Free tool · all 50 states + DC
Caregiver training requirements by state
How much training does a caregiver need before the first shift? Pick your state to see the rules for home care agencies — training hours, competency tests, yearly training and certificates — with the regulations cited.
Personal care aide training rules in every state
The minimum for aides at home care agencies. “Medicaid only” means the rule covers Medicaid-funded care, not private-pay clients.
| State | Aide training rule | Home care licensed |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Medicaid only | No |
| Alaska | Medicaid only · 40 hrs | No |
| Arizona | Medicaid only | No |
| Arkansas | 40 hours | No |
| California | 5 hours | Yes |
| Colorado | 20 hours | Yes |
| Connecticut | Medicaid only | Yes |
| Delaware | Rules, no set hours | Yes |
| District of Columbia | 125 hours | Yes |
| Florida | 40 hours | Yes |
| Georgia | 40 hours | Yes |
| Hawaii | 100 hours | Yes |
| Idaho | Medicaid only | No |
| Illinois | 10 hours | Yes |
| Indiana | No state rule | Yes |
| Iowa | No state rule | No |
| Kansas | No state rule | Yes |
| Kentucky | Medicaid only | Yes |
| Louisiana | 16 hours | Yes |
| Maine | Medicaid only · 50 hrs | Yes |
| Maryland | Medicaid only | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Medicaid only · 60 hrs | No |
| Michigan | Medicaid only | No |
| Minnesota | Medicaid only | No |
| Mississippi | Medicaid only · 40 hrs | No |
| Missouri | Medicaid only · 12 hrs | No |
| Montana | Medicaid only · 16 hrs | No |
| Nebraska | No state rule | No |
| Nevada | Rules, no set hours | Yes |
| New Hampshire | Rules, no set hours | Yes |
| New Jersey | 76 hours | Yes |
| New Mexico | Medicaid only · 12 hrs | No |
| New York | 40 hours | Yes |
| North Carolina | Rules, no set hours | Yes |
| North Dakota | Medicaid only | No |
| Ohio | 30 hours | Yes |
| Oklahoma | Rules, no set hours | Yes |
| Oregon | 12 hours | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Rules, no set hours | Yes |
| Rhode Island | 120 hours | Yes |
| South Carolina | Rules, no set hours | Yes |
| South Dakota | Medicaid only | No |
| Tennessee | No state rule | Yes |
| Texas | No state rule | Yes |
| Utah | Rules, no set hours | Yes |
| Vermont | No state rule | No |
| Virginia | 40 hours | Yes |
| Washington | 75 hours | Yes |
| West Virginia | Medicaid only | No |
| Wisconsin | Medicaid only | No |
| Wyoming | Medicaid only · 91 hrs | No |
Federal rules that apply in every state
- Home health aides at Medicare-certified agencies need at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (with 16 hours of classroom training first), and must pass a competency evaluation. They also need 12 hours of in-service training every year. 42 CFR 484.80
- Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) complete a state-approved program of at least 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more. 42 CFR 483.152
- There is no federal training standard for personal care aides(non-medical caregivers). That's set state by state, and sometimes only for Medicaid-funded work.
Source: PHI, a review of each state's Medicaid rules, waivers and home care licensing regulations (2024–2025 policy). Checked October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your state's licensing agency before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal advice.
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Common questions
Is there a federal training requirement for caregivers?
Not for personal care aides (non-medical caregivers) — those rules are set by each state. Federal rules do cover home health aides at Medicare-certified agencies (at least 75 hours of training, a competency evaluation and 12 hours of in-service training a year) and certified nursing assistants (a state-approved program of at least 75 hours).
How many states require training for home care aides?
Of the 50 states and DC, 16 require a minimum number of training hours for personal care aides at home care agencies (some only for private-pay or certain agencies). 8 more set training rules without a minimum number of hours, 20 only regulate training for Medicaid-funded care, and 7 have no personal care aide training rules at all.
Do private-pay home care agencies have to train caregivers?
It depends on the state. Some states apply their training rules to every licensed home care agency, others only to agencies paid by Medicaid. Choose your state above to see which applies.
Where does this information come from?
From PHI's state-by-state review of personal care aide training requirements, which covers each state's Medicaid rules, waivers and home care licensing regulations (2024–2025 policy). Each state page lists the regulations cited. Rules change, so confirm with your state's licensing agency.
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