CareAide PrepThe Alberta HCA Registration Exam, explained
Everything a candidate needs to know before booking, drawn from the AHRE Candidate Handbook.
- Questions
- 100 multiple-choice, four options each
- Time
- Two hours, closed book
- Result
- Pass or fail — no numeric score is released
- Where
- Moving to in-person Meazure Learning test centres, Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
- Attempts
- Three attempts within one year as a provisional registrant
- Fee
- $200 + GST per attempt
- Regulator
- College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLHA)
Pass or fail, not a percentage
The exam reports only pass or fail. The passing standard is set per exam form so that every version demands the same ability — which is why no fixed “pass mark” percentage exists to aim at.
Afterwards you can review graphs of your strengths and weaknesses by competency area, but not the questions themselves. That is the single most important thing to understand about preparing: you get one look at each question, during the exam, and no review afterwards.
What changed in 2026
The regulation came into force on 2 February 2026. The exam was renamed the Alberta HCA Registration Exam and the CLHA became the regulator. Provisional registrants get one year and three attempts.
On where you will actually sit it, check your Directory booking rather than any guide, including this one. The Candidate Handbook says the exam is moving to in-person computer-based testing in the Meazure Learning centre network from February 2026, and that the handbook will be updated when details are available — while still documenting the remote setup (webcam, 5 Mbps, Guardian Browser). Prepare for what your own booking confirmation says.
We are not the exam administrator. Book through the regulator — this page exists so you know what you are booking.
Common questions
How many questions is the Alberta HCA exam?
The Alberta HCA Registration Examination (AHRE) is 100 multiple-choice questions with four options each, written in a two-hour closed-book session.
What is the pass mark for the Alberta HCA exam?
The Alberta HCA Registration Examination has no fixed pass mark. The AHRE reports pass or fail only, and the passing standard is set for each exam form so every version requires the same ability. No numeric score is released.
Can I see the questions I got wrong on the Alberta HCA exam?
No. After each attempt you receive a graph of your strengths and weaknesses by competency area through the HCA Directory, but you cannot review the exam questions themselves.
How much does the Alberta HCA exam cost?
Each attempt of the Alberta HCA Registration Examination costs $200 plus GST, payable by credit card through the HCA Directory Portal or by e-transfer.
Who regulates health care aides in Alberta?
Since 2 February 2026, health care aides in Alberta are regulated by the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLHA).