What Training Do I Need?

Welcome to a community of tens of thousands of caregivers who are making a big difference for so many!

Prepare for your career by learning which training you must complete to begin working as a caregiver.

Your training that will help you give high-quality care to your client or loved one.

Required Training By Provider Type

Use this section to learn about your unique training requirements by your provider type.

Standard HCA, IP or AP, are caregivers who take care of clients, part- or full-time.

Orientation 2 Hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Safety Training 3 Hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Basic Training 70 Hours	Must be completed 120 days from the date you start providing care.
HCA Credential Required	Yes, must complete it 200 days from the date you are hired.
Initial Continuing Education	If your first renewal period is less than a full year from the date of certification, no CE will be due for the first renewal period. Note: If you are credentialed on your birthday then your CE is due on your first birthday following your Current NAC Credential issuance date.
Ongoing Continuing Education	By your due date, which is usually your birthday.

Adult Child Provider are caregivers who are taking care of a parent or step-parent.

Orientation 2 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Safety Training 3 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Basic Training 30 hours	Must be completed 120 days from the date you start providing care.
HCA Credential Required	No
Initial Continuing Education	By your birthday in next calendar year after completing Accelerated Basic Training.
Ongoing Continuing Education	By your birthday.

Limited Service Provider are caregivers who work fewer than 20 hours a month.

Orientation 2 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Safety Training 3 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Basic training 30 hours	Must be completed 120 days from the date you start providing care.
HCA Credential Required	No
Initial Continuing Education	Not required, unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential.
Ongoing Continuing Education	Not required unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential.

Parent Individual Provider (Non-DDA) are parents who care for their child. They are not part of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) community.

Orientation 2 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Safety Training 3 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Basic Training 30 hours	Must be completed 120 days from the date you start providing care.
HCA Credential Required	No
Initial Continuing Education	Not required, unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential.
Ongoing Continuing Education	Not required unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential.

Parent Individual Provider (DDA) are parents who take care of their child with a developmental disability.

Orientation 2 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Safety Training 3 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Basic training 7 hours	Must be completed 120 days from the date you start providing care.
HCA Credential Required	No
Initial Continuing Education	Not required unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential.
Ongoing Continuing Education	Not required unless you voluntarily obtain your HCA credential.

Respite Provider (DDA) take care of other caregiver’s clients or family members for a short period of time (less than 300 hours per year).

Orientation 2 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Safety Training 3 hours	Must be completed prior to providing care.
Basic Training 9 Hours	Must be completed 120 days from the date you start providing care.
HCA Credential Required	No
Initial Continuing Education	Not required.
Ongoing Continuing Education	Not required.

Providers with a NAC or Special Education Endorsement (OSPI)*

Orientation 2 hours	Not required.
Safety Training 3 hours	Not required.
Basic Training	Not required.
HCA Credential Required	No
Initial Continuing Education	If CE is required, then your CE is due by your first birthday after you start working as an HCA IP or AP.
Ongoing Continuing Education	By your birthday.

Providers with an initial NAC or Special Education Endorsements (OSPI)*

Orientation 2 hours	Not required.
Safety Training 3 hours	Not required.
Basic Training	Not required.
HCA Credential Required	No
Initial Continuing Education	If CE is required, then your CE is due by your second birthday following your NAC Credential issuance date. NOTE: If you are credentialed on your birthday then your CE is due on your first birthday following your Current NAC Credential issuance date.
Ongoing Continuing Education	By your birthday.

*If you are currently certified as an LPN or RN, CE is not required for your role as an Individual Provider or Agency Provider. You must maintain your LPN or RN credential and be in good standing with the state of Washington. Providers working in long-term care with a higher credential must maintain their credential or receive HCA certification before their credential expires to remain in compliance.