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California Assisted Living Administrator — Requirements & Free Practice

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Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Administrator Certificate

Individual administrator certification for California assisted living facilities, legally licensed as RCFEs. Facility operating licenses are distinct. Ordinary examination and California Nursing Home Administrator exemption routes lead to this certificate.

Licensing authority: administrator certification bureau · Application information

Ordinary certification when a conditional certificate holder applies for a new facility license
Administrator Certification Exam
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
New facility application
Pass the RCFE certification examination referenced in HSC 1569.23 before applying for a new facility license. That section and 22 CCR 87406(a)(3) use the same certification process and Core of Knowledge, rather than establishing an additional administrator examination. The facility operating license is distinct from this individual credential.
Prior certificate
Hold the facility-limited conditional certificate under HSC 1569.616(b)(2).
Ordinary certification when a conditional certificate holder becomes administrator of another facility
Administrator Certification Exam
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Facility change
Pass the Department RCFE examination to become administrator of another facility; the former facility-specific exemption does not carry to the other facility.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Prior certificate
Hold the facility-limited conditional certificate issued under HSC 1569.616(b)(2).
Initial certification by examination
Administrator Certification Exam
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application window
Apply within 30 days after notice of passing. Department-approved good-cause extensions may apply under HSC 1569.616(c)(2) and 22 CCR 87406(i). Failure to meet the applicable deadlines requires restarting the certification process.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Examination window
Pass the Department RCFE written examination within 60 days after training completion and within three attempts; a passing score is at least 70%.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Training
Complete the Department-approved 80-hour RCFE Initial Certification Training Program, including at least 60 hours of interactive instruction. The FAQ permits 20 self-paced hours.
Initial certification for a California licensed Nursing Home Administrator
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application window
Submit the certification application within 30 days after the required training under 22 CCR 87406(b)(3), subject to an approved extension.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Qualifying license
Hold a valid Nursing Home Administrator license issued by the California Department of Public Health. This is an applicant qualification from another profession, not an examination leaf.
Training
Complete 12 hours, four each in RCFE law/regulations, medication management, and admission/retention/assessment. No RCFE examination or full 80-hour ICTP is required.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Department approved reinstatement of a suspended or revoked certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate period
Renew the certificate every two years; submit the renewal application up to 90 days before expiration.
Continuing education
Complete 40 hours per two-year period; holders of a valid California Nursing Home Administrator license complete 20. At least four hours cover laws/regulations and at least eight cover dementia. Include one hour on the underserved aging LGBT community if not completed in initial training. Ordinary certificate holders may complete no more than half through self-paced courses; the July 1, 2026 FAQ permits all 20 hours for valid NHA license holders to be self-paced.
Criminal record
Maintain a current criminal record clearance or exemption under 22 CCR 87407(h).
Department approval
Reinstatement requires Department approval. In particular 22 CCR 87408(a)(5)(A) permits reinstatement after renewal noncompliance when all recertification conditions are satisfied.
Petition conditions
Where the Government Code 11522 petition procedure applies, petition after at least one year from the disciplinary decision or denial of a similar petition; the agency may impose reasonable reinstatement conditions. Different agency-specific reinstatement provisions control when applicable.
Renewal application
Submit LIC 9214, proof of approved continuing education, any required NHA license copy, and the current $140 renewal processing fee. The portal or postal submission is available.
Renewal compliance
Provide the continuing education required by HSC 1569.616(f)(1)-(2), pay the renewal fee and any accrued delinquency fees. A certificate expired beyond four years instead follows the new-certification process under subsection (f)(6).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • HSC-1569.616.html

