Examination Updates | Examination Information | Frequently Asked Questions
Examination Updates
2025
Online Remote Knowledge Exam Option
Prometric now offers an online option to take the knowledge exams through ProProctor. Before choosing this option, it is required that you read the ProProctor User Guide (PDF). Please check your system to be sure it meets the necessary operating and hardware requirements. There is also a Remote Exam Experience tutorial available so users can have a better understanding of the process. Please note that online testing is currently available only in English. You may find more information or technical assistance through the ProProctor Support webpage.
2024
Self-Schedule and Payment Vouchers
Prometric provides two online portals: the Candidate Portal, which allows candidates to self-schedule and self-pay for the home care aide examinations, and the Voucher Portal, where employers, third-party payers, and training programs may purchase vouchers for candidates to use to pay for their exams. Payments for either portal must be made with a credit or debit card, or by voucher ID.
The Candidate Exam Scheduling Guide (PDF) will help caregivers and their employers or trainers to better understand the process for candidates to self-schedule and self-pay for their exams. See the HCA Candidate Portal Online Exam Scheduling Demonstration for a full demonstration of the online process.
The Voucher Guide (PDF) will help employers, training programs, and third-party payers understand how to use the client portal to purchase vouchers for candidates to use to pay for their examinations. View the HCA Client-Voucher Portal Demonstration for a demonstration of the online voucher purchasing process.
Examination Information
The home care aide exam:
- Consists of true/false questions, pictures, and animated scenarios
- Uses simplified language so the questions are easier to understand
- Focuses on assessing content knowledge, not literacy or test-taking skills
An oral translation of the exam can be made available if requested.
The knowledge exam consists of 60 questions over a 90-minute period of time. The clinical exam covers varied skills that are timed, between 25–35 minutes.
Exam Fees
| WAHCA Exam Pricing | Current Fees |
|---|---|
| Knowledge Exam | $49 |
| Skills Exam | $101 |
| Rescheduling Fee | $35 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration and Exam Details
- How do I apply for the home care aide examination?
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You will receive a confirmation email from Prometric, or SMT System on the next steps on how to register, sign in, and complete the exam application. Please refer to the Candidate Application and Scheduling Guide (PDF) when you receive your confirmation email.
If you have additional questions about what to expect on test day or related issues, please email Prometric or call 800-324-4689.
- How will I know where and when to take the examination?
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After you complete your exam application and you schedule your exam, you will receive an “Admission to Test” email from Prometric, or SMT System, which will include the date, time and place of the examination. Once you receive the exam date from Prometric, it's very important to take the exam on your scheduled exam date. After you have completed the examination, Prometric will send the examination results to you and to the Department of Health.
- Where can I find more information about the examination?
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You can find more information about the exam by viewing the Home Care Aide Exam (WADOH) Prometric webpage.
- Are there exam preparation materials?
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Yes, visit the Prometric Exam Preparation Materials webpage for preparation tools
- Will the Department of Health application change over to the online portal?
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No, the Department of Health application process will remain the same and will not change to the online portal. The only change will be that the department will no longer accept exam payments – for self-pay or benefit-paid applicants.
- Self- pay applicants will need to pay through the online candidate portal.
- Benefit-paid applicants may schedule exams without payment.
Refer to the Candidate Information Bulletin (PDF) and the Candidate Application Guide (PDF).
- How do I register to retest?
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All retesting will need to be scheduled through Prometric. See the Candidate Application Guide (PDF) for more information.
- I have taken my exams and did not pass the first time; will I need to resubmit my home care aide application?
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No, you will not need to resubmit your home care aide application through the Department of Health if your current application is still pending.
- Will my employer and I receive confirmation emails for when my exam is scheduled, re-scheduled, or exam results?
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Yes, there are two email fields within the candidate profile that can be populated to receive confirmation emails, exam results, and any other email notification.
- Can my employer log in and help me find a test date and time?
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Yes. Your employer may log into the candidate portal and assist with scheduling the exam.
- Is the system available in multiple languages?
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No, the online portal, including receiving confirmation emails for scheduling, exam results, and testing accommodations, is only in English.
- What does Prometric mean when they mention resubmitting the application either on the phone or in an email – is that the Department of Health’s home care aide application, or the Prometric exam application?
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Prometric means that you will need to complete an exam application through the Prometric Candidate Portal. They will not ask you questions about applying for or submitting a home care aide application to the Department of Health.
- When scheduling the exam, will I be able to see all test site locations?
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No, you will only be able to view the first five (5) test site locations closest to you.
- I am using a regional test site code, but I want to schedule at an in-facility test site. Can I do that?
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No, if you are approved to schedule the exam at a regional test site location, you will only have the option of scheduling at a regional test site.
If you are approved for an in-facility test site, you will only have the option of scheduling an in-facility test site location.
If you need to change the test site type, you will need to contact Prometric directly at 800-324-4689 or email Prometric (WAHCA@prometric.com).
Accommodations and Interpretation
- How do I request testing accommodations or an individual interpreter?
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The testing accommodations process will be completed after the Candidate exam application has been submitted through the SMT Candidate online portal. Please refer to the Candidate Application and Scheduling Guide (PDF) for more information. The TA (Testing Accommodations) team will notify you after you submit the proper documentation for the accommodations request.
Please Note: All candidates requesting interpreter services will receive all notifications via email in English.
Individual interpreters include but are not limited to the following languages:
Amharic, Arabic, Simplified Chinese (written) and Cantonese (spoken), Khmer, Korean, Laotian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Somali, Tagalog, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
Payment
- SEIU 775 benefited caregivers will be able to schedule the exam without payment, correct?
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Yes, this is correct. Benefitted applicants will not be required to submit an application fee.
- Can caregivers submit a personal check, money order, or cashier’s check to pay for their examination?
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No, Prometric does not accept personal checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders. Payments must be made with a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card. Pre-paid cards may be used for those who do not have debit or credit cards.
- I am a self-pay candidate – may I use a voucher option to pay later?
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No, the SMT online portal will not allow you to click Next if you select the voucher payment option and do not have a voucher number. The voucher number is required. You will need to pay for the exam in order to move forward with the exam application process. If the exam is being paid for you by a voucher, please connect with your employer or third-party payer to receive the voucher ID.
- When will the $35 re-scheduling fee apply to me?
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A $35 reschedule fee will be needed if a candidate chooses to reschedule and/or change the test site location or time. A full-exam fee is needed if you:
- Re-schedule less than ten (10) calendar days before your exam is scheduled.
- Do not show up for either exam.