Certification Timelines and Rules
Which requirement must be completed within 120 days of hire for standard HCAs?
Basic Training 70
What application method does DOH strongly recommend to avoid delays?
Online application , through Secure Access Washington - HELMS
What additional time may Provisional Certification provide?
up 60 days
Which organization administers the HCA Knowledge and Skills exams?
Prometric
What will be generated in the provider's TP profile once their HCA application is submitted successfully?
HM #
Which document is required to verify or correct a caregiver’s hire date for certification purposes?
Employment Verification Form
Why is having a valid email address critical during the HCA application process?
DOH and Prometric communicate only by email
At what point in the application process must Provisional Certification be selected?
At the time of application submission
How does a provider select the testing location they prefer on the HCA application?
They must enter the correct site code on the application.
A Provider needs an interpreter for the exam, what should they do?
They need to select this option in DOH Application
&
send a Test Accommodations Request Packet to Prometric
What are the steps a provider needs to take to become HCA certified?
-Pass State and Federal background checks
-Complete 5 hours of Orientation & Safety (can be authorized to start working once it's completed)
-Complete 70 hours of Basic Training within 120 days of authorized to work date
-Pass exam and obtain HCA certification within 365 days of authorized to work date
What will be generated in the provider's TP profile once their HCA application is submitted successfully?
HM#
In what situation 1163 Exemption can expire ?
More than 3 consecutive years without providing care/ gap in service
What are the options that Provider can use to Prepare for their Exam ?
Refresher training
Peer Mentor support
Official Prometric study materials
Skills Refresher Videos (BT Skills)
What happens if Credential was expired more than 5 years ago
Retake BT 70 + Prometric exams
Under what condition does the certification timeline revert from 365 days back to 200 days?
When the application is submitted after December 31, 2027 (when emergency rule expires)
Which single application mistake can permanently affect exam fee coverage?
NOT Selecting “State Pay”
What two historical requirements must BOTH be met to qualify for the 1163 Exemption?
✅ Completed the training requirements in effect at the time of hire (most often it was Revised Fundamentals of Care (28 hours)
AND
✅ Worked at least 1 day between
January 1, 2011 – January 6, 2012
How IPs/APs Apply/Schedule their Exam?
1.IP/AP submits HCA application to DOH
2. DOH approves application
3. Prometric sends an email with login instructions
4. IP/AP logs into the Candidate Portal (through Prometric) and schedules the exam
5. IP/AP receives an “Admission to Test” email
Email includes:
Exam date
Exam time
Exam location
If an Individual Provider (IP) employed by CDWA does not currently have a client assignment (e.g., due to losing a client recently), their eligibility for payment for training like Basic Training 70 (BT70) generally depends on WHAT?:
Employment Status: If the IP remains actively employed with CDWA despite not having a client, they may still be eligible for paid training. CDWA often requires employees to remain compliant with training requirements, even during periods without active client assignments.
A caregiver is rehired after being placed on unpaid administrative hold for missed certification deadlines and then misses the deadline again. What employment outcome applies?
•They are not eligible for rehire for 90 days
•OR until they become fully compliant
•Whichever happens first
Give at least 5 examples/reasons why the provider may want/need to send Test Accommodations (TA) Packet?
❑Adjustable Table Height
❑Candidate Supplied Glucose Meter
❑Candidate's Magnifying Glass
❑Flexible Breaks
❑Sign Language Interpreter
❑Allowed to Turn On/Off Lights in Separate Room
❑Candidate Supplied Multiple Glasses
❑Extended Scheduled Breaks
❑Reader Required
❑Special Chair
❑Allowed to Walk and/or Stretch
❑Candidate Supplied Sugar Drink
❑Extended Time
❑Separate Room
❑Other Services
Name at least 5 credentials that exempt provider from HCA Certification?
NAC – Nursing Assistant Certified
OSPI Credential (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction)
RN – Registered Nurse
LPN – Licensed Practical Nurse
ARNP – Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner
Caregiver wants to Appeal the exam Results. Explain what MRC CAN and CANOOT do in this case?
Tier 1 CAN:
•Explain that an appeal option exists
•Provide the correct Prometric website
•Explain what types of issues can be appealed
Tier 1 CANNOT:
•Review exam results
•Challenge scores
•Contact Prometric on behalf of the IP/AP
•Influence appeal outcomes
•➡️ All appeals are handled directly between the caregiver and Prometric.
A caregiver renews their License after expiration and sees a new CE cycle open. What caused this system behavior? Do they have to complete CE for the previous compliant year?
System triggered CE to be closed, no CE required for previous compliant year