Testing for HCA certification in Washington state has been backlogged for some time due to the new HELMS Licensing Software upgrade and a shortage of credentialing staff to process applications. Fortunately, students now have a new option for faster testing.
Through Sunrise Services’ Caregiver Training Program, students can schedule their HCA credential tests directly with Sunrise within a week of completing the program, applying, and paying the state application fee.
Summary
Until recently, Washington state was so backlogged in its HCA credential application processes that students were waiting 6-12 months to be tested. Sunrise Caregiver Training has been authorized by DSHS to schedule the HCA credential test. Now, students can secure a testing date within one week of completing their 75-hour training.
Sunrise can also help students schedule retakes directly if they fail either the Written or Knowledge test. After completing their application and passing both tests, they can receive their credential within a week.
Why Get Tested Through Sunrise Caregiver Training?
Would-be HCA-Cs are still on a 6-12 month waiting list if they go with the state only for testing. If a caregiving student is stuck in the testing application loop, scheduling testing through Sunrise is a chance to get out. Prospective HCAs can get their certifications faster and also quickly schedule a retake if needed.
After someone passes both tests, their certificates will be forwarded to the state. The newly minted HCA-C will receive their credential within one week. If someone fails either test, they may reapply to retake it after a week.
Many adult family homes (AFHs) do not follow through with testing for the HCA students they employ. Now that Sunrise is DSHS-approved to schedule testing directly, the employee can schedule the HCA-C test within a week after training program completion. AFHs and other employers can now send employees to test for HCA-Cs within a week after program testing. If they pass, the employee will have their HCA credential within two weeks.
How to Apply For HCA Testing
Before an HCA student can apply for testing, they must become eligible. That means they must have completed an HCA 75-hour training course, either at Sunrise Caregiver Training or at another DSHS-approved training facility. If the student completed their training somewhere other than Sunrise, they must have a hard-copy certificate of program completion.
Next, the HCA student must apply for testing through SAW-HELMS. To schedule with Sunrise, students must choose the code SUNRISETRN while requesting a testing site. The application fee is $100. After completing the application process, the student will receive an application number, which they must provide to Sunrise so we can schedule their test.
FAQs
Q: Do my employees need to have done their training at Sunrise to schedule testing with you?
A: No, they do not have to have completed their caregiver training through Sunrise Services to schedule their testing with us. If someone completed their training elsewhere, they can still schedule their testing with us. However, they will need to provide a hard-copy certificate of program completion from another DSHS-approved training site.
Q: How much does HCA testing cost?
A: The application fee is $100, the skill test fee is $100, and the knowledge test is $50. The skill test and knowledge test fees are due upon scheduling.
Q: Will the Knowledge and Skill tests be on the same day or different days?
A: The Knowledge and Skill tests will be on the same day.
Q: Can Sunrise also train HCAs?
A: Yes, we offer a 75-hour HCA training program in compliance with state requirements. We also offer continuing education and specialty training courses for caregivers who want to maintain certification or grow their careers.
Get HCA Testing Scheduled For Next Week
At Sunrise Services, we are thrilled to help schedule timely testing for prospective HCA-Cs. If you have any questions about scheduling testing for yourself or your employees, contact us today.
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