Free Texas HHA Practice Test 2026

Under Texas regulations (26 TAC §558.701), what is the minimum total number of training hours required before an individual may work independently as a home health aide for an HCSSA?

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

Texas requires a minimum of 75 hours of home health aide training for employment at an HCSSA-licensed agency that participates in Medicare or Medicaid. This includes at least 16 hours of classroom instruction (which must be completed before any hands-on work begins) and at least 16 hours of supervised clinical experience in a home, hospital, nursing home, or lab setting. The requirement comes from 26 TAC §558.701 and mirrors the federal standard in 42 CFR §484.80.

Is there a state HHA exam or a passing score required in Texas?

No. Texas does not administer a state Home Health Aide exam and does not issue a state HHA certification or license. Instead of a standardized exam, you must pass a competency evaluation conducted by a Registered Nurse (RN) employed by or contracted with your training agency. The RN directly observes your performance on skills such as vital signs, personal hygiene assistance, transfers, and range of motion. Under 42 CFR §484.80(c)(4) and 26 TAC §558.701, you are not considered to have failed unless you receive an unsatisfactory rating in more than one required area — a single unsatisfactory rating does not cause failure.

How long does Texas HHA certification or qualification last? Does it need to be renewed?

Texas does not issue a time-limited state HHA certificate, so there is no state renewal cycle. However, to continue working for a Medicare- or Medicaid-participating HCSSA in Texas, you must complete at least 12 hours of in-service training every 12 months, as required by federal Conditions of Participation (42 CFR §484.80). This in-service training must be supervised by a registered nurse. Your employing agency tracks and documents this requirement.

Can I transfer an out-of-state HHA certification to Texas?

Because Texas does not issue its own state HHA certification, there is no formal reciprocity or transfer process for HHA credentials. If you move to Texas with an HHA qualification from another state, you will need to demonstrate to a Texas HCSSA employer that you have met the 75-hour training and competency evaluation requirements under 26 TAC §558.701 (or qualify through an alternative pathway such as one year of full-time home health or institutional care experience). Contact the prospective HCSSA employer or HHSC directly to confirm what documentation they require.

Does Texas have a free state-run HHA training program?

Texas does not operate a free state-run HHA training program. Training is provided through HHSC-licensed HCSSAs and private training organizations. Some agencies offer sponsored or employer-paid training in exchange for a work commitment after completion. Costs and availability vary by region. Contact individual HCSSA agencies or HHSC at hhs.texas.gov for a current list of approved providers in your area.