About the Alberta Provincial Health Care Aide Exam
The Government of Alberta Provincial Health Care Aide Exam (Exam) provides a standardized assessment to determine Health Care Aide (HCA) students’ success in meeting the entry to practice HCA Program competencies as outlined in the Alberta HCA Competency Profile (2018).
HCA students must successfully complete all course work, practicums and pass the Provincial HCA Examination to graduate from an Alberta licensed HCA Program and receive the Government of Alberta 2019 HCA Provincial Curriculum Certificate.
Exam Candidate Handbook
The Alberta HCA Examination Candidate Handbook (Handbook) is a resource for exam candidates
and instructors to assist in preparing for the Exam and understanding related processes. This
handbook contains relevant guidelines, procedures, and other supporting information.
A Quick Guide has also been developed to support candidates in paying for, booking, and completing the exam. This guide includes screenshots of the process as well as helpful tips to prepare.
Examination Information
Structure and Composition:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Four (4) different versions of the exam, but all test the same content
- Questions are mapped to competency domains in the Alberta HCA Competency Profile
- Each question is weighted differently, based on how difficult it is
- The Exam Blueprint provides an overview of the percentage of marks in each of the six (6) competency domains
Length of Exam:
- Candidates have two (2) hours to complete the closed-book examination
Delivery and Supervision:
- The exam is computer-based, accessible online, with 24/7 access (excluding statutory holidays)
- The exam booking system utilizes a 24-hour clock.
- The exam is supervised virtually using a live-proctor
Cost:
- Each exam attempt costs $200. Refer to the fee schedule for specific information
Exam Attempts:
- Candidates have a maximum of three Examination attempts within a 60-calendar day
More information on the exam can be found by reviewing the following resources:
- Appendix A: Health Care Aide Exam Blueprint (2019)
- Appendix B: Alberta HCA Competency Profile (2018)
- Alberta Health Care Aide Examination Candidate Handbook
- Government of Alberta Provincial Health Care Aide Examination Policies
Questions?
For more information, please Email the Directory for assistance or call 780-670-5050.