California Caregiver
2026 Certification Guide

California HHA
Certification Guide

Earning your Home Health Aide (HHA) certification is a vital step for caregivers looking to provide high-level patient care within the state of California. This independent guide outlines the latest 2026 standards set by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

Serving aspiring health professionals in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and throughout the Inland Empire and Central Valley regions.

Independent guide • Not affiliated with any government agency

Certification Paths & Requirements

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) mandates specific training hours based on your current professional standing.

120 Total Hours

Initial HHA Training

For individuals starting their healthcare journey without a prior CNA certification.

  • 75 Theory/Classroom Hours
  • 45 Supervised Clinical Hours
  • Covers Basic Nursing & Nutrition
40 Total Hours

CNA to HHA Bridge

An accelerated program for those with an active California CNA certificate.

  • 20 Theory/Classroom Hours
  • 20 Supervised Clinical Hours
  • Focuses on Home Care Transition
Important: All clinical training must be completed in a CDPH-approved health facility under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse.

Application & Background Process

Complete these three mandatory steps to register with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).

01

Live Scan Fingerprinting

All applicants must undergo a criminal record clearance through the DOJ. Use form BCIA 8016 to initiate this process.

  • Mandatory for all new HHAs
  • Must be completed before clinicals
02

CDPH Form Submission

Submit your official application through your training provider to the CDPH Professional Certification Branch.

  • Form 283B: Initial Applicants
  • Form 283D: CNA Bridge Applicants
03

Registry Verification

Once processed, your certification status is listed on the Health Care Aide and Technician Registry for employer verification.

  • Certificates valid for 2 years
  • Online status lookup available
Important: You cannot legally work as a "Certified" HHA until your status appears as "Active" in the official CDPH database. Keep your Live Scan receipt as proof of submission.

Certification Renewal & CEUs

Maintain your professional standing by completing mandatory education every two years.

Renewal Requirements

California HHA certificates must be renewed every two years. Unlike CNAs, there is currently no state-mandated renewal fee, but you must prove competency through continued education.

  • 24 Hours: Total CEUs required per 2-year cycle.
  • 12 Hours: Minimum recommended per year to stay on track.
  • CDPH 283C: The official form used to document your hours.
2-YEAR CYCLE

Submission Process

You should submit your renewal application at least 30 days before your current certificate expires. The CDPH processes renewals based on the date of receipt.

Note: In-service training provided by a Home Health Agency (HHA) employer counts toward these 24 hours, provided the agency has a valid provider number.

Salary & Career Outlook

Competitive wages and high demand across California's major metropolitan areas.

San Francisco
$29.69
High: $43.45
Los Angeles
$24.82
High: $29.89
San Diego
$23.99
High: $28.00
Sacramento
$22.50
High: $26.75

Market Growth

17% Projected Increase

California is experiencing a massive surge in demand for Home Health Aides due to an aging population and a shift toward in-home care models. By 2026, the state expects to add over 275,000 new caregiver positions, making it one of the fastest-growing job sectors in the West Coast economy.

California HHA Training Directory

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School Name Address County Phone

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