What is the HHA test?
The HHA or the Home Health Aide exam is a fundamental requirement in order to become a certified HHA. The HHA test contains two sections: 1.) Written Test and 2.) Skills Evaluation. The written examination is composed of close-to-a-hundred multiple-choice questions presented in English while the Skills Evaluation is focused on hands-on assessment. In addition, when taking the Skills Evaluation, you will be asked to perform five randomly selected skills. You will be given about 30 minutes to complete the assigned skills test. You will be rated and evaluated on these skills by a Registered Nurse Evaluator.
To provide you with a quick overview of the HHA test sections, please refer to the following information below:
| HHA Test Format | |
| Written Examination | The written section may be given in an oral format for test-takers who may have reading comprehension difficulties. Since the exam is multiple-choice and written in English, it will be helpful for those who consider English as their second language The written examination may include the following categories:
The average number of questions for the HHA written examination is 75 questions, but this is subject to change. |
| Skills Evaluation | The Skills Evaluation is structured to bear resemblance to an actual caregiving situation. This HHA exam section area will look similar to your work setting, which means that you will be given access to all the equipment needed to perform your assigned skills. As mentioned earlier, the Skills Evaluation will be administered by a Registered Nurse Evaluator. Prior to the commencement of your evaluation, the Evaluator will inform you where the equipment is located and will also give you full instructions as to how the equipment should be operated. Some of the potential subject matters on the Skills Evaluation that you will be asked to demonstrate may include the following:
The Skills Evaluation normally takes 25-30 minutes. However, dummies will not be used to carry out the demonstration. Most of the time, you will be working with a pretend client to make it more realistic. |
Some of the other factors that are on the HHA test are the following:
- Documentation of patient status.
- Taking temperature, pulse, and respiration.
- Communication skills.
- Proper transferring techniques and ambulation.
- Personal hygiene and grooming.
- Health and environment maintenance.
- Spiritual, physical, and emotional needs
- Body functions
HHA Exam Scoring System
The scoring system for the HHA exam is pretty easy. Once you have taken each HHA test section, you will receive a score report that will indicate if you passed or failed the exam. If you happen to fail the Written Test or the Skills Evaluation, your score report contains information and instructions on how your can retake either or both parts. Moreover, keep in mind that a new examination fee will incur each time you retake any part of the HHA test.
State and federal policies allow test-takers 3 chances to pass both the HHA Written exam and the Skills Evaluation. In an instance where you fail both exams 3 times, you will then be required to complete a Board-approved training program in order to retake both sections.To successfully become a certified HHA, you must pass both the Written Examination and the Skills Evaluation within a 24-month period. Once you have successfully accomplished the exams, you will receive certification as a Home Health Aide.
To give an idea regarding how a HHA score report looks like, please refer to the table below:
HHA Sample Examination Score Report Exam: Skills Evaluation | |
| Skills Performed: | |
| Positioning Client | Unsatisfactory |
| Checking Vital Signs | Unsatisfactory |
| Hand Hygiene | Unsatisfactory |
| Measuring and Recording Weight of Ambulatory Patient | Unsatisfactory |
| Bedpan Assistance | Satisfactory |
Note: The table shown above is not an exact replica of the HHA score report.
The HHA score report will list the five skills that you demonstrated and a score of Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory for each skill performed. Take note that any skill with an Unsatisfactory mark is considered a failed skill. In other words, you must acquire a Satisfactory mark on all five skills in order to pass the Skills Evaluation.
Furthermore, a corresponding reason for a failed skill is actually provided in the score report. As part of your evaluation, the failing score report will list all the steps that you missed. You can review the skills you failed and study the steps in order to correct them on your next attempt.
HHA Exam Registration
If you’re working for a Medicare-certified home health agency then you need to be assessed and trained through state-level approved training programs. For HHA training requirements, please refer to the information below:
- At least 75 hours of training (depends on state)
- At least 16 hours of supervised clinical or practical training.
- 12 hours of continuing education per each 12-month period.
The HHA training requirements can be quite confusing due to the fact that states are slow to acquire recommendations to make the training follow a common standard. Despite this challenging set up, HHA’s need to be appropriately trained to address the various needs of patients.
Important Reminder: When it comes to the number of hours required for training, some states require 120 hours, not 75 hours. Thus, you need to make sure that you are aware of your state’s requirements before enrolling in a Home Health Aide training program.
Home Health Aide Test PDF
You must study for the HHA exam if you want to pass. Taking an HHA practice test is one method to get ready. To assist you, here’s HHA Test PDF.
HHA Questions
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the HHA test that you might also be wondering about:
How do CNA and HHA differ?
