California: annual training for home care aides
In California, an affiliated home care aide completes at least 5 hours of training each year (Cal. Health & Safety Code §1796.44(c), (d)). Online training is allowed. The rule does not limit training to an approved provider or curriculum.
The rule
(c) In addition to the requirements in subdivision (b), an affiliated home care aide shall complete a minimum of five hours of annual training. ... (d) The entry-level training and annual training described in subdivisions (b) and (c) may be completed through an online training program.
Cal. Health & Safety Code §1796.44(c), (d). Enforced by California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, Home Care Services Branch. Source, read October 27, 2026.
| Who it covers | Affiliated home care aide (licensed Home Care Organization) |
|---|---|
| Initial training | 5 hours |
| Each year | 5 hours |
| Online | Online training is allowed. |
| Provider | The rule does not limit training to an approved provider or curriculum. |
Questions
How many training hours does a home care aide need each year in California?
5 hours (Cal. Health & Safety Code §1796.44(c), (d)).
Can the annual training be completed online in California?
Online training is allowed.
Does the training have to come from an approved provider in California?
The rule does not limit training to an approved provider or curriculum.
Courses
WorkSafe Cert has one-hour in-service courses for caregivers at $9 each ($29 for the five-course set) or $3 to $5 per caregiver per course for agencies, in English and Spanish: Client Rights and Abuse Prevention, Dementia Care Basics, Infection Control in the Home, Falls and Emergencies, plus bloodborne pathogens. Each certificate states the hours and topics.