Skip to main content

Continuing Care Assistant (CCA)

Continuing Care Assistants provide direct care, supporting individuals who require ongoing care due to aging, illness, or disability. CCAs tend to work in Long-Term Care Facilities, for a Home Care agency, or other community-based care organizations.

Steps to becoming a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) in Nova Scotia.

Step 1
Complete the CCA program (Primary Pathway)

To become a Continuing Care Assistant (CCA) in Nova Scotia, you can complete a recognized CCA certificate program after high school. These programs typically take a minimum of 30 weeks to complete.

There are various CCA programs available in Nova Scotia:

Explore recognized CCA programs here.

Step 2
Have Your Experience Recognized (Alternative to Step 1)

If you already have significant experience providing care either in Nova Scotia or in another province or country you may be eligible to become certified through the Recognized Prior Learning (RPL) Program instead of completing a full CCA program.

The RPL Program assesses and recognizes your existing care-related training, education, and work experience.

Step 3
Pass the CCA Certification Exam

After completing either a recognized CCA program (Step 1) or the RPL pathway (Step 2), you are eligible to become an exam candidate.

Your educator or assessor will submit the required documentation (CCA competency assessment tools) at least 4 weeks prior to your exam date.

Step 4
Register as a CCA in Nova Scotia

Upon completion and passing of the CCA exam, you must apply and be added to the Continuing Care Assistant Registry in order to begin working in Nova Scotia.