Although HHAs and CNAs have similar roles in a patient’s life, both of them have differences that many people fail to notice. One of the biggest differences between the two is that HHAs work in the homes of their clients patients while CNAs work environment are primarily situated inside doctor’s offices, surgical centers, clinics, and hospitals.
Is a home health aide a bad job?
No, it is not. Being a home health aide is a very fulfilling job. In fact, Home Health Aides are people who help others enhance their lives. Having such a job requires one to be humble and patient, especially when handling immobile or elderly patients.
What does a home health aide do?
Home Health Aides assist patients in their daily living and also provide basic routine care.These routine assistance may depend on the patient’s needs. Such assistance include the following:
- Eating
- Bathing
- Assisting with Medicine
- Changing Dressing
- Checking Patients’ Vital Signs
- Helping Immobile Patients Change Position
Are Home Health Aides also nurses?
Home Health Aides are considered as home nurses since their job mainly involves taking care of patients in the comfort of their homes. Some people, especially elderly, disable, and terminally-ill patients, need home health nursing. It is part of a Home Health Aide’s job to take care of such patients who need more assistance to go about their daily lives.
How long does it take to become a home health aide?
You can start your Home Health Aide career in just 4-6 weeks, considering that you were able to pass the exam in a timely manner. Since the HHA only has very few requirements, a lot of people find it a great opportunity to venture into.
How much does HHA jobs salary worth?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for HHAs is $24,280 per year. The highest HHA salary is above $33,940 a year, which is equivalent to $16.32 an hour.
How do people get qualified for a free home health aid?
First and foremost, you need to determine your state’s requirements. As mentioned earlier, some state may have different set of requirements for the training and education of Home Health Aides. Moreover, there is no formal education needed to apply for a home aide position. HHA certifications and HHA classes are enough to become one.
What is training like for home health care nurses?
The training will focus on enhancing your knowledge and ability in order to perform proper home health care. Once you pass the training and its corresponding exams and skills evaluation, you will become a certified home health aide.
Are home health aides treated fairly?
Of course! Home Health Aides take care of their patients well-being. Thus, they are treated well and fair in return.
How does one obtain a Home Health Aide Certificate?
Undergoing training and passing the written test and skills evaluation is the key toward obtaining a Home Health Aide Certificate.
Does Free HHA Training available?
Yes, of course! Free HHA training are available in agencies that employ home health aides. These agencies will train you for certification as part of your employment agreement. Once you have successfully completed the training and passed the exam, you will be required to work for the agency for a minimum of 6 months.
Is the HHA exam free?
Not entirely. You will have to pay for exam fees and training manuals. These, however, don’t usually cost more than $80. But then again, all fees may vary depending on your state.
HHA Test Prep Guide
Do your homework.
The best way to prepare for a test is to have an idea what the test is all about. “What is the coverage for the written exam?” “What are the possible skills that you may be asked to demonstrate during the skills evaluation?”
Having a clear background of the exam coverage will contribute a lot to your success. Do your best to study all the information you obtained about the HHA test coverage.
Be aware of the test center regulations.
There are specific test day policies and procedures that you need to be aware of before going into the HHA testing center. Some of these rules may include these general factors:
- Identity Verification
- Physical Screening
- Accessory Inspection
- Prohibited Materials
- Strict Break Rules
- Standard Examination Rules
Balance your stress level.
One of the most important factors that you should consider when taking the HHA exam, especially the Skills Evaluation, is to manage and balance your stress level effectively. There are instances wherein test-takers tend to forget what needs to be done because they are simply overpowered by anxiety and nervousness. When taking the exam, it is strongly advisable to keep yourself calm and composed. Focus and don’t let your current emotions take over your ability to think straight.
Utilize HHA test prep materials
There are free HHA training materials that you can access online. Aside from exam materials and free HHA classes provided by a HHA agency, there are other credible practice tests that are available on the internet that you can use to amplify your exam preparation.
Develop Core Skills
There are a set of skills and characteristics that every HHA possess. It is exceedingly important that you know what these are. So to help you learn more about these skills, we’ve compiled the most essential ones below:
Organization Skills – Being organized is extremely vital when it comes to being an HHA. Organizing your responsibilities in an effective manner will help you carry out your tasks easily and smoothly.
Detail-oriented Character – Following instructions is very important in HHAs. When you’re taking the test, focusing on every important detail will allow you to execute the assigned task properly, leaving no room for errors or mistakes.
Patience – Being patient at all times is one of the core characteristics of a good HHA. When it comes to taking the exam, don’t rush things. Be patient enough to think of the answers or steps that will help you acquire the best possible exam results and getting your HHA license.