    HSC §1569.616(f)(5), suspended or revoked certificate reinstatement

  • rcfeman3-2025.docx

    22 CCR §87408(a)(5)(A), reinstatement after renewal noncompliance

  • GOV-11522.html

    Government Code §11522, reinstatement petition and agency conditions

Late renewal or reinstatement within four years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate period
Renew the certificate every two years; submit the renewal application up to 90 days before expiration.
Continuing education
Complete 40 hours per two-year period; holders of a valid California Nursing Home Administrator license complete 20. At least four hours cover laws/regulations and at least eight cover dementia. Include one hour on the underserved aging LGBT community if not completed in initial training. Ordinary certificate holders may complete no more than half through self-paced courses; the July 1, 2026 FAQ permits all 20 hours for valid NHA license holders to be self-paced.
Criminal record
Maintain a current criminal record clearance or exemption under 22 CCR 87407(h).
Delinquency
Pay the applicable renewal fee plus $300 delinquency fee and complete the continuing education that would have been required if continuously certified. If more than two but less than four years expired, complete hours for both two-year cycles.
Expiration limit
Apply within four years after certificate expiration.
Renewal application
Submit LIC 9214, proof of approved continuing education, any required NHA license copy, and the current $140 renewal processing fee. The portal or postal submission is available.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New ordinary certification after denial
Administrator Certification Exam
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application review
Unless otherwise ordered by the Department, 22 CCR 87408(c) or 87409(b) applies HSC 1569.16. Applicable prior license revocation entails a two-year cessation of review; applicable prior denial generally entails a one-year cessation. An exclusion requires Department reinstatement before review can resume.
Application window
Apply within 30 days after notice of passing. Department-approved good-cause extensions may apply under HSC 1569.616(c)(2) and 22 CCR 87406(i). Failure to meet the applicable deadlines requires restarting the certification process.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Exam exemptions
HSC 1569.616(b) exemptions remain applicable to qualifying applicants; a valid California NHA license and the specified 12-hour training permit the examination exemption.
Examination window
Pass the Department RCFE written examination within 60 days after training completion and within three attempts; a passing score is at least 70%.
Exclusion petition
When HSC 1569.58(h) applies, the individual may petition for reinstatement after one year from the exclusion decision or notification, under Government Code 11522; the exclusion otherwise continues unless the Department orders differently.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Prior action
The applicant seeks a new administrator certificate following denial, rather than renewal or Department-approved reinstatement of the previous certificate.
Training
Complete the Department-approved 80-hour RCFE Initial Certification Training Program, including at least 60 hours of interactive instruction. The FAQ permits 20 self-paced hours.
New ordinary certification after forfeiture
Administrator Certification Exam
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application review
Unless otherwise ordered by the Department, 22 CCR 87408(c) or 87409(b) applies HSC 1569.16. Applicable prior license revocation entails a two-year cessation of review; applicable prior denial generally entails a one-year cessation. An exclusion requires Department reinstatement before review can resume.
Application window
Apply within 30 days after notice of passing. Department-approved good-cause extensions may apply under HSC 1569.616(c)(2) and 22 CCR 87406(i). Failure to meet the applicable deadlines requires restarting the certification process.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Exam exemptions
HSC 1569.616(b) exemptions remain applicable to qualifying applicants; a valid California NHA license and the specified 12-hour training permit the examination exemption.
Examination window
Pass the Department RCFE written examination within 60 days after training completion and within three attempts; a passing score is at least 70%.
Exclusion petition
When HSC 1569.58(h) applies, the individual may petition for reinstatement after one year from the exclusion decision or notification, under Government Code 11522; the exclusion otherwise continues unless the Department orders differently.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Prior action
The applicant seeks a new administrator certificate following forfeiture, rather than renewal or Department-approved reinstatement of the previous certificate.
Training
Complete the Department-approved 80-hour RCFE Initial Certification Training Program, including at least 60 hours of interactive instruction. The FAQ permits 20 self-paced hours.
New ordinary certification after revocation
Administrator Certification Exam
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application review
Unless otherwise ordered by the Department, 22 CCR 87408(c) or 87409(b) applies HSC 1569.16. Applicable prior license revocation entails a two-year cessation of review; applicable prior denial generally entails a one-year cessation. An exclusion requires Department reinstatement before review can resume.
Application window
Apply within 30 days after notice of passing. Department-approved good-cause extensions may apply under HSC 1569.616(c)(2) and 22 CCR 87406(i). Failure to meet the applicable deadlines requires restarting the certification process.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Exam exemptions
HSC 1569.616(b) exemptions remain applicable to qualifying applicants; a valid California NHA license and the specified 12-hour training permit the examination exemption.
Examination window
Pass the Department RCFE written examination within 60 days after training completion and within three attempts; a passing score is at least 70%.
Exclusion petition
When HSC 1569.58(h) applies, the individual may petition for reinstatement after one year from the exclusion decision or notification, under Government Code 11522; the exclusion otherwise continues unless the Department orders differently.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Prior action
The applicant seeks a new administrator certificate following revocation, rather than renewal or Department-approved reinstatement of the previous certificate.
Training
Complete the Department-approved 80-hour RCFE Initial Certification Training Program, including at least 60 hours of interactive instruction. The FAQ permits 20 self-paced hours.
Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate period
Renew the certificate every two years; submit the renewal application up to 90 days before expiration.
Continuing education
Complete 40 hours per two-year period; holders of a valid California Nursing Home Administrator license complete 20. At least four hours cover laws/regulations and at least eight cover dementia. Include one hour on the underserved aging LGBT community if not completed in initial training. Ordinary certificate holders may complete no more than half through self-paced courses; the July 1, 2026 FAQ permits all 20 hours for valid NHA license holders to be self-paced.
Criminal record
Maintain a current criminal record clearance or exemption under 22 CCR 87407(h).
Renewal application
Submit LIC 9214, proof of approved continuing education, any required NHA license copy, and the current $140 renewal processing fee. The portal or postal submission is available.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Replacement of a lost current certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing certificate
The applicant already holds the certificate and requests reissuance of the lost certificate.
Replacement fee
Pay the $25 replacement fee; the fee concerns reissuance of the existing certificate.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New certification after more than four years without renewal
Administrator Certification Exam
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application window
Apply within 30 days after notice of passing. Department-approved good-cause extensions may apply under HSC 1569.616(c)(2) and 22 CCR 87406(i). Failure to meet the applicable deadlines requires restarting the certification process.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Examination window
Pass the Department RCFE written examination within 60 days after training completion and within three attempts; a passing score is at least 70%.
Expired certificate
The former certificate was not renewed within four years after expiration.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Restart
Complete the new-applicant certification process under 22 CCR 87406(b), including the RCFE examination required of new applicants. Existing statutory exemptions, including the California NHA exemption, remain applicant conditions under HSC 1569.616(b).
Training
Complete the Department-approved 80-hour RCFE Initial Certification Training Program, including at least 60 hours of interactive instruction. The FAQ permits 20 self-paced hours.

