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How to Become a Certified Caregiver

Tap each step to see it in order.

  1. Check the basic eligibility requirements

    Requirements such as minimum age vary by country and certifying body, so confirm the basic eligibility criteria for a caregiver certification before applying.

  2. Choose an accredited training provider

    Look for a training institution that's officially accredited by the relevant licensing authority, and weigh accessibility and reputation when choosing.

  3. Complete the classroom and practical coursework

    Finish the required hours of classroom instruction and hands-on skills training set by the training provider.

  4. Complete supervised field practice

    Complete a period of supervised, hands-on practice, typically at a residential or long-term care facility.

  5. Register for the certification exam

    Apply to sit the caregiver certification exam administered by your country's relevant licensing or testing body.

  6. Receive your certificate after passing

    Once you pass, your certificate is issued by the relevant licensing authority.

  7. Choose your area of work

    After certification, decide whether you want to work in home-based care, residential facility care, or another setting, and start your job search.

What Caregivers Do

Caregivers (care workers) support the daily living and physical needs of older adults or patients who have difficulty moving on their own. As populations age in many countries, demand for this kind of work has generally been growing. Exact training hours, exam schedules, and requirements are set by local regulations and can change, so confirm the current details with your training provider or the relevant health authority.

Curious About Other Caregiving-Related Credentials?

If you'd like to explore care-related credentials more broadly, it's worth also looking into the basics of becoming a licensed social worker.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find out how many training hours are required?

Required training hours are set by local regulations and can change over time, so check with your training provider or the relevant health authority for the current requirement.

Does having a related certificate reduce the required training hours?

In many places, people who already hold a related credential β€” such as a nursing assistant certificate β€” may qualify for reduced training hours, so ask your training provider whether your existing qualification counts.