Requirements for CNA and HHA Certification
HHAs do not have a clear path in the nursing hierarchy in Idaho; in fact, the term HHA is barely mentioned anywhere in the ID certification requirements. It is however known that a non-medical home care agency will hire a non-certified aide who has at least one year’s professional (non-relative) experience for clients who require companionship and homemaking services.
ID is definitely CNA-oriented. ID’s Board of Nursing (part of the Department of Health & Welfare) regulates the state’s certified nurse aide training and registry. CNAs have a high threshold to pass, the requirements before being able to sit for the state exam include 80 hours of classroom lessons plus 40 hours of clinical work.
Note: Fed regulations require certified aides who work in Medicare or Medicaid-reimbursed facilities to accumulate 12 hours of continuing education per 12 month period.
We list the higher between Federal (Fed) and State requirements
| Requirements | CNA | HHA |
|---|---|---|
| Work Eligibility | Must be a citizen or someone eligible to work in the U.S., as per Fed & state regulations. | N/A |
| Type of Certification | You get listed on the State Nurse Aide Registry; The Registry gives out certificates; you have to renew your certificate every 24 months. | N/A |
| Application Form | A filled application form is required together with all supplemental information, such as training diploma, proof of eligibility to work as described above, and background check. | N/A |
| Age | No age minimum is imposed. | N/A |
| Driver’s License | Driver’s license not required. | N/A |
| Education Level | You will not be required to have graduated high school. | N/A |
| Training hours & where | Must complete and pass a Board-approved training course of 120 hours of classes, including 40 hours of practical work. | N/A |
| Competence Training | 40 hours of practical work is included with the above training course. | N/A |
| Experience | No prior professional experience required | N/A |
| Health Immunizations | A negative TB test taken within 6 months and proof of immunization. | N/A |
| Fingerprints | Aides must submit fingerprint cards together with state application. | N/A |
| Background checks | Applicants for the state exam are given state and Fed background checks before they get certified. | N/A |
| Other Requirements | Photo ID and two photos, plus immunization certificate and proof of eligibility to work. | N/A |
| Licensed in another state? | ID offers reciprocity: aides coming from other states sit for the practical exam only if their license is current and in good standing. | N/A |
| Exam | It is the State-Certified Nursing Assistant Exam, in two parts, written and practical, in which you get licensed by the State Board of Nursing and added to their Registry. | N/A |