2026 How to Become a Caregiver: Certification Requirements in Texas

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Texas is a great place to start a caregiving career, especially since the demand for caregivers is expected to grow by over 30% in the next decade. This means more job opportunities and a steady income. To become a certified caregiver in Texas, you’ll need to complete specific training and pass a state-approved exam that shows you’re ready to provide quality care.

Understanding these requirements can be confusing, but this article, crafted by career planning experts, breaks it all down. It will guide you step-by-step through the certification rules, making your path to becoming a caregiver clear and achievable.

Key Things to Know About Becoming a Caregiver in Texas

• You need to complete a state-approved training program with at least 75 hours of coursework covering basic caregiving skills and safety.
• Passing a competency exam is required to get certified, ensuring you’re ready to handle real-world caregiving situations.
• Texas has a growing demand for qualified caregivers, with workforce numbers expected to rise by 22% over the next decade, so certification boosts your job prospects.

Table of Contents

1. What education is required to become a certified caregiver in Texas?
2. How many training hours are required for caregiver certification in Texas?
3. What topics are covered in caregiver training programs in Texas?
4. Is there a state exam for caregiver certification in Texas?
5. How do you apply for caregiver certification in Texas?
6. How much does it cost to get caregiver certification in Texas?
7. How often do you need to renew caregiver certification in Texas?
8. What continuing education is required for caregivers in Texas?
9. What is the salary for certified caregivers in Texas?
10. What jobs can you get with caregiver certification in Texas?

What education is required to become a certified caregiver in Texas?

Having the right education requirements for caregiver certification in Texas sets a solid foundation for anyone looking to step into this compassionate role. These basics help ensure caregivers are prepared to meet the needs of those they support every day. Here’s a quick look at what education you’ll typically need to become a caregiver in Texas:

• High School Diploma or GED: You’ll need at least a high school diploma or an equivalent GED, which guarantees essential reading, writing, and math skills for caregiving tasks.
• Accredited Postsecondary Education (Optional): Taking college or vocational courses in nursing, health sciences, or social work isn’t mandatory, but can give you a leg up, especially if you want to move into supervisory roles.
• State-Approved Caregiver Preparation Program: Programs approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission teach the basics of caregiving, creating a strong skillset to start your career.
• Background in Health or Social Services (Preferred): Employers often favor applicants with experience or education in fields like gerontology or psychology, which helps when caring for clients with diverse needs.

Demand for caregivers in Texas is growing fast, expected to increase by 20% through 2028, so getting familiar with these education requirements for caregiver certification in Texas can really help you get ahead. Plus, if you’re considering expanding your healthcare career in areas like billing, check out this medical billing and coding career guide to explore more opportunities.

How many training hours are required for caregiver certification in Texas?

Training hours are essential for making sure caregivers in Texas are well-prepared to provide safe, informed, and compassionate care. These hours cover everything from basic child development to emergency procedures, ensuring caregivers can handle the demands of their job with confidence and skill. Texas requires a total of 24 clock hours of pre-service training for new child caregivers. These hours are carefully split to balance foundational knowledge and practical experience early on.

• Pre-Service Training Breakdown: New caregivers must complete 8 clock hours before they start working. This initial training includes basic topics like child care fundamentals, health and safety, and understanding child development, so caregivers are ready to interact with children responsibly from day one.
• Follow-Up Training Within 90 Days: After starting work, caregivers have 90 days to finish the remaining 16 clock hours of training. This phase dives deeper into specific skills such as infant safety and engaging play activities, helping caregivers build on their initial training with more advanced knowledge.
• Annual Training Requirements: Caregivers must complete 24 annual training hours to keep their certification current. These include at least 6 hours focused on child growth and development, guidance, and teacher-child interactions, plus mandatory training on child abuse prevention. Specialized topics and limits on self-study ensure training remains effective and comprehensive.

What topics are covered in caregiver training programs in Texas?

Caregiver training programs in Texas cover a wide range of important topics to make sure caregivers are both confident and fully prepared to provide safe, high-quality care. These training hours focus on practical skills and critical knowledge that align with Texas caregiver safety and health requirements, offering the right tools to handle everyday care situations and emergencies alike. Here are some of the key caregiver training topics in Texas you can expect to learn about:

