The HCA certification exam — what to expect
2 min readDOH — certification examination
The exam has two parts — a written (knowledge) test and a skills demonstration — given by Prometric after you complete the 75-hour training. It's offered in multiple languages including Korean, and you can retake a failed section.
- 1Eligibility: complete the 75-hour basic training; your training program submits your record, then you schedule with Prometric.
- 2Written test: multiple choice, based on the Fundamentals of Caregiving content; offered in several languages (including Korean) — request your language when scheduling.
- 3Skills test: you demonstrate assigned care tasks (like handwashing, transfers, personal care) on a practice partner while an evaluator watches — the skills checklists you trained with are exactly what's scored.
- 4If you don't pass a section, you can retake that section — fees and attempt limits apply, so ask your training program about current rules.
- 5Keep your certification deadline in mind (see the certification timeline guide) — schedule early; test slots fill up.
- 6Free help exists: SEIU 775 Peer Mentors offer exam coaching in several languages — call the MRC 1-866-371-3200.
Exam procedures, languages, and fees change — confirm current details with your training program or the DOH HCA Call Center (360-236-2700) when you schedule.
What to remember
- —Eligibility: complete the 75-hour basic training; your training program submits your record, then you schedule with Prometric..
- —Written test: multiple choice, based on the Fundamentals of Caregiving content; offered in several languages (including Korean) — request your language when scheduling..
- —Skills test: you demonstrate assigned care tasks (like handwashing, transfers, personal care) on a practice partner while an evaluator watches — the skills checklists you trained with are exactly what's scored..