What is a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)?

A Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) is a healthcare professional who provides personal care and assistance to clients in their homes, such as helping with bathing, dressing, grooming, and other activities of daily living. CHHAs also may provide basic health care services such as checking vital signs and administering medication under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare professional.

How do I become a CHHA?

The requirements to become a CHHA vary by state, but typically include completing a state-approved training program and passing a competency exam. Training programs typically consist of classroom instruction and hands-on training in areas such as basic nursing skills, infection control, nutrition, and communication skills. Some states may also require a criminal background check and a negative TB test.

What are the benefits of CHHA certification?

CHHA certification can lead to expanded job opportunities and potentially higher pay than non-certified home health aides. Certification also demonstrates to employers and clients that the CHHA has met certain standards of knowledge and skill.

What is the CHHA certification exam?

The CHHA certification exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills related to home health care, including topics such as personal care, nutrition, infection control, communication skills, and basic health care services. The exam may be administered by a state agency or by a certifying organization.

What do i need to know about the CHHA exam?

The Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) certification exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills related to home health care. The exam is typically administered by a state agency or by a certifying organization, and its content may vary slightly depending on the certifying organization or state.

Here are some details about the CHHA certification exam:

Content

The CHHA certification exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge and skills related to home health care, including personal care, nutrition, infection control, communication skills, and basic health care services. The exam may also include questions related to legal and ethical considerations, documentation, and patient safety.

Format

The CHHA certification exam may be offered in a variety of formats, such as multiple-choice questions, true/false questions, or fill-in-the-blank questions. The exam may be taken on paper or on a computer, depending on the certifying organization or state.

Length

The length of the exam may vary depending on the certifying organization or state, but it typically takes around 2-3 hours to complete.

Scoring

The passing score for the CHHA certification exam varies by state and certifying organization, but it is typically around 70-80%. Candidates who pass the exam will receive their CHHA certification, while those who do not pass may be required to retake the exam after a certain waiting period.

Preparation

To prepare for the CHHA certification exam, candidates may take a CHHA training program that covers the content of the exam. Study guides and practice exams may also be available to help candidates prepare.

How do I maintain my CHHA certification?

To maintain CHHA certification, most states require CHHAs to complete continuing education credits or renew their certification every 1-2 years. It’s important to check the specific requirements of your state to ensure you stay in compliance.

What are the job opportunities for CHHAs?

CHHAs can work in a variety of settings, including clients’ homes, hospice care, and home health agencies. Job opportunities for CHHAs are expected to grow in the coming years as the population ages and more people require home health care services.

How much do CHHAs make?

The median hourly wage for Home Health Aides, including CHHAs, was $12.85 as of May 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility a CHHA works in.