• Child Growth and Development: Understand the various stages children go through, including their physical, emotional, and social changes, so you can support their unique needs at each age.
• Guidance and Discipline: Learn positive ways to manage behavior and create supportive environments that encourage respectful social interactions.
• Age-Appropriate Curriculum: Get tips on planning activities that match kids’ developmental levels, using play, art, and learning experiences that are just right for their age.
• Teacher-Child Interaction: Discover effective communication techniques that build strong and nurturing relationships between caregivers and children.
• Child Abuse and Neglect Recognition: Gain the skills to spot warning signs and understand the mandatory steps to protect children from harm.
• Safe Sleep and SIDS Prevention: Learn the best practices to ensure infant sleep safety and reduce risks of sudden infant death syndrome.
• Emergency Preparedness and Physical Safety: Be prepared to handle emergencies like fires or severe weather while keeping the environment safe and secure.
• Administering Medication: Understand how to safely give medication to children and keep detailed records while communicating with their families.
• Preventing Spread of Communicable Diseases: Follow hygiene and immunization guidelines to manage illness and stop outbreaks in care settings.
• Care of Children with Special Needs: Learn ways to support kids with developmental or behavioral challenges by adapting your caregiving approach.
• Observation and Assessment: Develop skills to observe, document, and assess children’s progress and address any concerns promptly.
• Professional Development and Leadership: For those newer to the field, training includes supervisory skills and leadership to help you grow in your career.

Training programs like these ensure caregivers meet all state standards while building a strong foundation of skills required for excellence. If you’re interested in other career paths related to caregiving, check out how to become a licensed medical biller and coder for some insight outside of direct care roles.

Is there a state exam for caregiver certification in Texas?

Some states require a formal exam for caregiver certification to make sure everyone providing care meets important skill and knowledge standards. This helps keep both caregivers and those they care for safe by confirming a baseline level of competency.

In Texas, a state exam is required only for certain caregivers—specifically home health aides working for agencies certified by Medicare or Medicaid. These aides must pass a certification exam after completing a state-approved training program. The exam includes both a written test covering topics like patient care, infection control, safety, communication, and ethical responsibilities, and a practical skills demonstration. The skills portion tests tasks such as bathing, transferring, mobility assistance, nutrition, and taking vital signs.

For other in-home caregivers or personal aides working outside these federally certified agencies, Texas does not require a state exam. Instead, they typically earn certification through completing training programs, which may include an employer- or provider-administered test, but no standardized state exam is mandated. This approach ensures that federally regulated agencies have caregivers who meet consistent standards through both knowledge and hands-on competence, while allowing flexibility for other caregiving roles across the state.

How do you apply for caregiver certification in Texas?

Following the correct steps to apply for caregiver certification in Texas ensures you meet state rules and avoid unnecessary delays. It helps you stay organized and confident as you move through each stage, from eligibility checks to handling required training and paperwork.

1. Confirm Eligibility Requirements: You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and be legally allowed to work in the U.S. Some employers might ask for extra things like English skills or physical fitness.
2. Gather Required Documents: Collect your ID (driver’s license or passport), educational certificates, and Social Security number; include any proof of previous caregiving experience if you have it.
3. Pick a Training Program: Choose a state-recognized provider, like a community college or a national group such as the American Caregiver Association, where you’ll learn caregiving basics and safety.
4. Submit Your Application: Apply through the training provider, either online or in person, and pay fees—like around $99 for the National Caregiver Certification Course.
5. Complete Required Training: Finish both classroom lessons and hands-on practice; Texas requires ongoing annual hours if you work with Medicare/Medicaid agencies.
6. Undergo Background Check: Expect a criminal background screening to ensure client safety, usually submitted alongside your training application.
7. Register for Certification Exam: If applicable, sign up via your training provider; exams are often online and open book, letting you work at your own pace.
8. Apply for State or Employer Registration: Submit your certificate and other documents to your agency for final approval; some may want extra tests or competency checks yearly.
9. Maintain Certification: Keep up with yearly training and competency evaluations, especially if working in certified agencies.

A caregiver from Texas shared that navigating the certification process felt overwhelming at first, especially juggling document gathering and finding the right training program. She graduated from a local community college and recalls, “I appreciated how practical the hands-on training was, it really prepared me for the job.” She mentioned the background check took a couple of weeks, which caused some anxiety, but staying organized made the wait easier. Registering for the online exam was smooth, and receiving her certificate electronically felt like a real milestone. “It’s a process,” she said, “but sticking with each step and knowing what’s next made all the difference.” Her story shows that while the path requires effort, thoughtful preparation can turn it into a positive, empowering experience.

How much does it cost to get caregiver certification in Texas?

Knowing the cost of caregiver certification in Texas upfront helps you plan your budget wisely as you consider this career path. With various expenses involved, it’s smart to understand where your money goes so you can choose the right training package price in Texas without surprises later.