Conditional RCFE Administrator Certification

Facility-limited conditional certification for qualifying individuals who were both licensee and administrator on or before July 1, 1991. Administration of another facility or application for a new facility license requires the RCFE examination.

Licensing authority: California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, Administrator Certification Bureau · Application information

Department approved reinstatement of a suspended or revoked certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate period
Renew the certificate every two years; submit the renewal application up to 90 days before expiration.
Continuing education
Complete 40 hours per two-year period; holders of a valid California Nursing Home Administrator license complete 20. At least four hours cover laws/regulations and at least eight cover dementia. Include one hour on the underserved aging LGBT community if not completed in initial training. Ordinary certificate holders may complete no more than half through self-paced courses; the July 1, 2026 FAQ permits all 20 hours for valid NHA license holders to be self-paced.
Criminal record
Maintain a current criminal record clearance or exemption under 22 CCR 87407(h).
Department approval
Reinstatement requires Department approval. In particular 22 CCR 87408(a)(5)(A) permits reinstatement after renewal noncompliance when all recertification conditions are satisfied.
Facility limit
This conditional certificate remains limited to the facility for which its grandfather exemption was granted.
Petition conditions
Where the Government Code 11522 petition procedure applies, petition after at least one year from the disciplinary decision or denial of a similar petition; the agency may impose reasonable reinstatement conditions. Different agency-specific reinstatement provisions control when applicable.
Renewal application
Submit LIC 9214, proof of approved continuing education, any required NHA license copy, and the current $140 renewal processing fee. The portal or postal submission is available.
Renewal compliance
Provide the continuing education required by HSC 1569.616(f)(1)-(2), pay the renewal fee and any accrued delinquency fees. A certificate expired beyond four years instead follows the new-certification process under subsection (f)(6).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • HSC-1569.616.html

