Iowa HHA Practice Test 2026

Iowa requires 75 hours of training. The state emphasizes rural home care competency given its large rural population.

All Iowa HHA training programs must be approved by the state. Upon completing your training and passing the competency evaluation, your name will be added to the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals. Employers verify certification through this registry.

The competency evaluation in Iowa tests knowledge across 7 core domains: Infection Control, Personal Care, Safety & Emergency, Nutrition, Communication, Legal & Ethics, and Basic Skills.

The Iowa HHA competency exam follows national HHA curriculum standards. Focus your study on these high-frequency topics:

• Infection Control (highest frequency) — Standard Precautions, handwashing technique, PPE donning/doffing, isolation types
• Safety & Emergency — Fall prevention, fire safety (RACE/PASS), seizure response, body mechanics
• Personal Care Skills — Bathing procedures, oral care, perineal care, positioning patients
• Vital Signs — Normal ranges for BP, pulse, respiration, temperature, and SpO2
• Legal & Ethical Standards — Patient rights, HIPAA, abuse/neglect reporting, scope of practice
• Nutrition — Special diets, dysphagia, documenting intake, assisting with meals

How many training hours does Iowa require for HHA certification?

Iowa requires 75 hours of approved HHA training, including at least 16 hours of supervised clinical practice. Training must be completed through a state-approved program.

What is the passing score for the Iowa HHA exam?

Most Iowa HHA competency evaluations require a score of at least 70% to pass. You must pass both the written test and the clinical skills demonstration.

How many questions are on the Iowa HHA exam?

The Iowa HHA exam format is: Written competency exam + skills demonstration. Question counts can vary by test provider, but expect a written knowledge test of 40–100 questions plus a practical skills evaluation.

Can I take the Iowa HHA exam online?

Most states, including Iowa, require in-person competency evaluations — particularly the skills demonstration component. Some states may offer oral testing as an alternative to written tests. Check with your training program or the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals for current options.

How long does Iowa HHA certification last?

HHA certification is typically renewed every 1–2 years. Iowa requires HHAs to complete annual in-service training (usually 12 hours) to maintain active certification on the registry.