Requirements for CNA and HHA Certification
The contracted firm of Prometric administers the certification process in the State of NY.
The difference between HHAs and CNAs in the state of NY is that HHAs usually end up working for home care agencies and in people’s homes whereas CNAs are are more destined to end up working in skilled nursing environments such as hospitals and nursing homes. Naturally, CNAs also end up working for home health care agencies in people’s homes, since that is the faster growing market.
NY also requires drug testing over and above the criminal background check requirements. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, and although there is no requirement for having completed high school, applicants must speak and write English to at least sixth grade level. Finally, HHAs must be strong enough to help lift and assist a patient.
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 regulations. | same |
| Type of Certification | You get listed on the State Nurse Aide Registry; The Registry gives out certificates and wallet-cards; you have to renew your certificate every 24 months. | Your training diploma is sufficient for work in homes or with non-medical home care agencies. |
| Application Form | A filled application form is required together with training diploma, proof of eligibility to work as described above, background check, and money order. | HHAs can get employment in homes without going through the state-certification process. |
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old. | same |
| Driver’s License | Driver’s license not required. | same |
| Education Level | You will not be required to have graduated high school; you must however speak and write English at least up to sixth grade level. | Some employers may require a high school diploma. |
| Training hours & where | Must complete and pass the accredited training course of 75 hours of classes (including practical training). | same |
| Competence Training | At least 16 out of the 75 hours have to be in hands-on or practical training. | same |
| Experience | No prior professional experience required. | Most employers (non-medical home care agencies) will require one year’s experience as a professional homemaker. |
| Health Immunizations | A negative TB test taken within 6 months and proof of immunization. | same |
| Fingerprints | Aides must submit fingerprint cards for the background checks. | same |
| Background checks | Applicants for the state exam are given state and Fed background checks before they get certified. | HHAs will need to submit to background checks. |
| Other Requirements | Drug testing is mandatory in the state of NY. | same |
| Licensed in another state? | NY offers reciprocity based on equivalent training courses. Aides coming from other states may sit for the practical exam only. | same |
| Exam | It is the Certified Nursing Assistant Exam monitored for the state by Prometric, in two parts, written and scenario-based practical exam. | N/A |
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