How to Become a Certified Caregiver

Caregiving is one of the most accessible entry points into a healthcare career. Many caregiver roles require only a high school diploma or GED and a background check. Even better, there is a growing demand for workers, and it’s a job that genuinely helps people.

Certification is not always required, but it can open the door to more opportunities and better pay. In some settings, like home health agencies and nursing facilities that bill Medicare or Medicaid, it is required. But even for private-pay roles, certification gives employers confidence in your knowledge and skills.

There are several certification paths depending on your goals. 

• If you want to enter the field quickly, the American Caregiver Association (ACA) offers a self-study course you can complete in a few days. 
• If you want to work in a formal healthcare setting, a state-regulated credential like a certified nursing assistant (CNA) may be the better fit.

Whichever path you choose, you will likely find many job openings. An aging population and a national shortage of care workers are driving up demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 17% job growth rate for home health and personal care aides in the next decade, far above the 3% average for other occupations.

This guide covers everything you need to know to become a certified caregiver. We’ll review the most common credentials, how long they take to earn, how much they cost, and what you can expect in terms of salary and job opportunities when you are ready to start working.

How to Become a Certified Caregiver

First, let’s clarify what a caregiver is. The term covers a range of paid, trained roles that help people with daily living, personal care, and basic medical needs. 

Caregivers work in a variety of settings, from private homes to hospitals and nursing facilities.

This article focuses on the four most common roles:

• Personal Care Aides (PCAs): PCAs assist with daily tasks and companionship. There are usually no state regulations for this job.
• Home Health Aides (HHAs): HHAs provide personal care and basic health monitoring in the home under nurse supervision. There are often state regulations that mandate a certain number of training hours for this job.
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): CNAs deliver direct patient care and must pass a state-approved training program and exam.
• Patient Care Technicians (PCTs): Like CNAs, PCTs provide hands-on care but may also assist with procedures like phlebotomy or EKGs. This job is usually not state-regulated.

Certification credentials are offered by different state and national organizations. The number of hours of study or training can be different for each one, but most certifications are ultimately earned by passing an exam.

Regardless of which certification you pursue, these are the steps you will likely need to follow:

1) Meet the basic eligibility requirements

Each organization will have its own caregiver requirements for the certification they issue. These are typically the most basic:

• American Caregiver Association (ACA): The ACA offers a National Caregiver Certification Course (NCCC) and a National Assisted Living Manager Caregiver Certification (NALMCC), among others. These are open to anyone. There are no requirements to start a course.
• HHA/CNA/PCT: Certification programs for these roles typically require a high school diploma or GED. There are likely additional requirements as described below, and some home care employers also ask for a valid driver’s license.

2) Choose the right caregiver certification for your goals

Whether or not your state regulates the position you want will make a difference to the kind of certification you pursue. 

For example, the certifications offered by the American Caregiver Association (ACA) are self-study and completed entirely online, while HHA and CNA credentials require state-approved training programs with hands-on clinical components.

You will also need to consider the cost, the time it takes to earn the credential, and where you would like to work, whether in homes or in clinical settings like hospitals or nursing homes.

Here are the main paths to consider:

• ACA: This is the fastest route to certification. Their courses are self-study with no clinical hours required. These certifications are best for private-pay settings or those who want to enter the field quickly while they pursue further credentials.
• HHA: Certification as a home health aide is best for those who want to work in home settings. Home health agencies that bill Medicare or Medicaid are required by federal law to hire certified HHAs with a minimum number of training hours.
• CNA: Becoming a certified nursing assistant is best for those who want broader clinical exposure, a higher pay ceiling, and a clearer path toward LPN, RN, or other healthcare careers. There will be state regulations related to this certification.
• PCT: Becoming a certified patient care technician is best for those who want to work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in hospitals, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities. The credential comes from a national organization like the National Healthcareer Association rather than the state.

3) Enroll in a training program

Once you know which role and certification you want to pursue, you can find a program that will prepare you to pass the exam. Training programs usually prepare you for a specific certification exam, which they will state clearly in their information.

The path depends on your certification choice:

• ACA: Self-study courses are available directly through the American Caregiver Association. You complete them online at your own pace.
• HHA/CNA: State-approved programs are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and online or hybrid providers. Online providers like Stepful offer live instructors, hands-on skills training, exam prep, and job placement support.
• PCT: Programs are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and online or hybrid providers. They will prepare you for a national certification exam like NHA’s Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A). Programs, like Stepful’s, do not require clinical hours.

