Training programs must be approved by either New York State Department of Health or the New York State Education Department. Training programs, however, cannot be approved by both.

Upon completion of the certification program, the Home Care Registry issues a certificate and registry number and appropriate approval signature.

Database for certified HHAs -A database is maintained for all certified home health aides. The directory can be accessed by clicking the link below

Validity of HHA certificate - Home health aides in New York State remain certified as long as they work for a home health agency, which is certified or licensed by the New York State Department of Health. The home health agency where the home health aide is employed must provide nursing supervision and 12 hours of in-service training per year. If the aide leaves the employment of an agency to work privately in New York State or to work out-of-state, the home health aide certification lapses two years from the date that the person last worked at a home health agency in New York State.

Certification without classroom training – An individual can still become an HHA without completing the 65 hours of training provided s/he successfully completes an Equivalency Test. An agency with an approved HHA training program may be able to provide such a test. More details about the Equivalency test can be found by clicking the link below