Caregiver training requirements in California

California requires 5 hours of initial training for non-medical caregivers, plus 5 hours each year. Affiliated home care aides must complete at least 5 hours of entry-level training before contact with a client: 2 hours of orientation and 3 hours of safety training (basic safety, emergency procedures, infection control). Training may be online.

How many hours of training are required?

What ongoing training is required?

At least 5 hours of annual training on core competencies such as client rights, daily living needs, abuse and neglect reporting, and personal hygiene.

What should you confirm with the state?

Starting January 1, 2027, SB 412 adds dementia care training before providing care and annually; confirm with the Home Care Services Branch whether this changes the required training hours. Aides must also show they are free of active tuberculosis.

Is training time paid?

Yes. Required training for caregivers you employ is hours worked, so it is paid and counts toward overtime. Add training hours to each caregiver's weekly total with the overtime calculator and track them on the schedule template.