• Training Program Tuition: Depending on the provider and format, tuition can run from roughly $47 for basic online programs to about $301 for in-person classes, especially in bigger cities.
• Textbooks or Training Materials: Some courses include digital materials, but you may need to spend $20–$60 extra for printed books or special resources.
• Certification or Application Fees: Certain organizations charge separate fees, like the American Caregiver Association’s $50 yearly maintenance cost to keep your certification active.
• Background Checks: A required part of the process, most background checks cost between $40 and $50; occasionally, your employer or school might cover this fee.
• Exam Fees (if applicable): Basic certifications often include exams in tuition, but more advanced exams, such as the state competency test for CNAs, can cost $85 to $125.
• Annual Training/Continuing Education: Staying certified means annual courses that typically cost from $95 up to about $200, depending on the training length and complexity.

Factors like the type of training provider—whether community college, private school, or online platform—and the certification level affect pricing too. Since online options tend to be cheaper, they’re worth considering if budget is tight. Plus, some employers sponsor or reimburse these costs, easing the financial burden. For a smart start, you can also explore affordable options like a free online medical coding course to broaden your healthcare skills alongside caregiver training.

How often do you need to renew caregiver certification in Texas?

Keeping your caregiver certification up to date in Texas is all about making sure you stay skilled and follow the latest state rules. This helps protect the people you care for and shows you’re dedicated to doing your best job. Renewing your certification regularly proves you’re still qualified and aware of any changes in care standards or legal requirements.

For Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) in Texas, you need to renew your certification every two years. To do this, you’ll have to prove you worked as a nurse aide during that time, but the state doesn’t charge a renewal fee—though your employer might have some small charges. For other caregivers, like private-duty or agency staff without state-issued certificates, Texas doesn’t require formal renewal. Instead, employers usually handle training or recertification policies based on their own rules.

What continuing education is required for caregivers in Texas?

Continuing education is key for caregivers in Texas to keep their skills fresh, provide top-notch care, and stay in line with the state’s rules. It’s not just about ticking boxes; ongoing training helps caregivers adapt to new healthcare challenges and ensures the people they support receive safe, effective assistance.

• Home Health Aides: Need 12 hours of training yearly on topics like infection control, patient rights, HIPAA, safety, abuse prevention, and client-centered care, plus annual competency testing.
• Assisted Living Caregivers: Must complete 6 hours of in-service training annually, focusing on resident needs, safety, and quality, approved by a caseworker.
• Child-Care Home Caregivers: Training ranges from 15 to 30 clock hours per year, depending on license type, including extra hours if transporting young children, covering child development, safety, and health.
• Nursing Facility Administrators: Required 40 hours every two years for license renewal, including 6 hours in ethics.
• Other Home Caregivers: No state mandate, but experts recommend at least 8 hours yearly in essential caregiving skills.

A caregiver from Texas, who graduated from a local school, shared how staying on top of these requirements is both challenging and rewarding. “Finding time for the training between shifts wasn’t easy, but the annual competency tests really pushed me to keep learning,” he said. He reflected that the trainings boosted his confidence, especially the courses on patient rights and safety. “It feels good knowing that the extra hours I put into education directly improve the care I provide,” he added. This personal commitment shows how continuing education isn’t just a rule but a meaningful step in a caregiver’s journey.

What is the salary for certified caregivers in Texas?

Certified caregiver salaries in Texas depend on several factors like where you work, the type of employer, and how much experience and certification you have. Usually, jobs in bigger cities or specialized healthcare settings pay more, while rural areas and entry-level roles tend to offer less. If you’re curious about the average certified caregiver salary in Texas, here’s a clear look at the numbers.

• Statewide Average Pay: Certified caregivers in Texas make about $39,903 per year or roughly $19 per hour, which is a bit higher than the national average hourly wage of $17.38.
• Salary Range: Most certified caregivers earn between $32,525 and $39,567 annually, though some can make as little as $29,542 or as much as $42,994 depending on location and experience.
• City Differences: In El Paso, the average is slightly lower, around $35,620 per year. Dallas caregivers typically earn between $14 and $16 per hour, with some contract roles going up to $22 hourly.
• Entry-Level Pay: For non-certified caregiver jobs, wages usually fall between $13 and $15 per hour, especially in home care settings.
• Certification Pays Off: As expected, certified caregivers see better wages and more opportunities, highlighting why investing in certification is worth it. You might find it helpful to check out some accredited online medical coding training programs too, which can complement caregiving skills and boost career options.

What jobs can you get with caregiver certification in Texas?

