Can I Transfer My HHA Certification to Another State?

HHA certifications do not automatically transfer between states — there is no national portability system. But your prior training and work history can significantly speed up re-certification. Here's what you need to know.

Bottom line: Contact the health department of the state you're moving to — before you move if possible. Ask specifically about their process for out-of-state certified HHAs. The requirements vary widely and the answer is different in every state.

Your Situation: 3 Common Scenarios

Moving to a state with lower training requirementsEasiest

Example: Moving from New York (120 hrs) to Texas (75 hrs)

Best case scenario. You exceed the new state's requirement. You may be able to apply for a skills exam waiver since you already completed more hours. Contact the new state's HHA certifying body with your documentation.

Moving to a state with the same training requirementsModerate

Example: Moving from Texas (75 hrs) to Florida (75 hrs)

You will likely need to verify your credentials with the new state. If your prior training documentation is complete and your competency exam is recent, some agencies will accept you without repeating the exam. Others will require a skills re-demonstration.

Moving to a state with higher training requirementsMore work

Example: Moving from Florida (75 hrs) to New York (120 hrs)

You will likely need to complete additional training hours to meet the new state's requirement. Some states allow you to count prior training and only complete the gap (45 hrs in this case). Others require you to complete a full new program.

Reciprocity Status by State (Major States)

Rules change. Always confirm directly with the state health department. This table reflects general policy as of 2026.

State	Reciprocity	Notes
New York	Limited	May accept out-of-state training with skills demonstration. Contact DOH.
California	No formal	Generally requires completing CA-approved training (120 hrs). Some training exemptions possible.
Florida	Case-by-case	May accept documentation from another state; employer and training verification required.
Texas	Case-by-case	Requires DADS verification. Prior training evaluated individually.
Pennsylvania	Limited	Must meet PA requirements. Prior training + skills test may satisfy requirements.
Illinois	No formal	Must meet IL training standards. Some agencies may accept prior training.
Ohio	Case-by-case	Documentation reviewed by agency or training program.
New Jersey	Limited	CHHA certification required; out-of-state applicants reviewed individually.

Documents to Gather Before You Move

Having these ready before you move will save weeks of back-and-forth with the new state.

✓Your current state HHA certificate

Proof you are currently certified — include expiration date

✓Training completion certificate

Shows number of hours completed, program name, and dates

✓Competency exam results

Written exam score and skills demonstration results

✓Employment verification letters

Letters from past employers confirming active HHA work

✓CPR/First Aid certification

Many states require current CPR card separate from HHA cert

✓TB test results

Most states require current (within 12 months) TB clearance

✓Background check results

Some states accept recent background checks; others require their own

✓Government-issued ID

Required for new state enrollment, background check, and exam registration

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there a national HHA certification that works in all states?

No. HHA certification is state-regulated. There is no nationally recognized HHA license like there is for nurses (NCLEX). Each state sets its own training hour requirements, competency standards, and renewal rules. Some organizations offer national certifications, but these are voluntary credentials — not a substitute for state certification.

Q: How long does the re-certification process take?

If you qualify for an exam-only pathway (no new training required), 2–4 weeks for scheduling and results. If you need additional training hours, add 1–4 weeks depending on how many hours are needed and how quickly you can complete them.

Q: Can I work as an HHA in a new state while my application is pending?

Generally no. You must be certified in the new state before working. Some agencies will hire you contingent on certification and let you start orientation or paperwork, but you cannot perform direct client care until certified. Ask your employer about their specific policy.

Q: Do I need to re-take the written and skills exam in every new state?

It depends on the state. Some states accept a skills demonstration in lieu of repeating the full exam if you have recent certification. Others require the full exam. A few states have reciprocity agreements that waive all or part of the exam. Contact the new state's health department to find out the specific pathway.

Q: Does my certification expire during a move?

HHA certifications typically require renewal every 12–24 months. If your certification lapses during a move (due to a gap in employment or delayed re-application), you may need to complete re-training. Try to complete the new state application before your current cert expires.

Q: What if I can't find my training records?

Contact the training program where you completed your HHA course. They are required to keep records. If the school closed, contact your state's health department — they may have records through their approval process. Keep copies of your own certificates going forward.

→HHA Training Programs by State — Find approved programs in your new state →How to Become an HHA Fast — Get certified quickly in any state →HHA Exam Q&As — Prep for your re-certification exam

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