The exam at a glance
- 100questions
Alberta HCA Registration Exam (AHRE): 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours, closed book. Ontario (HSCPOA) and BC (Care Aide Registry) have no single provincial exam.
Main topic areas
| Area | |
|---|---|
| A | HCA role and responsibility (13–17%) |
| B | Provision of care (25–35%) |
| C | Collaborative care (8–12%) |
| D | Communication (12–16%) |
| E | Health across the lifespan (11–15%) |
| F | Safety (16–20%) |
How to study
- Safety and provision of care together are about half the AHRE.
- Report changes (skin, behaviour, intake) to the nurse; don't assess.
- Respect client choice and dignity in every answer.
- Practise every day in short sets. When you miss one, work out why each wrong option is wrong.
Try 3 sample questions
Original practice questions from our PSW / Health Care Aide bank, not real exam questions.
Question 1
A family member asks the PSW to give their mother an extra dose of her pain pill because she seems uncomfortable. What should the PSW do?
- A. Explain it is outside the PSW role and report the client's pain to the nurse
- B. Give half a pill as a compromise
- C. Give the extra pill because the family gave permission
- D. Tell the family they can give the pain pill themselves once the PSW has left for the day
Show the answer
A. Explain it is outside the PSW role and report the client's pain to the nurse
Changing a medication dose is not within the PSW role. The PSW reports the client's pain to the nurse or supervisor, who can assess and follow the prescriber's orders.
Question 2
A client asks the PSW to look at a new rash and say whether it is shingles. What is the best response?
- A. Apply the client's old steroid cream to it
- B. Tell the client you can't diagnose it, then report the rash to the nurse
- C. Say it looks like shingles so the client can start treatment with cream from the pharmacy
- D. Tell the client rashes are common and nothing to worry about
Show the answer
B. Tell the client you can't diagnose it, then report the rash to the nurse
PSWs observe and report changes but do not diagnose. Report the rash promptly so a nurse or doctor can assess it.
Question 3
Which task is usually outside the role of a PSW?
- A. Measuring and recording fluid intake
- B. Assisting a client to walk with a walker
- C. Changing the rate on an IV pump
- D. Helping a client with a tub bath
Show the answer
C. Changing the rate on an IV pump
Adjusting IV therapy is a nursing task. Bathing, intake and output, and helping with mobility are typical PSW duties.
Try 10 questions free, no account needed.
Start practisingSource
Checked October 2026. Exam details change, so confirm with your provincial regulator before you write. MedTestCoach is an independent study tool and isn't affiliated with any exam owner or regulator.