Two California HHA routes: An applicant with an active CNA certificate may complete an approved 40-hour HHA program. An applicant without an active CNA certificate may complete an approved 120-hour HHA program. Both routes include approved training and an examination; background-clearance requirements apply.

What does an HHA do?

A certified Home Health Aide provides basic patient-care services in the home within the structure of home health care. The role can include personal care, mobility assistance, observation, basic health-related tasks allowed by the care plan, and communication with the supervising team.

Route 1: 40-hour HHA training for active CNAs

CDPH states that this route requires an active CNA certificate, an approved 40-hour program with an examination, criminal record clearance, and submission of the required HHA application and program documentation.

Route 2: 120-hour HHA training

Applicants who are not active CNAs can use the approved 120-hour route. CDPH lists a minimum age of 16, approved training with an examination, criminal record clearance, an initial application, and Live Scan documentation.

Find an approved program

Use CDPH’s official lists for the 40-hour and 120-hour pathways. Make sure you select the correct route. Verify the program in the active training-provider search before paying.

Application and certification steps

  1. Choose the correct 40-hour or 120-hour route.
  2. Enroll in an approved program.
  3. Complete the required initial application steps when instructed.
  4. Complete training and the program examination.
  5. Make sure the training program submits the required certification list to CDPH.
  6. Verify your certificate status before starting a role that requires HHA certification.

Where HHAs work

HHAs commonly work for home health agencies and related home-based healthcare services. Before accepting a job, ask about visit length, travel, mileage, scheduling, supplies, supervision, documentation, patient acuity, and what happens when a patient cancels.

Official California resources

Use these official California sources to verify requirements and complete the next step.

California HHA certification requirementsOfficial CDPH requirements for the 40-hour and 120-hour HHA pathways.Find approved 40-hour HHA programsFor applicants who already hold an active California CNA certificate.Find approved 120-hour HHA programsFor applicants entering the HHA pathway without an active CNA certificate.Verify a CNA or HHA training providerUse CDPH’s active training-provider verification search.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be a CNA before becoming an HHA?

No. California has a 120-hour HHA path for applicants who are not active CNAs. Active CNAs may use the 40-hour route.

How long is California HHA training?

The approved path is 40 hours for active CNAs or 120 hours for applicants using the non-CNA route.

Is HHA the same as HCA?

No. HHA is a CDPH certificate for home health aide work. HCA is a CDSS registration category connected to nonmedical home care.

Where can I verify an HHA training provider?

Use the official CDPH program lists and active training-provider verification system.

Compare HHA, HCA and CNA →Find HHA and caregiver training →Free and low-cost training →Caregiver career paths →

Help build a more transparent care industry

Join California caregivers helping AidMates make pay, training, scheduling, and workplace experiences easier to understand.

Join HereLearn About Reviews