It's hard to believe how quickly 2026 is moving. Somehow, we're already at the halfway point of the year. The pace of change never slows, so you're in the right place for the latest updates and resources for Home Care Aides!

HCA CREDENTIALING UPDATE

What to Expect With Processing Delays

Learn more about HCA credentialing delays in our update below, along with helpful tips to stay on track to official certification. If you ever feel stuck or have questions about the process, please reach out to us! We're committed to helping every student obtain their certification.

The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) posted a May update notifying students that there may be some delay in receiving their official HCA license download. If you've passed your HCA exam and haven't received notice from DOH, you can check the Provider Credential Search to view the most accurate status of your certification. 

For employers, the Credential Search is the best method to get real-time updates on the status of employee certifications after they have completed their training.

HCA applications take about 2.5 months to be opened and processed. DOH is currently reviewing applications submitted by February 2, 2026. This delay is statewide and not a reflection of anything you’ve done wrong, but that makes it even more important to submit a complete and accurate application as early as possible.

Avoid these common mistakes that can cause further delays:

• Missing OCA, Inquiry ID numbers, or date of hire
• Submitting a paper application instead of using the online portal
• Waiting until after training is complete to submit your application
• Not using your personal email address or checking your spam folder

1. You will receive a confirmation email right away with your pending HCA number
2. About 2-3 months later, DOH will send a follow-up email with a checklist of any missing items or next steps
3. After your training is completed, you will use your pending HCA number when scheduling your HCA exam with Cornerstone

• Learn about DOH rules that currently extend certification timelines at our Training Deadlines blog post
• Check the status of your HCA application with the Provider Credential Search
• Review DOH processing dates on their Application Status page
• For HELMS portal assistance, call 360-236-4700 or email hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov
• For application and rules questions, call 360-236-2700 or email homecareaide@doh.wa.gov

Wondering how long it takes to get your assignment graded? You're not alone. With more than 1,000 students actively submitting skills videos, our team works diligently to review each submission as quickly as possible. Every video is personally assessed by trained human evaluators. We prioritize offering thoughtful, accurate feedback that helps prepare students for the realities of caregiving while also building confidence in their skills.

Most videos are graded within 24 hours of submission during our normal grading hours. If it’s been more than two days and you still haven't received feedback from our team, please contact us at assignments@cornerstonehealthcaretraining.com and we'd be happy to take a look for you. 

Grading hours are:

• Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm 
• Saturday-Sunday: 9am-6pm 
• Closed on holidays

Thank you for your patience while our team works to provide meaningful feedback that supports your success!

I really just cannot thank you enough for: responding to my query in such a timely manner, listening to the issue and making sure you understood my perspective and then following up - when you said you would! - efficiently, comprehensively, and thoroughly. Thank you so much for taking so much of your time to help me. You are good at what you do.

— Erna

Our live, instructor-led virtual classes give care professionals the chance to build specialized skills that make a real difference in their work. Register for a live class to engage with peers, build your confidence, and learn strategies to better serve your clients.

Look for opportunities to encourage client participation during care tasks. Even simple actions like folding towels, choosing music, or helping prepare a snack can help them feel involved and connected to their daily routines.