A home health aide’s job requires a certain level of training. This includes classroom hours and clinical training and passing a skills exam.
HHA training is available through a number of schools and agencies. Some offer specialized programs for those interested in working in assisted living facilities. Training requirements vary by state.
1. Review Course Materials
The HHA exam is a big part of becoming certified to work as a home health aide. It’s important that you review all of the material and take HHA test answers practice in order to increase your chances of passing the exam. Practice tests can also reduce your stress level and help you focus on the material.
Southern Technical Institute’s online HHA training curriculum uses a variety of learning methods to teach you the skills needed to pass the HHA certification exam. It includes course materials, practice tests, quizzes and a final exam. The HHA training curriculum includes the STI HHA textbook, plus a Hartman test bank translated by Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute. The STI HHA curriculum is uploaded as Coursework Details> and the PHI-translated test bank is uploaded as a second PDF.
The HHA written exam contains anywhere from 50 to 100 questions. It’s important that you understand the different types of questions and know how to answer them. Taking several practice tests under test-day conditions will help you familiarize yourself with the format and style of the exam.
2. Take Practice Tests
Whether you’ve attended an in-person class or an online home health aide training course, your instructors should provide you with a variety of study materials and HHA practice tests. The written exam includes anywhere from 60 to 70 questions on 13 core topics and must be completed in 90 minutes.
If you take a few practice tests before your actual exam it will help you identify which areas you need to focus on more. This will help you avoid cramming on the day of the test. Practice tests are also proven to increase your ability to retain information and reduce your stress level.
In addition to the written exam, some states or training programs will require you to pass a skills test. The skills portion of the test typically involves a hands-on situation with a volunteer. You might be asked to perform a simple task such as washing a client’s hands or transfer a person to/from a wheelchair. The duration of the skills exam will vary by state/training program.
3. Practice with Sample Questions
Home health aides are trained in one of many different ways, with the majority enrolling in a training program that’s approved by their state. These programs can be found at community colleges, non-profit organizations, and some home care agencies. Once completed, the training program will prepare the student to take the competency exam. This test includes a written portion and a skills portion.
The written portion of the exam contains anywhere from 50 to 100 multiple-choice questions. Depending on the course you choose, your training should prepare you for this, but it’s important to practice on your own too.
You can find sample HHA exam questions online to use as a study tool. Take the preliminary tests as often as you can until you’re confident in your ability to take the real thing! Peterson’s offers a comprehensive CNA/HHA exam prep package that includes six full-length practice tests, an extensive review guide, and tips for test day.
4. Study on Your Own
Many home health aide students find it helpful to review on their own in addition to the course materials. Study guides are available that offer test-taking tips and strategies. Some also come with a money-back guarantee, making them a risk-free investment in your future success.
While cost and duration are important factors in selecting an HHA program, it’s also essential to consider what type of course you want to take. Some programs are structured as multi-day, in-person courses that can help you meet the 75-hour classroom requirement for Medicare certification. Others are online or self-paced.
Lastly, be sure to check your state’s regulations about working as an HHA. Some states require that you work with an agency rather than individual families, which can protect you from liability and provide access to benefits. Alternatively, you can choose to start your own private home care business by building a client base. This is more challenging, but it can be very rewarding.