Requirements for CNA and HHA Certification
North Carolina is definitely more oriented towards CNAs than HHAs.
North Carolina has an unusual system of grading CNAs, using two levels: CNA1 and CNA2. In this system, CNA1, which is the more common type and requiring less academic training, performs the same assistance tasks as CNAs through the U.S. CNA1’s can even assist residents of long term care facilities, providing hands-on personal care. The CNA2 level was specifically created as a Senior CNA and may administer certain medications and perform work that is associated with LPN/LVNs in other states.
CNAs who have passed the training get three chances to sit for the state exam. If they cannot pass in any of these attempts, they have to take the classes again.
We will deal here with the requirements of the CNA1 certification and will refer to it simply as the CNA certification given by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Service (the CNA2 program is ideal for those who want to pursue further nursing accomplishments).
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, national, or someone eligible to work in the U.S.; must produce social security number (these are Fed requirements). | same |
| Type of Certification | First a school certification, followed by a NC State certification. | N/A |
| Application Form | A filled application form is required together with supplemental information, such as high school and training diplomas, proof of work eligibility, fingerprint cards, photo ID, and 2 photos. | N/A |
| Age | You must be at least 16 years old. | same |
| Driver’s License | A driver’s license required. | Employer requirements apply. |
| Education Level | High school diploma required. | Employer requirements apply. |
| Training hours & where | A minimum of 75 accredited hours of training, plus a different number of practical training, depending on the accredited school (if they are accredited, it means their program is accepted). | Same (be advised that training programs and number of hours differs from one school to the other). |
| Competence Training | Different programs in each school (on average over 20 hours of practical). | Same (see note above) |
| Experience | No prior professional experience required. | If not licensed, most agencies/employers will require you to have worked professionally for one year to be listed as a “companion”. |
| Health Immunizations | A negative TB test taken within 6 months and proof of immunization. | Employer requirements apply. |
| Fingerprints | 2 Fingerprints cards will be required (blanks provided with application form). | same |
| Background checks | State and Fed checks will be required. | same |
| Other Requirements | Social security number must be produced; Photo ID and two photos. | same |
| Licensed in another state? | No reciprocity with other states. You need to sit for exam per above requirements. | same |
| Exam | N/A | |