What Happens If I Fail the HHA Exam?
Failing the HHA exam is not the end — about 20–25% of first-time candidates do not pass. You will need to wait (usually 2–4 weeks), pay a retake fee, and only redo the part you failed. Most candidates pass on their second attempt.
- You only retake the component you failed — written or skills, not necessarily both
- Waiting period: 2–4 weeks depending on your state
- Retake fee: typically $30–$100
- Some programs require remediation before a 3rd attempt
- Your training program certification remains valid during this time
Why?
Failing is discouraging but extremely common. The HHA written test trips up candidates who rely on training notes alone without doing practice questions. The skills demonstration fails candidates who know the skill but perform steps out of sequence under the pressure of being observed. Neither failure reflects a lack of ability — they reflect a lack of exam-specific preparation. The retake process is designed to be accessible so that candidates who are otherwise qualified can get certified.
Your Options
- 1Request your score breakdown immediately after failing — most providers break down your score by topic so you know exactly which areas to focus on before the retake
- 2Do not schedule the retake until you are consistently scoring 78%+ on practice tests — rushing back only wastes the retake fee
- 3If you failed the skills test, contact your training program about additional supervised practice — most programs offer this at no extra cost
Use the time before your retake to build real confidence. Start with a practice test to identify exactly where your gaps are.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I retake the HHA exam after failing?
Most states require a waiting period of 2–4 weeks between exam attempts. Some states set the minimum at 30 days. Contact your testing provider immediately after failing to get the exact timeline for your state and to schedule your retake.
Do I have to retake both parts if I fail one?
No. If you pass the written but fail the skills demonstration, you only retake the skills test. If you pass skills but fail written, you only retake the written. Your passing score on the completed component remains valid — though there is usually a time window (6–12 months) within which you must complete both parts.
How much does it cost to retake the HHA exam?
Retake fees vary by state and testing provider. Typical fees range from $30–$100 per component. Some employer-sponsored training programs cover one retake — check your program's policy. Self-pay candidates are responsible for all retake fees.
Will my employer fire me if I fail the HHA exam?
It depends on your employment arrangement. If you were hired conditionally pending certification, failing may affect your employment status. Many agencies allow one retake before reassessing. If you are enrolled in an employer-sponsored training program, failing typically means you cannot work as an HHA until you pass — but you are not automatically terminated.
How do most people pass on their second attempt?
Candidates who pass on their second attempt almost always do two things differently: they get their score breakdown and study specifically those weak areas, and they do more practice questions rather than just re-reading notes. Targeted drilling on your specific failure points — not general review — is what moves the needle.