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Caregiver training requirements in Washington
Short answer
Home care agencies in Washington must give personal care aides at least 75 hours of training.
The rules, role by role
Home Care Aide/Individual Provider
Applies to: All home care agencies; at least one consumer-directed program
- Training hours
- 75 hours (5 hours of orientation and safety training prior to providing care and 70 hours of training within first 120 days of providing care)
- Competency test
- Yes
- Yearly training
- 12 hours annually
- Certificate
- Home Care Aide (HCA)
- State registry
- Yes
- State curriculum
- Home Care Aide certification and 75-hour training
- Who can teach it
- Registered nurse (RN) or a person with specific knowledge, training, and work experience relevant to the training topics
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.
Before a new caregiver's first shift
- Keep proof of training — the certificate or sign-off for any training Washington or your payer requires.
- Check the state registry — Washington keeps a central registry of trained aides.
- Run the background checks your state licensing rules and your contracts require.
- Record expiry dates for CPR, TB tests and licenses, and renew them before they lapse.
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.
Regulations cited for Washington
- SEIU 775 Benefits Group. 2023. Caregiver Welcome Guide. Seattle, WA: SEIU 775 Benefits Group
- Washington Administrative Code. 2024. Individuals Exempt from Obtaining a Home Care Aide Certification. 246 WAC § 980-025.
- Washington Administrative Code. 2024. What are the Training and Certification Requirements for Individual Providers and Home Care Agency Long-Term Care Workers? 388 WAC § 71-0523.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). “Becoming a Paid Caregiver . ” Accessed November 11, 2024.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). 2021. DSHS Community Instructor- Qualification Requirements. Olympia, WA: DSHS.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). 2021. DSHS Facility Instructor- Qualification Requirements. Olympia, WA: DSHS.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). 2022. Home Care Aide Certification and 75 Hour Training Overview. Olympia, WA: DSHS.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). Home Care Aide Skills Checklist. Olympia, WA: DSHS. Accessed April 10, 2025.
- Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). “Individual Providers.” Accessed September 13, 2024.
States with similar rules
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Caregiver training in Washington: common questions
How many hours of training does a caregiver need in Washington?
Home care agencies in Washington must give personal care aides at least 75 hours of training. Home health aides at Medicare-certified agencies need at least 75 hours under federal rules.
Do caregivers need a certificate in Washington?
Yes for some roles: Washington recognizes the Home Care Aide (HCA) credential for home care aide/individual providers. Washington also keeps a central registry of trained aides.
Are home care agencies licensed in Washington?
Yes. Washington licenses home care agencies, so check the licensing rules for staff requirements beyond training, such as background checks.
Do private-pay agencies in Washington have to train caregivers?
Yes. Washington's training rules also cover aides at agencies serving private-pay clients.
Hiring in Washington? See caregiver pay in Washington, or try the free job description generator.