Certified caregivers are trained individuals who know how to constantly take care of someone in need. They may work for and sometimes live with people to help them perform various daily chores.
How to Become a Certified Caregiver 
Should I Become a Certified Caregiver?
Certified caregivers are required to obtain formal training however, it is not too difficult. Well-trained and certified individuals often have better job prospects and may work as live-in aides. Those caregivers who are required to live with their clients and provide full-time care are usually asked to carry out tasks such as:
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Building a rapport with them and establishing trust.
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Feeding, bathing and dressing clients.
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Running errands for them.
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Providing companionship.
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Checking pulse rates, taking temperatures and reading blood pressure etc.
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Education Required
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High school diploma or GED and state-approved training
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Major Requirement
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Natural Sciences e.g., Biology, Anatomy, Chemistry etc.
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License/Certification
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State certification or registration; CPR certification may also be required
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Experience/Training
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On-the-job or through specialized programs
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Key Skills
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Detail oriented, strong interpersonal skills, integrity and physical stamina
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Annual Mean Salary
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$25,330 for Home Health Aides
$25,090 for Personal Care Aides
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Job Outlook
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36% (Much faster than average)
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018)
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics categorizes certified caregivers as Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides. Their annual mean salary has been described in the table above which roughly amounts to $11.57 per hour. This career is projected to grow 36 percent from 2018 to 2028 which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
Career Requirements
This career does not require a lot of high level education or complicated trainings. However, most employers hire certified caregivers that (at least) have a high school diploma or GED and possess an ACA certification. They are usually required to have a clean background check.
Steps to Becoming a Certified Caregiver
If you want to become a certified caregiver then, you must complete the following education and certification requirements.
Step -1: Education
The minimum educational requirement for this occupation is for prospective candidates to possess a high school diploma or GED. In addition to that, employers may prefer hiring individuals who also possess special training, such as having CPR certification. Certain training programs are also available for interested students that include courses on Nutrition, Anatomy and Physiology etc. Special training is provided for students to master techniques in bathing, grooming and toileting. Such trainings and programs may be available at high schools, community colleges, vocational centers, technical institutes or nursing facilities.
Step-2: Certification
Following certifications are available for interested candidates who aspire to become certified caregivers.
American Caregiver Association
The American Caregiver Association is the official national certifying and accrediting body for Caregiver and Assisted Living Manager (ALM) certification in the U.S. The ACA is the only organization to offer a self-study National Caregiver Certification Course (NCCC), National Assisted Living Manager Caregiver Certification (NALMCC) and other caregiver certification courses.
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National Caregiver Certification Course (NCCC)
This certification is available to those who want to advance their careers as an Assistant Living Manager, Caregiver or Personal Care Aide.
The NCCC course is for individuals who want to take care of a family member. The curriculum of this certification includes the most relevant and useful information that you should know before you begin your career as a caregiver.
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The National Assisted Living Manager Certification Course (NALMCC)
The NALMCC course is designed for individuals who want to take on a higher level of responsibility. The certification provides knowledge and information that is needed to handle the day to day operations of an assisted living facility.