4) Complete your training

Program lengths and requirements vary, but here is a basic guide for what you can expect:

• ACA: ACA’s courses are completely online and self-paced. Some can be completed in hours rather than days or weeks. There are no clinical components.
• HHA: Most programs include online or classroom coursework plus hands-on skills practice. The federal minimum is 75 hours of training, though some states require more.
• CNA: CNA programs typically include 75–150+ hours of training, depending on the state. They have both online or classroom segments and clinical components.
• PCT: PCT programs often combine coursework (online or in person) with hands-on clinical skills like phlebotomy and administering EKGs. Programs can take anywhere from one month to two years.

5) Pass your caregiver certification exam

Each certification exam is different, but your training program will explain all the details of the one they are preparing you for, and most offer practice exams or questions. Here is a guide to what the exams will be like:

• ACA: Their exams are open-book and submitted by email. Candidates who do not pass on the first attempt may retake them.
• HHA: A state-approved body will administer the exam. They usually have a written portion and a skills portion. Most states allow retakes.
• CNA: Most exams have two parts, a written knowledge test and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation. When you pass it, you will be added to your state’s nurse aide registry. Most states allow multiple retakes.
• PCT: National certification exams are given by the issuing body rather than the state. Exams like NHA’s CPCT/A cover topics like infection control, patient safety, EKG, phlebotomy, and emergency procedures. Retakes are allowed.

6) Apply for jobs and maintain your certification

With certification in hand, you will be in a strong position to start your job search. Many training programs provide job search support. Where you look for employment will depend on the kind of certification you have. For example:

• ACA-Certified Caregivers: Look for employment with private home health agencies, assisted living facilities, memory care units, and adult day programs.
• HHAs/CNAs: Look for employment with home health agencies, nursing facilities, hospitals, and hospice organizations.
• Certified PCTs: Look for employment at hospitals, dialysis centers, nursing and rehabilitation facilities, and home healthcare agencies.

Regardless of your role, some states may require a health screening or tuberculosis (TB) test before you can begin working in a clinical or home health setting. Most employers and some states also require a background check before you begin working.

All credentials require periodic renewal. The ACA website has current details on renewal requirements and fees for ACA-certified caregivers. HHA and CNA renewals vary by state and typically require continuing education or documented work hours. PCT renewal will be required by the certifying organization, which will have its own rules and fees.

Types of Caregiver Certifications

National Caregiver Certifications from the ACA

The American Caregiver Association offers certifications for anyone who wants to become a caregiver. Their certifications add to your caregiving knowledge base and give you added credibility in the industry. The ACA issues two main certifications:

• National Caregiver Certification Course (NCCC): This covers core caregiving skills and knowledge. It’s open to anyone with no prerequisites, making it a common entry point for non-medical, private-pay caregiving.
• National Assisted Living Manager Caregiver Certification (NALMCC): This is geared toward caregivers who want to move into a supervisory or management role in an assisted living setting.

Home Health Aide (HHA) Certification

HHA certification is required by federal law for agencies that receive Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement, which makes it essential for most formal home health employers.

• Who issues it: State-approved training providers
• What it covers: A minimum of 75 training hours is required by federal law. Some states require more. There is a written and/or skills competency exam. Training covers personal care, medication reminders, basic health monitoring, and light housekeeping.
• Where it qualifies you to work: Home health agencies, hospice organizations, and private-duty clients

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification

The CNA is the most widely recognized entry-level clinical credential and a well-known stepping stone to LPN, RN, and other advanced healthcare careers.

• Who issues it: State-approved training providers
• What it covers: Typically, 75 to 150+ hours of training are required, depending on the state. There is a written knowledge exam and a hands-on clinical skills evaluation. It prepares you to take vitals, assist with mobility, and work directly under a licensed nurse.
• Where it qualifies you to work: Nursing homes, hospitals, assisted living, and home health settings; Graduates are listed on their state’s nurse aide registry

Patient Care Technician (PCT) Certification

PCT certification prepares you for direct patient care and clinical tasks like assisting with procedures, phlebotomy, or EKGs.

• Who issues it: A national organization, like the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), rather than the state
• What it covers: Training covers academic topics and clinical skills such as infection control, patient safety, EKG, and phlebotomy.
• Where it qualifies you to work: Hospitals, dialysis centers, and long-term care facilities

How Long Does It Take to Get a Caregiver Certification?

• ACA’s NCCC or NALMCC: Self-study courses can be completed in as little as two days. Exam scheduling is flexible.
• HHA: Typically, 2 to 6 weeks for the training program, plus time to schedule and complete the competency exam.
• CNA: Typically, 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the program and state requirements.
• PCT: Typically, 1 month to 2 years, depending on the program you choose.

