Certification deadlines — training, exam, renewal
2 min readRCW 18.88B.021 — Certification requirements
Most new long-term care workers must complete 75 hours of basic training within 120 days of hire, and become certified as an HCA within 365 days under the current emergency rule (which supersedes the 200-day language printed in older materials).
- 1Within 14 days of hire: orientation and safety training (before providing care alone).
- 2Within 120 days of hire: complete the 75-hour basic training.
- 3Within 365 days of hire: pass the certification exam (Prometric) and obtain your HCA credential — current emergency rule; verify your own deadline with DOH.
- 4Every year: renew your credential by your birthday and complete 12 hours of continuing education (after your first renewal).
- 5Fees (WAC 246-980-990): application $100, annual renewal $100, late renewal penalty +$50, expired reactivation $30.
- 6Some workers are exempt from HCA certification (e.g., certain family caregivers, RNs/CNAs) — check your category with DOH or your employer.
Deadlines are based on your date of hire and your specific category — dates shown by this app are estimates based on what you entered. Always verify with DOH (360-236-2700) or Provider Credential Search.
What to remember
- —Within 14 days of hire: orientation and safety training (before providing care alone)..
- —Within 120 days of hire: complete the 75-hour basic training..
- —Within 365 days of hire: pass the certification exam (Prometric) and obtain your HCA credential — current emergency rule; verify your own deadline with DOH..