approved to work with CDWA, you'll get instructions on how to sign up for the 30-hour basic training from SEIU775 Benefits Group.
For more details on training requirements or possible exemptions check out this chart.

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Caregiver helping elderly parent out of the van.

Elena, Paid Family Caregiver

Caring for my dad became more manageable once I got the right training and support. I’m still his daughter — but I feel more prepared now.

Nursing assistant certified

As a Nursing Assistant you could work in home care, in adult family homes, in assisted living facilities, in skilled nursing facilities, or in healthcare settings.

Training Requirements

Minimum 108 hours of training

Certification: Department of Health

Next Step

Complete an approved nursing assistant training program.
Apply for nursing assistant certification with the Department of Health.
Apply to take your nursing assistant exams - both skills and knowledge tests.

Visit the Washington Department of Health website to view current certification requirements.

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caregiver helping an adult who is sitting a wheelchair.

Pathway to training

Nursing Assistant Training Programs
Explore approved training programs that prepare individuals to become certified Nursing Assistants in Washington State. Programs are available across the state and vary in format and schedule.

Find a Training Program

Fast-Track to Nursing Assistant Certified!

Already have your Home Care Aide certification? You may be eligible to skip parts of the nursing assistant training program by taking the home care aide to nursing assistant bridge pathway.

Speak with a Navigator or more information or visit Washington State Board of Nursing webpage on Types of Nursing Assistant Training Programs.

Need help determining next steps?

Contact a Navigator to find the right entry point for you.

Contact Your Navigator

Common questions

How can I get help to pay for training?

For help to pay for a home care aide or nursing assistant training program, you can check with your local WorkSource office. They can see if you may qualify for funding support. You can also contact a Navigator for help to find other programs or employers who provide training in your local area.

What are the fees for certification and exams?

As part of becoming a certified Home Care Aide or Nursing Assistant, there are both certification fees paid to the Department of Health and fees for taking the exams. Check the following websites for the current fees. If you are currently employed, you can ask your employer if they help pay the fees.

For current Home Care Aide:

For current Nursing Assistant:

Do I need different training for each care setting?

Not always — but some settings may require extra training or certifications.

Many core caregiving skills apply across settings, but it’s important to check what each role or employer expects. Training can vary depending on the level of care, regulations, and the population you’ll be working with.

I want to be a paid caregiver for a family member only. Do I need to get certified?

If you work as a paid caregiver only for a family member, you will typically need to complete the 35 hour basic training and not need to get certified as a Home Care Aide. Consumer Direct Care Network Washington will confirm your requirements. To learn more about becoming a paid family caregiver, visit our Paid Family Caregiver webpage.

I've submitted my certification application to the Department of Health. How can I find out the status?

You can start by checking the Department of Health Application Status page. For the current status of your application check on the Department of Health Provider Credential Search.
Check your email, including your junk or spam folder, for any emails from Department of Health regarding action you may need to take.
For specific questions about your application, contact the Department of Health at 360-236-4700.
For questions or navigation support through the certification process you may also contact a Navigator.

Where can I find practice questions for the home care aide exam/test?

You can take a 10‑question practice test for the Washington Department of Health’s Certified Home Care Aide exam on the Washington State Department of Health Practice Exams page from Prometric. All questions are true/false. One question includes an image, and another includes a short video.