HHA Exam Guide · 2026
What's on the HHA Exam?
75 Questions, Broken Down
The HHA certification exam has 75 multiple-choice questions across 7 competency categories. Here's exactly how many questions come from each area — and what topics you'll see.
75 Questions
total
7 Categories
tested
~75 minutes
time limit
70–75%
passing score
Question Distribution at a Glance
Personal Care
1824%
Safety & Emergency
1520%
Infection Control
1013%
Basic Skills
912%
Nutrition
811%
Communication
811%
Legal & Ethics
79%
* Distribution is based on the standard HHA competency evaluation framework. Exact weights may vary slightly by state and exam provider.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
1
Personal Care
18 questions24% of exam
Topics covered
Bathing & GroomingDressing & UndressingOral Hygiene & Denture CareToileting & EliminationHair, Nail & Skin CarePerineal Care
Study tip Expect scenario-based questions about step order — e.g., which direction to wash, water temperature, or how to handle a dependent patient.
2
Safety & Emergency
15 questions20% of exam
Topics covered
Fall PreventionFire Safety (RACE & PASS)Emergency Procedures & First AidBody Mechanics & Safe LiftingHome Safety & Hazard RemovalRestraint Alternatives
Study tip RACE and PASS fire acronyms appear often. Body mechanics questions test whether you know proper lifting posture to protect yourself and the patient.
3
Infection Control
10 questions13% of exam
Topics covered
Hand Hygiene & HandwashingPPE: Donning & DoffingIsolation PrecautionsBloodborne PathogensWound & Infection PreventionCleaning & Disinfection
Study tip Handwashing steps and PPE order (don vs doff sequence) are frequently tested. Know the 5 moments for hand hygiene.
4
Basic Skills
9 questions12% of exam
Topics covered
Vital Signs MeasurementTransfers & AmbulationRange of Motion ExercisesBed Making & PositioningCatheter CareOxygen Safety
Study tip Normal vital sign ranges are commonly tested. Know the difference between active and passive range of motion.
5
Nutrition
8 questions11% of exam
Topics covered
Feeding AssistanceSpecial & Therapeutic DietsHydration & Fluid IntakeDysphagia & Swallowing PrecautionsIntake & Output TrackingCultural & Religious Dietary Needs
Study tip Dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) questions test positioning and texture modifications. Know which foods are restricted for common diets.
6
Communication
8 questions11% of exam
Topics covered
Therapeutic CommunicationReporting & DocumentationFamily & Visitor CommunicationCultural SensitivityEnd-of-Life CommunicationManaging Difficult Behavior
Study tip Therapeutic communication questions are often "what should you say?" scenarios. Avoid answers that dismiss feelings or give false reassurance.
7
Legal & Ethics
7 questions9% of exam
Topics covered
Patient Rights & HIPAAAbuse & Neglect ReportingAdvance Directives & DNRScope of PracticeConfidentialityDocumentation Accuracy
Study tip Scope of practice questions test what HHAs are and are NOT allowed to do. When in doubt, "report to your supervisor" is often correct.
Practice Every Category
PassHHA covers all 7 categories with 1,000+ practice questions and a full timed mock exam that mirrors the real distribution.