PCH / DHS REQUIRED
Department of Human Services
The Direct Care Staff Training and Competency Test for Personal Care Homes is a six-hour online training program offered through Temple University. It gives you an overview of the concepts and information needed to become a direct care staff person in a Personal Care Home. This training and competency test are required before you can provide unsupervised resident care.
What this training covers
The course is built to meet the Personal Care Home regulations on direct care staff person training and orientation, specifically 55 Pa. Code §2600.65(d)(2), §2600.65(d)(3), §2800.65(g)(2), and §2800.65(g)(3).
THE TEST
What to expect
- Complete the six-hour online training at your own pace.
- Take the 50-question competency test. You need 70% or higher to pass.
- If you don't pass the first time, you can retake the test — review the material and try again.
- Once you pass, print or download your certificate of completion.
- Email the certificate to healthandhappinesshc@gmail.com.
Tips before you start
- Block off the six hours — spread it across a couple of sessions if that works better.
- Take notes. The 50-question test pulls directly from the training content.
- Don't rush the test — you only need 70%, but failing means starting the test over.
- Save the certificate PDF as soon as you pass. The course site doesn't keep it forever.
UNSURE IF YOU NEED THIS COURSE?
Ask the office first.
Don't sink six hours into a course you didn't need. We'll tell you in 30 seconds whether this one applies to your assignment.