How Much Does Caregiver Certification Cost?

• ACA: The NCCC course is $99. The NCCC and NALMCC bundle is $179. There are other certificate options as well, with varying prices.
• HHA training: Typically, $300 to $1,500 depending on the program. Some employers offer paid training or reimbursement.
• CNA training: Typically, $500 to $2,000. Community colleges are often at the lower end. Some nursing homes offer free training in exchange for a work commitment.
• PCT training: Typically, $500 to $10,000 depending on the program and format.
• Competency exam fees: HHA and CNA exams typically run $50 to $150. The PCT’s certification exam, given by NHA, is about $165.

Financial assistance is available for all kinds of training programs. Many programs accept workforce development grants, employer-sponsored tuition, and military training grants. 

Many providers have payment plans to make paying easier. If cost is a concern, ask about these options before you enroll.

Caregiver Salary & Job Outlook

The job outlook for caregivers is particularly strong. The BLS projects an above-average job growth rate for all types of caregivers. An aging U.S. population and a national shift toward home-based care are the main drivers of demand.

Pay varies by certification level, work setting, and geographic location. Here’s a quick look at the average pay by role:

• Personal Care Aides (PCAs): PCAs earn, on average, about $33,700 per year.
• Home Health Aides (HHAs): HHAs have an average salary of $36,120 per year as of May 2025.
• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): Nursing assistants have an average salary of $42,700 per year as of May 2025.
• Patient Care Technicians (PCTs): PCTs earn an average of about $44,600 per year.

In general, CNAs and PCTs earn more than HHAs, who typically earn more than uncertified personal care workers. 

Factors that affect pay include location, work setting (hospitals generally pay more than home health), years of experience, and specialty training. Night, weekend, and holiday shifts often come with a pay premium as well.

One of the best things about being a certified caregiver is the growth opportunities. Many caregivers build on their hands-on experience to move into higher-paying clinical roles. 

Stepful’s training for caregivers is built for exactly this kind of next step.

Caregiver Certification FAQs

Do you need a certification to work as a caregiver?

Not always, but it depends on the setting. 

Private-pay caregiving may not require formal certification, while agencies that bill Medicare or Medicaid must hire credentialed HHAs or CNAs. 

Even where not required, certification often leads to better pay and more job opportunities.

What’s the difference between a caregiver and a CNA?

“Caregiver” is a broad term covering anyone who helps another person with daily needs. 

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a specific, state-regulated credential. A CNA has completed a formal training program and passed a competency exam, which allows them to work in regulated healthcare settings such as nursing homes and hospitals.

What’s the difference between an HHA and a CNA?

Both roles provide hands-on personal care, but their scope and typical work settings differ. 

HHAs work primarily in clients’ homes and focus on personal care and daily living support. 

CNAs have a broader clinical scope, work in more settings, including nursing homes and hospitals, and serve as a recognized stepping stone to LPN and RN careers.

What is the difference between a caregiver and a home health aide?

“Caregiver” is an umbrella term for anyone who provides personal or practical support to someone in need, whether paid or unpaid.

 A home health aide is a specifically trained and certified role that works in clients’ homes under nurse supervision. 

All HHAs are caregivers, but not all caregivers are HHAs.

Can you get a caregiver certification online?

Yes. The American Caregiver Association certifications are completed entirely online through self-study. 

HHA and CNA programs may offer online coursework, but both require an in-person skills evaluation or clinical training component before you can be certified. 

PCT programs, like Stepful’s, can be 100% online since they don’t have a clinical requirement.

How do I know which caregiver certification is right for me?

Consider your timeline, budget, and career goals. ACA certification is the fastest and most affordable option, but it is best suited for private-pay work. 

HHA is right if you want to work in home health with formal agencies. CNA and PCT certifications offer the broadest career path and are worth the extra time if you are thinking about advancing into medical assisting, nursing, or another healthcare role.

Does caregiver certification transfer between states?

It depends on the credential. ACA certification is national and not state-specific. HHA and CNA credentials are state-regulated, and requirements vary. Many states have reciprocity agreements or streamlined processes for transferring state credentials. You can check with your destination state’s nurse aide registry for more information.

How long is a caregiver certification good for?

Most states require HHA and CNA credential renewal every two years, typically with proof of work experience and completed continuing education hours. PCT and PCA certifications are issued by national organizations that have their own rules and fees for certification renewals.