How to Pass the HHA Skills Test
The HHA skills test evaluates 5 randomly selected clinical skills performed in front of an evaluator using a step-by-step checklist. You pass by completing each skill in the correct sequence — not just performing it correctly overall.
- 5 skills are randomly selected from your state's approved list (typically 20–30 skills)
- Evaluated on a step-by-step checklist — order matters, not just the outcome
- Handwashing is almost always included or required before every skill
- Most common failure: skipping hand hygiene or performing steps out of order
Why?
The skills test feels different from the written exam — you are being watched, which creates pressure that can cause you to skip steps you know perfectly well. Evaluators are not trying to trip you up; they follow a standardized checklist and mark off each step as you perform it. The key is rehearsing each skill so many times that the sequence becomes automatic, and you perform it the same way under observation as you do in practice.
Your Options
- 1Practice each skill out loud, narrating each step as you do it — this reinforces sequence and matches what evaluators expect to see
- 2Always perform hand hygiene at the beginning and end of every skill — this step is on every checklist and is the most common reason candidates lose points
- 3Ask your training program for a copy of your state's skills checklist and practice checking off each step as you go
The written exam is the other half of your certification. Make sure you are ready for both — take a free practice test to check your written knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skills are on the HHA skills demonstration?
Common skills on HHA state lists include: hand washing, bed bath (partial or complete), perineal care, oral hygiene (with or without dentures), range of motion exercises, ambulation with assistive device, bed to wheelchair transfer, measuring and recording vital signs, applying non-sterile dressings, positioning in bed, and feeding assistance. Your state's full list is available from your testing provider.
What do evaluators look for during the skills test?
Evaluators use a standardized checklist and mark each step as performed or not performed. They look for: correct sequence of steps, proper hand hygiene before and after, client safety and dignity throughout, correct technique for the specific skill, and communication with the client (explaining what you are doing). They are not judging your speed — accuracy and completeness matter more.
Can I ask to repeat a step if I make a mistake during the skills test?
It depends on the skill and the evaluator's protocol. For some steps, you can catch a missed step and go back to it. For others — like contaminating a sterile field — the skill attempt ends. Ask your training program about your state's specific policy on corrections during the skills test.
What happens if I fail the skills test?
You will need to retake the skills test after the required waiting period (usually 2–4 weeks). You do not need to retake the written exam if you already passed it. Use the time to practice the specific skills you failed — request a skills breakdown if the testing provider offers one.
How do I practice the HHA skills test at home?
Use household items to simulate skills: a bed for repositioning and bed bath practice, a chair for transfer practice, a family member as your 'client' for vital signs and ambulation. Narrate each step out loud as you practice. Time yourself to ensure you are not rushing. Use your state's official skills checklist to verify you are hitting every required step.