Home health or personal care aide: training to first job
Most aides start with a high school diploma (some jobs need none) and learn on the job. Aides in home health or hospice agencies paid by Medicare must finish at least 75 hours of training and a competency evaluation.
For: People who want to start working in care quickly, are patient and dependable, and are comfortable with physical work such as lifting or turning clients.
Route 1: Certified home health or hospice agency Federal training rule
For aides hired by home health agencies that take Medicare or other federal payments.
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Start here
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical, though some positions do not require it.
GED or HiSETBLS
Home Health and Personal Care Aides — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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75+ hours
Home health aide training
Classroom and supervised practical training of at least 75 hours; at least 16 hours of classroom training come before at least 16 hours of supervised practical training.
42 CFR 484.80
42 CFR § 484.80 — Condition of participation: home health aide servicesCode of Federal Regulations (Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
Competency evaluation
A qualified home health aide has completed a training and competency evaluation program, a competency evaluation program, or a state-approved nurse aide program and is listed on the state nurse aide registry.
42 CFR 484.80
42 CFR § 484.80 — Condition of participation: home health aide servicesCode of Federal Regulations (Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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License
State license or certification, where required
Some states require home health aides to have a license or certification, which may involve training, a background check and a competency exam. Check with your state board of health.
BLS
Home Health and Personal Care Aides — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Home health aide
BLS
Home Health and Personal Care Aides — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Personal care aide with a private agency or family Fastest start
For private care agencies that do not receive federal funds; their requirements vary by state.
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Start here
High school diploma (often)
Some positions do not require a formal educational credential.
BLS
Home Health and Personal Care Aides — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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On the job
Training on the job or in a program
Personal hygiene, reading and recording vital signs, infection control and basic nutrition.
BLS
Home Health and Personal Care Aides — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Often asked
First aid and CPR certification
Aides also may be required to get first aid and CPR certification.
BLS
Home Health and Personal Care Aides — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Personal care aide
BLS
Home Health and Personal Care Aides — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
State rules
Home health aide rules vary by state: some states license or certify aides. Ask your state board of health, and ask the agency whether it is Medicare-certified (then the federal 75-hour rule applies). BLS
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Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.