CareAide PrepRegistering as a health care aide in Alberta
Since 2 February 2026 health care aides are a regulated profession. Passing the exam is one step in registration, not the finish line — this is the part most guides leave out.
Anyone working as an HCA in Alberta must be registered with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLHA) and hold a valid practice permit. Working without one is no longer an option the way it was before regulation.
What registration requires
- Completion of an approved Alberta HCA program.
- For new graduates and certain other applicants, a pass on the AHRE — that is what moves you onto the CLHA general register.
- The ability to provide professional services in English.
- Malpractice liability insurance, which Alberta HCAs are required to carry.
- Payment of the registration and practice-permit fees.
Completed applications receive a decision within about ten business days, and the practice permit is issued once final payment is received. Registration is renewed annually, with continuing-competence activities and active practice expected.
If you were already working before regulation
HCAs listed on the Alberta HCA Directory were transitioned onto the CLHA register. Those on the General, Provisional and Transitional registers had until 30 April 2026 to complete registration in order to keep practising. That date has passed. If you are unsure whether your registration went through, contact the CLHA directly rather than assuming — this is the one item on this page where being wrong stops you working.
Where the exam fits
The AHRE is the competency check inside this process. It is not a licence by itself and passing it does not register you. Book the exam, pass it, then complete registration and pay for the permit.
We are not the regulator. Verify everything here against the CLHA before acting on it — fees and deadlines change, and only they can tell you your own status.
Common questions
Do I need to register to work as a health care aide in Alberta?
Yes. Since 2 February 2026, anyone working as a health care aide in Alberta must be registered with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses and Health Care Aides of Alberta (CLHA) and hold a valid practice permit.
Does passing the AHRE make me registered?
No. Passing the Alberta HCA Registration Examination is one step toward registration, not registration itself. New graduates must pass the AHRE to move onto the CLHA general register, then complete registration and pay for a practice permit.
Do Alberta health care aides need liability insurance?
Yes. Alberta health care aides are required to carry malpractice liability insurance as a condition of registration with the CLHA.
How long does HCA registration take in Alberta?
Completed Alberta HCA registration applications to the CLHA typically receive a decision within about ten business days, and the practice permit is issued once final payment is received.