Healthcare

How to become a Home Health Aide

From no experience: every step, how long it takes, and the credential it earns.

Time to get there

2–6 weeks

Typical pay

$30k–$38k

Starting from

No experience

The steps

1. 1

   Complete HHA training

   Federal minimum is 75 hours if the agency bills Medicare; some states want more.

   2–6 weeks

   Course that covers thisHome Health Aide Certification (US) Practice TestsUdemy · around $24.99 →
2. 2

   Pass the competency evaluation

   Skills checked by a nurse — bathing, transfers, vitals.

   1 week

3. 3

   Clear a background check

   Standard for anyone working in a client's home.

   1–3 weeks

Course links are Udemy affiliate links — we earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Licences and exams named above are issued by state boards and certifying bodies we have no relationship with; we list them because they are what the job actually requires.