How to Become a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) in Pennsylvania

03/26/2026

If you enjoy helping others and want a stable, meaningful career in healthcare, becoming a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) in Pennsylvania is an excellent path. Home Health Aides support seniors and people with disabilities in their homes with daily activities, basic health tasks, and companionship, and the demand for this role continues to grow across the state.

In Pennsylvania, CHHAs are usually referred to as Home Health Aides (HHAs), but the role and responsibilities are essentially the same. This guide walks you step-by-step through the process: from basic requirements to training, certification, and landing your first job.

Step 1: Understand the Role and Requirements

Home Health Aides help clients with personal care and day‑to‑day tasks in their homes, under the supervision of a nurse or therapist. Typical duties include:

  • Assisting with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting

  • Helping with mobility, transfers, and safe ambulation

  • Monitoring basic health status (temperature, pulse, skin condition) and reporting changes

  • Light housekeeping, meal prep, and grocery assistance

  • Providing companionship and emotional support

To work as an HHA in Pennsylvania for a Medicare- or Medicaid‑certified agency, you must meet federal guidelines for training and competency. That means completing a state‑approved training program and passing a competency evaluation.

Most programs and employers expect you to:

  • Be at least 18 (some accept 17 with a high school diploma or equivalent)

  • Pass a criminal background check and, often, drug screening

  • Have up‑to‑date immunizations or health clearance, depending on employer policy

Step 2: Complete State‑Approved HHA Training

To become an HHA in Pennsylvania, you must complete at least 75 hours of formal training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical or clinical training. These requirements follow federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) standards.

Key points about Pennsylvania HHA training:

  • Minimum 75 hours total: Classroom + supervised practical training.

  • At least 16 clinical hours: Training in a lab or care setting under a nurse’s supervision.

  • At least 16 classroom hours must be completed before clinical practice begins.

Training programs are offered by:

  • Community colleges and technical schools

  • Private vocational schools

  • Nursing facilities

  • Home health and home care agencies (many train and then hire you)

Typical topics covered include:

  • Basic nursing skills (vital signs, hygiene, positioning)

  • Infection control and safety

  • Personal care skills and mobility assistance

  • Communication and documentation

  • Understanding patient rights, confidentiality, and ethics

  • Caring for people with dementia, chronic illness, or disabilities

Some programs, such as those offered through larger schools or online providers, may go beyond the minimum hours and include 200+ hours of theory plus a supervised practicum.

Step 3: Pass the Competency Evaluation

After completing your training, you must demonstrate your skills and knowledge through a competency evaluation or exam that meets Pennsylvania and federal requirements.

This evaluation usually includes:

  • A written or oral test covering course material and federal care standards

  • A hands‑on skills demonstration, where you perform common aide tasks (like safe transfers, vital signs, personal care) in front of an evaluator

Once you pass:

  • You are recognized as having met the competency requirements to work as an HHA for a home health or home care agency in Pennsylvania.

  • Some employers will then help you complete their internal onboarding and any additional certifications they require (such as CPR).

You may also choose to pursue national credentials, such as certification through the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC), which can strengthen your resume and help with career advancement.

Step 4: Explore Grants and Financial Assistance

If you are worried about paying for training, there are funding options in Pennsylvania. For example, the Pennsylvania Homecare Association offers training grants for Direct Care Workers and HHA’s.

For the HHA track, a grant program may:

  • Require you to work in home care, home health, or hospice in Pennsylvania

  • Cover training modules, including classroom hours

  • Require you to accept a job offer with a qualifying agency and work a minimum number of hours

  • Ask you to complete basic applications and satisfaction surveys

Local workforce development programs, community colleges, and some agencies also offer free or low‑cost training in exchange for a work commitment. It is worth asking employers in your area if they sponsor training.

Step 5: Get Hired as a Home Health Aide

Once you have completed training and passed your competency evaluation, you are ready to start working as an HHA. Most HHAs in Pennsylvania are employed by licensed home health or home care agencies that serve clients in their homes.

To find a job, you can:

  • Apply directly to home health agencies, home care agencies, and hospice agencies in your region

  • Search job boards that focus on home‑based care roles

  • Ask your training program or instructors for referrals and partner employers

An example path many people follow is:

  1. Apply for or enroll in an employer‑based HHA training program.

  2. Complete the 75+ hours of training and 16+ clinical hours.

  3. Pass the competency evaluation.

  4. Accept an offer with the training agency or another local provider.

  5. Begin working in clients’ homes under RN supervision.

Some Pennsylvania programs also help family caregivers become paid HHAs for their loved ones, as long as the client qualifies for programs such as Medicaid home‑ and community‑based services.

Step 6: Maintain Your Skills and Continuing Education

Your learning does not stop once you are hired. To keep working as an HHA in Pennsylvania, you must complete continuing education each year.

Typical ongoing requirements include:

  • At least 12 hours of in‑service or continuing education annually, covering updated care practices, safety, and client‑specific needs.

  • Agency‑specific trainings (e.g., infection control updates, dementia care, emergency procedures).

  • Renewing CPR or first aid certifications if your employer requires them.

Many agencies provide these trainings at no cost as part of your employment.

Tips for Success as a CHHA in Pennsylvania

Beyond the technical requirements, successful HHAs share key qualities:

  • Patience and compassion with clients and families

  • Strong communication skills, including listening and clear reporting

  • Reliability and professionalism (showing up on time, following care plans)

  • Willingness to learn, take feedback, and complete continuing education