Certification Requirements

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.

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.

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.

An applicant who is already working as a long-term care giver must have a fingerprint background check done through the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). DSHS will provide results directly to the Department of Health.

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 have 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.