Failed HHA competency test twice — what am I doing wrong?

by Chris D. 20 views3 replies
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Chris D.OP
May 27, 2026

Hey everyone, I'm kind of at my wit's end here. I've been trying to get my HHA certification for about three months now and I've failed the competency test twice. My agency — I work through a mid-sized hha agency in New Jersey — gives us three attempts before we have to retake the whole training course, and I really can't afford to do that financially or time-wise. I have two kids and I'm squeezing study time in wherever I can.

My weak spots seem to be infection control procedures and the range-of-motion exercises. The clinical skills portion is what keeps tripping me up. I've been using the HOME HEALTH AIDE COMPETENCY TEST #1 on here to practice and it's been helpful, but I'm wondering if I'm missing something in how I'm actually preparing. Did anyone else struggle with the hands-on skills checklist specifically?

For context, I scored a 68% on my second attempt. The passing threshold at my testing site is 75%. So I'm close but not close enough. Any tips from people who've been through this would be genuinely appreciated — especially from home health aides who struggled at first but figured it out.

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James R.
May 28, 2026
Oh I remember this feeling so well. For the clinical skills part, what finally helped me was doing the steps OUT LOUD while practicing. Like literally narrating every single action — 'I am now washing my hands for 20 seconds, I am turning on the faucet with a paper towel.' Sounds ridiculous but the evaluators want to see you demonstrate AND explain. Also, infection control trips up almost everyone. Focus on when exactly to change gloves during a procedure. That was my mistake both times I failed.
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Kevin O.
May 28, 2026
Have you looked into whether your hha exchange system has any study materials? Some agencies post supplemental guides through the HHA Exchange platform that go beyond the basic training manual. Worth checking with your coordinator. Also just want to say — a 68% on your second try when you're exhausted with two kids is actually not bad. You're close. The range-of-motion stuff really is about repetition, can you practice on a family member or even just a pillow?
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Sarah M.
May 28, 2026
Try the Home Health Aide Certification Practice Test #1 here too — different question pool than Test 1. I used both and found questions on there that showed up almost word-for-word on my actual exam. You've got this, 75% is very doable from where you are.

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