A Career That Matters
Simplify Your Home Care Operations
CareCade helps DDA and HCBS providers manage scheduling, EVV, and billing in one platform.
Washington State needs thousands more caregivers. With an aging population and a growing workforce shortage, becoming a certified Home Care Aide (HCA) offers stable employment, meaningful work, and a path into healthcare.
This guide walks you through everything: requirements, training, costs, timeline, and how to start earning while you learn.
Quick Overview: HCA Certification at a Glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total training hours | 75 hours |
| Time to complete training | 120 days from hire |
| Time to pass certification exam | 365 days from hire |
| Background check | Required (fingerprint-based) |
| Continuing education | 12 hours/year |
| Minimum age | 18 years old |
Step 1: Understand What HCAs Do
Home Care Aides provide personal care and support to elderly and disabled individuals in their homes. Daily tasks include:
Personal Care
- Bathing and grooming assistance
- Dressing and toileting help
- Mobility support and transfers
- Feeding assistance
Daily Living Support
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Medication reminders (not administration)
- Companionship and supervision
Health Monitoring
- Observing and reporting changes in condition
- Following care plans
- Documenting visits
- Communicating with care teams
According to DSHS, HCAs work in various settings including private homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and supported living programs.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
Before starting, ensure you meet basic requirements:
Must Have
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
- Pass a fingerprint background check
- Ability to read and write in English (for documentation)
Disqualifying Factors
Certain criminal history may prevent certification. The Department of Health reviews backgrounds case-by-case, but serious offenses involving:
- Abuse or neglect
- Theft or financial exploitation
- Violence
- Drug-related crimes
...may disqualify you. If you're unsure, contact DOH before investing in training.
Step 3: Get Hired First (Yes, Really)
Here's something most people don't know: You can start working before you're certified.
Washington allows you to provide care after completing just 5 hours of initial training:
- 2 hours of orientation
- 3 hours of safety training
This means you can:
- Get hired by an agency
- Complete orientation and safety training
- Start working immediately
- Complete remaining training while earning
Most agencies help with training and may even pay for it.
Where to Find Jobs
- Home care agencies: Search our provider directory
- Individual provider programs: Contract directly with DSHS
- Assisted living facilities: Many need HCAs
- Group homes: Serve individuals with developmental disabilities
- Hospitals: Some have home care divisions
Step 4: Complete 75 Hours of Training
According to DSHS training requirements, HCA training includes:
Required Components
| Training Component | Hours |
|---|---|
| Orientation | 2 hours |
| Safety Training | 3 hours |
| Core Basic Training | 70 hours |
| Total | 75 hours |
What You'll Learn
Core Basic Training (70 hours) covers:
- Client rights and dignity
- Communication and observation
- Personal care techniques
- Infection control
- Body mechanics and safe lifting
- Dementia care basics
- Mental health awareness
- Emergency procedures
- Documentation requirements
Training Formats
You have options for how to complete training:
Online Training
- Complete orientation, safety, and core training online
- Flexible scheduling—work while you learn
- Only appear in person for fingerprinting and exam
- Providers like Washington Care Academy offer fully online options
In-Person Training
- Classroom instruction with hands-on practice
- Offered by community colleges and training schools
- Good for hands-on learners
Hybrid
- Mix of online coursework and in-person skills labs
- Best of both worlds
Training Timeline
Critical deadlines:
- 120 days from hire: Complete all 75 hours of training
- 365 days from hire: Pass certification exam
Note: Per Senate Bill 5672, the exam deadline was extended to 365 days (up from 200 days). This change is retroactive.
Step 5: Get Your Background Check
Before certification, you need a fingerprint-based background check through DSHS.
How It Works
- Employer initiates: Your agency or employer starts the process
- Get fingerprinted: At an approved location (often the agency helps arrange this)
- DSHS reviews: They check state and federal databases
- Results sent to DOH: DSHS shares results with Department of Health for your application
Cost
- Typically $50-80 for fingerprinting
- Many employers cover this cost
Timeline
- Results usually take 2-4 weeks
- Start early—don't let this delay your certification
Step 6: Pass the HCA Certification Exam
After completing training, you must pass the state exam administered by Prometric.
Exam Format
| Section | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Written/Oral | 60 questions | 90 minutes |
| Skills demonstration | 5 randomly selected skills | Varies |
What's Covered
Written portion:
- Client rights
- Communication
- Infection control
- Personal care procedures
- Safety and emergencies
- Basic anatomy/body systems
Skills demonstration:
- Hand washing
- Positioning and transfers
- Bathing techniques
- Vital signs
- Feeding assistance
Exam Tips
- Review your training materials: Focus on procedures step-by-step
- Practice skills: Especially hand washing—often a testing focus
- Take practice tests: Many training programs offer them
- Rest before exam day: Don't cram the night before
- Read questions carefully: Look for "always," "never," "first" keywords
If You Don't Pass
You can retake the exam. There's usually a waiting period and additional fee. Use the time to study what you missed.
Step 7: Submit Your Application
Once you pass the exam, apply for certification through the Department of Health.
Application Requirements
- Completed application form (DOH 675-002)
- Proof of training completion
- Passing exam scores
- Background check clearance
- Application fee
Fees (2026)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Application fee | ~$55 |
| Exam fee | ~$105 |
| Fingerprinting | ~$50-80 |
| Total estimated | $210-240 |
Fees change—verify current amounts at DOH.
Step 8: Maintain Your Certification
Certification isn't one-and-done. To stay certified:
Annual Continuing Education
12 hours per year of approved CE courses covering:
- Updated care techniques
- Safety refreshers
- Specialized populations (dementia, mental health, etc.)
- Ethics and professional standards
Renewal
- Renew your credential with DOH
- Submit proof of CE hours
- Pay renewal fee
Career Advancement
HCA certification is a foundation for healthcare careers:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Additional training builds on HCA skills
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN): Requires nursing school
- Registered Nurse (RN): Many start as HCAs
- Care coordination: Move into office/administrative roles
What You'll Earn
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics and Washington-specific data:
| Metric | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Average hourly wage | $17-19 | $15.50 |
| Entry-level hourly | $15-16 | $13-14 |
| Experienced hourly | $20-24 | $18-20 |
Benefits Beyond Wages
Many employers offer:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plans
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid training
- Flexible schedules
Demand Outlook
Washington projects 25%+ job growth for home care workers through 2034. This means:
- Job security
- Multiple employer options
- Potential for wage increases as demand grows
Resources
Official Sources
Training Providers
- Washington Care Academy (Online)
- Cornerstone Healthcare Training
- Home Care Association of Washington Training Programs
- Local community colleges (search "HCA training [your city]")
Contact
DOH Home Care Aide Call Center
- Phone: (360) 236-2700
- For questions about certification, applications, and requirements
Start Your Career Today
Washington needs caregivers. The path to certification is clear:
- ✅ Get hired by an agency
- ✅ Complete 5 hours of initial training
- ✅ Start working while completing remaining 70 hours
- ✅ Finish all training within 120 days
- ✅ Pass background check
- ✅ Pass certification exam within 365 days
- ✅ Submit DOH application
- ✅ Begin your caregiving career
The work is demanding but deeply meaningful. You'll make a real difference in people's lives while building a stable career in a growing field.
Looking for HCA jobs in Washington? Browse our provider directory to find agencies hiring in your area.