What HHA certification means
A home health aide supports people in their own homes with personal care, mobility, meals and day-to-day living, working under the supervision of a nurse or care team. The New York State Education Department describes home health aides as unlicensed members of the healthcare team , which is why the path is called certification rather than licensing: you complete an approved training program and pass a competency evaluation, and that qualifies you for agency employment.
The 75-hour federal requirement
For agencies that participate in Medicare, the baseline is set federally at 42 CFR § 484.80 . A qualified home health aide must complete a training and competency evaluation program, and the training must total at least 75 hours.
| Requirement | Federal minimum |
|---|---|
| Total training | 75 hours |
| Supervised practical training | At least 16 of those 75 hours |
| Classroom instruction before practical work | At least 16 hours |
| Competency evaluation | Required, with certain tasks observed in person |
| Ongoing in-service training | At least 12 hours per year |
Source: 42 CFR § 484.80. States and individual employers can require more than the federal minimum.
How it works in New York
The New York State Department of Health requires training and competency evaluation through a department-approved program. Its guidance for home care professionals sets out two separate tracks:
| Role | Approved program | Minimum training |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health Aide (HHA) | HHATP core training | 75 hours |
| Personal Care Aide (PCA) | PCATP basic training | 40 hours |
Source: New York State Department of Health. Approved programs also assess prior training or experience — including PCA upgrade and certified nurse assistant transition routes — to decide what training you still need.
Are you eligible?
- Most employers expect you to be at least 18 years old
- Many, though not all, ask for a high school diploma or GED
- You will need to pass a criminal background check for agency work
- Health screening and immunisation records are commonly required
- You must be able to complete supervised practical training in person
- Enough English (or the program's language of instruction) to follow care plans and report changes
These are common employer and program conditions rather than a single national rule — always confirm with your state health department and the agency you want to work for before you pay for training.
What the work pays
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported median annual pay of roughly $34,900 for home health and personal care aides in 2024, and projects employment to grow 17% between 2024 and 2034 — much faster than the average across all occupations. Pay varies widely by state, employer and shift pattern.
Frequently asked questions
What is HHA certification?
HHA certification means you have completed an approved home health aide training program and passed a competency evaluation, so an agency can employ you as a qualified home health aide. It is not a professional licence — home health aides are unlicensed roles overseen by state health or education departments.
How many hours of training do you need?
Under the federal Medicare rules at 42 CFR 484.80, a qualified home health aide must complete at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training, plus a competency evaluation. Individual states can require more.
How long does it take to get an HHA certificate?
Most approved programs run the required 75 hours over several weeks. How fast you finish depends on the program's schedule and how quickly you can complete the supervised practical hours and the competency evaluation.
Can you get HHA certification online?
Classroom instruction is often delivered online, but the federal rules require supervised practical training, which has to be done in person and observed. Any program that promises full certification with no practical component should be treated with caution.
How long does HHA certification last?
There is no single national expiry date. Federal rules require at least 12 hours of in-service training each year to stay qualified, and states and employers add their own renewal, registry and continuing-education rules.
What does a home health aide earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported median annual pay of about $34,900 for home health and personal care aides in 2024, with employment projected to grow 17% between 2024 and 2034 — much faster than average.