Requirements for CNA and HHA Certification
As of May 1, 2011, the Indiana (IN) State Department of Health stopped sending renewal certificates or cards to CNAs and HHAs. They will issue initial certification cards but none thereafter. Instead, like many other states, people can go online and verify each individual’s certification, its expiration date, and whether it is without blemishes (a link is provided at the bottom of this page for verification with the nurse’s aide registry).
Further, IN does not distinguish between CNAs and HHAs in terms of their certification. A nurse’s aide can get certified and become a CNA or get registered to become a HHA. The difference is only one of terminology, and they both require the minimum number of hours of training, as set by the Federal government.
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 | Fed regulation: must be a citizen, national, or someone eligible to work in the U.S.; must produce social security number. | same |
| Type of Certification | The school issues a nurse aide diploma, after which you sit for the state exam and become state-certified CNA. | The school issues a home aide diploma, after which you sit for the state exam and become a registered HHA. |
| Application Form | A filled application form is required together with all supplemental information, such as training diplomas and proof of eligibility to work as described above. | same |
| Age | No age limitations. | same |
| Driver’s License | Not required. | same |
| Education Level | No limitations on education. | same |
| Training hours & where | The Fed requirement applies: a minimum of 75 accredited hours of training of combined theoretical and practical. Aides are advised to pick a school with more hours in case they transfer to another state. | same |
| Competence Training | 16 hours of practical , included in the above 75 hours of training. | same |
| Experience | No prior professional experience required. | None required |
| Health Immunizations | The school will require a negative TB test taken within 6 months and proof of immunization. | same |
| Fingerprints | No requirements. | same |
| Background checks | State and Fed background checks required. | same |
| Other Requirements | For the state exam, your social security number must be produced; Photo ID and two photos. | same |
| Licensed in another state? | Full reciprocity: produce a current license from another state and sit for the state competence exam. | same |
| Exam | It is referred to as the nurse’s aide exam and given by the IN State Department of Health in two parts, written, and practical. | It is referred to as the nurse’s aide exam and given by the IN State Department of Health in two parts, written, and practical |