Getting caregiver certification in Texas opens the door to a wide range of rewarding jobs in healthcare and support services. With the right training, you can work in private homes, assisted living, or even medical facilities, gaining valuable experience and earning potential along the way.

• Home Health Aide: These aides provide personal care, medication reminders, and basic health monitoring right in clients’ homes, often working for agencies that accept Medicare or Medicaid, which requires formal certification.
• Personal Care Attendant: Helping with daily tasks like dressing, bathing, and meal prep, attendants usually work in private homes or assisted living; while certification isn’t always mandatory, many employers prefer trained caregivers.
• Residential Care Aide: Working in group homes or assisted living, these aides assist residents with hygiene, meals, and medication management under nursing supervision.
• Hospice Aide: Focused on comfort and emotional support for terminally ill patients, hospice aides require special training and typically work in hospice centers or clients’ homes.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): CNAs perform hands-on care like monitoring vitals and assisting nurses in hospitals and rehab facilities; Texas requires completing a state-approved program and passing an exam to qualify for these certified nursing assistant positions in Texas.
• Companion Caregiver: Companion caregivers, sometimes called "Papa Pals," provide social support, transportation, and companionship, mostly in flexible, part-time roles where certification boosts hiring chances.
• In-Home Caregiver: This common entry-level role involves personal care and light medical tasks within the client’s home, serving elderly or disabled individuals.
• Adult Day Care Aide: Working in adult day centers, these aides help with daily activities, medication, and social engagement, bringing certified skills to the care environment.

For those interested in career progression or specialization, exploring options like certified nursing assistant positions in Texas can be a great move. Plus, programs like the best accredited medical billing and coding schools online offer additional pathways to boost your qualifications in healthcare administration.

What Do Caregivers in Texas Say About Their Career

• Completing my caregiver certification at Houston Community College opened doors I never expected. Working in a local school, I quickly found that my role was about more than just assistance—it was about forming real connections with students who needed support. Texas’s unique cultural diversity presents both challenges and rewards, enriching my everyday experience and teaching me so much about empathy and patience. I’m proud to contribute to my community’s well-being and see firsthand the positive impact of our care. The stability and career growth here keep motivating me to improve each day. Vic
• After finishing my caregiver training at Austin Central Institute, I started working in a nearby school where I truly discovered my passion for leadership and personal development. The program prepared me well for the various situations one might face in Texas schools, especially in balancing tradition with innovation. It feels rewarding to play a role in shaping the academic environment and to witness the growth of young minds. This career has not only enhanced my professional skills but has also deepened my commitment to community service. Beverly
• My experience studying at San Antonio Vocational School and then becoming a certified caregiver has been transformative in a very professional sense. Starting in a local academic institution allowed me to understand the unique needs of Texas’s children and families, especially considering rural versus urban resources. Navigating these challenges has sharpened my skills and broadened my perspective on community health. This career path offers exciting advancement opportunities, and I’m excited about the future possibilities it holds. Ward

References:

• Texas Caregiver Training Requirements - CareAcademy https://careacademy.com/state-requirements/texas/
• Texas Caregiver Training Requirements | Caredemy https://caredemy.us/caregiver-training-requirements-texas/
• How to Become a Caregiver in Texas (2024) | Dreambound https://dreambound.com/blog/how-to-become-a-caregiver-in-texas
• Requirements to Become a Primary Caregiver in Texas Child-Care Homes - post - ChildCareEd https://www.childcareed.com/a/requirements-to-become-a-primary-caregiver-in-texas-child-care-homes.html
• Needed Qualifications and Training for Childcare Center Caregivers - Workforce Solutions https://www.wrksolutions.com/for-individuals/financial-aid/early-childcare-expansion/director/new-to-childcare/center-based-business-things-to-do-now/needed-qualifications-and-training-for-childcare-center-caregivers
• you’re considering expanding your healthcare career in areas like billing, check out this https://research.com/careers/medical-billing-and-coding-salary-requirements
• How to Transfer Your CNA License to Texas https://www.mycareersunlimited.com/blog/transfer-cna-license-to-texas/
• Travel Nursing: How to Transfer CNA License to Another State https://www.careerstaff.com/clinician-life-blog/how-to-transfer-your-cna-license-to-another-state/
• How to Transfer your C.N.A. License to a Different State - Connecting you with Quality Senior Care Options - CaregiverList.com https://blog.caregiverlist.com/howtotransfercnalicensetoanotherstate/
• Become a Certified Nurse Aide in Texas | Texas Health and Human Services https://www.hhs.texas.gov/business/licensing-credentialing-regulation/long-term-care-credentialing/nurse-aide-registry/become-a-certified-nurse-aide-texas

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