Free North Carolina HHA Practice Test 2026

Under North Carolina's regulatory pathway for home health aides, which credential must a candidate earn BEFORE enrolling in the Home Care Specialty Training Program for Nurse Aides?

How many hours of training do you need to become a home health aide in North Carolina?

The NC pathway requires two sequential programs. First, you must complete Nurse Aide I (CNA) training — a minimum of 75 hours of combined classroom and supervised practical training under 42 CFR 484.80, with at least 16 classroom hours preceding at least 16 supervised practical hours. After earning CNA status, you must complete a state-approved Home Care Specialty Training Program for Nurse Aides. NC DHSR does not publish a fixed statewide hour count for the specialty program; the hours are set by each approved program. NC follows the federal 75-hour minimum for the NA-I step and has not exceeded it.

Does North Carolina have a state HHA exam, and what score do you need to pass?

North Carolina does not administer a separate state HHA-specific written exam and does not issue a standalone HHA certificate. The required competency evaluation is the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) exam — a written (or oral) knowledge test plus a clinical skills evaluation — administered by Credentia on behalf of NC DHSR for the Nurse Aide I (CNA) credential. Candidates must pass both sections. After earning CNA status, the Home Care Specialty Training Program for Nurse Aides does not require a separate written competency exam; successful completion of the approved program is assessed by the training program directly.

How long does the North Carolina Home Care Specialty (HHA) registry listing last, and does it need to be renewed?

Your listing on the NC Home Care Specialty Training Program for Nurse Aides Registry does not expire and there is no renewal process required. There are also no registry fees. Keep in mind that your underlying Nurse Aide I (CNA) credential does require documented nursing-related work activity (at least 8 hours every 24 months) to remain active.

Can I transfer an out-of-state HHA or CNA certification to North Carolina?

For the Nurse Aide I (CNA) credential, NC DHSR offers a reciprocity pathway if you hold an active, unencumbered CNA listing on another state's registry and meet work-history requirements (at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related duties in the past 24 months). However, North Carolina does NOT extend reciprocity or endorsement for the Home Care Specialty Training listing itself — that additional training must be completed in a NC state-approved program, regardless of out-of-state experience.

How many continuing education or in-service hours does a North Carolina home health aide need each year?

Home health aides at Medicare- and Medicaid-certified agencies must complete at least 12 hours of in-service training during each 12-month period, as required by 42 CFR 484.80. North Carolina follows this federal standard. Topics typically include infection control, personal care skills, safety, emergency procedures, and client rights. These hours may be completed while providing patient care in some circumstances.

Does the Home Care Specialty Training Program for Nurse Aides require a separate written exam?

No. According to NC DHSR, there is no separate competency exam required for the Home Care Specialty Training Program for Nurse Aides. Competency is assessed by the training program itself. Successful completion of the state-approved curriculum is what qualifies you for listing on the Home Care Specialty registry.