Apply for a Certification
- Apply online
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Getting started
Online Application Instructions
Online application instructions are on our website.
Once you have completed the process, you will find your pending credential number on Provider Credential Search. Refer to this credential number any time you contact the Department of Health or submit paperwork.
- Apply on paper
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Please note: To expedite your application process, we strongly encourage all applicants to complete an online application.
All new applicants should complete the applicable documents below. Please download and print forms.
- Certification Application Packet (PDF)
- Gói Đơn đăng ký Chứng chỉ Hộ lý Chăm sóc Tại gia (PDF)
- Пакет с заявлением об аттестации помощника по уходу на дому (PDF)
- Paquete de solicitud de certificación para auxiliares de atención domiciliaria (PDF)
You may need to submit additional forms along with your application:
If you have limited English proficiency, and previously submitted an application without requesting a provisional certification, please complete the following:
If you hold a home care aide credential that has been expired under five years, please complete the following:
Fee Schedule
- See fee information below
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Home care aide certification
Non-Refundable Fee Type Fee Amount Application fee $100 Certification renewal fee $100 Late renewal penalty $50 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.
Certification Requirements
- See certification requirements below
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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 provide a list of all states where they hold or previously held credentials. This list must also include any states wherethe applicant has applied for a credential, even if it was not granted. The jurisdiction(s) where the applicant holds or held a credential must complete and submit the verification form (PDF). The completed form must be sent directly from the jurisdiction to the department.
Personal data questions
Every applicant must answer the personal data questions. If any answer is marked ‘yes’, the applicant must send an explanation. For any conviction or legal proceeding, the applicant must request copies of the original complaint and the settlement or final disposition. If a case is pending, the applicant must indicate the case 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 complete a final review for approval once a credentialing specialist verifies that the application is 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 the required fees. Credentialing supervisors and leads have authority to approve routine applications. If the credentialing supervisor cannot verify that the applicant meets all requirements, the disciplining authority may conduct a further review. Applicants will be formally notified if their application is denied and 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. To renew your certification, see our License Renewals webpage.
Beginning 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 continuing education requirements.
Continuing education requirements
Each year, 12 hours of continuing education approved by the Department of Social and Health Services is required for certification renewal. The home care aide must certify that they have completed the required continuing education upon renewal. The Department of Health conducts random audits of home care aide certification. If you are selected for an audit, the department will contact you and request documentation that you completed the required continuing education. For continuing education information, see the Continuing Education DSHS webpage.
Effective January 1, 2025, individual providers who are exempt from certification may voluntarily to complete continuing education. Consumer directed employers must pay exempt individual providers for any continuing education they take, up to 12 hours annually.