    HSC §1569.616(f)(5), suspended or revoked certificate reinstatement

  • rcfeman3-2025.docx

    22 CCR §87408(a)(5)(A), reinstatement after renewal noncompliance

  • GOV-11522.html

    Government Code §11522, reinstatement petition and agency conditions

Facility limited grandfather certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Facility limit
The conditional certification is valid only for the administrator of the facility for which the exemption was granted. It does not permit administration of another facility without the examination.
Historical eligibility
The individual was both the licensee and administrator on or before July 1, 1991.
Implementation general instruction
CDSS Initial Procedures states: "The applicant must take an initial training course, pass an exam, and have a criminal record clearance." HSC 1569.616(b)(2) and 22 CCR 87406(a)(2) expressly exempt this qualifying grandfather route from the examination.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Training
Complete all areas of the approved RCFE initial certification training program.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Late renewal or reinstatement within four years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate period
Renew the certificate every two years; submit the renewal application up to 90 days before expiration.
Continuing education
Complete 40 hours per two-year period; holders of a valid California Nursing Home Administrator license complete 20. At least four hours cover laws/regulations and at least eight cover dementia. Include one hour on the underserved aging LGBT community if not completed in initial training. Ordinary certificate holders may complete no more than half through self-paced courses; the July 1, 2026 FAQ permits all 20 hours for valid NHA license holders to be self-paced.
Criminal record
Maintain a current criminal record clearance or exemption under 22 CCR 87407(h).
Delinquency
Pay the applicable renewal fee plus $300 delinquency fee and complete the continuing education that would have been required if continuously certified. If more than two but less than four years expired, complete hours for both two-year cycles.
Expiration limit
Apply within four years after certificate expiration.
Facility limit
This conditional certificate remains limited to the facility for which its grandfather exemption was granted.
Renewal application
Submit LIC 9214, proof of approved continuing education, any required NHA license copy, and the current $140 renewal processing fee. The portal or postal submission is available.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New facility limited grandfather certification after denial
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application review
Unless otherwise ordered by the Department, 22 CCR 87408(c) or 87409(b) applies HSC 1569.16. Applicable prior license revocation entails a two-year cessation of review; applicable prior denial generally entails a one-year cessation. An exclusion requires Department reinstatement before review can resume.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Exclusion petition
When HSC 1569.58(h) applies, the individual may petition for reinstatement after one year from the exclusion decision or notification, under Government Code 11522; the exclusion otherwise continues unless the Department orders differently.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Grandfather eligibility
The applicant still meets HSC 1569.616(b)(2): both licensee and administrator on or before July 1, 1991, seeking a conditional certificate only for that same facility.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Prior action
The applicant seeks a new administrator certificate following denial, rather than renewal or Department-approved reinstatement of the previous certificate.
Training
Complete all initial training areas under the grandfather route; the statutory examination exemption applies only to the qualifying facility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New facility limited grandfather certification after forfeiture
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application review
Unless otherwise ordered by the Department, 22 CCR 87408(c) or 87409(b) applies HSC 1569.16. Applicable prior license revocation entails a two-year cessation of review; applicable prior denial generally entails a one-year cessation. An exclusion requires Department reinstatement before review can resume.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Exclusion petition
When HSC 1569.58(h) applies, the individual may petition for reinstatement after one year from the exclusion decision or notification, under Government Code 11522; the exclusion otherwise continues unless the Department orders differently.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Grandfather eligibility
The applicant still meets HSC 1569.616(b)(2): both licensee and administrator on or before July 1, 1991, seeking a conditional certificate only for that same facility.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Prior action
The applicant seeks a new administrator certificate following forfeiture, rather than renewal or Department-approved reinstatement of the previous certificate.
Training
Complete all initial training areas under the grandfather route; the statutory examination exemption applies only to the qualifying facility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New facility limited grandfather certification after revocation
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Application review
Unless otherwise ordered by the Department, 22 CCR 87408(c) or 87409(b) applies HSC 1569.16. Applicable prior license revocation entails a two-year cessation of review; applicable prior denial generally entails a one-year cessation. An exclusion requires Department reinstatement before review can resume.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Exclusion petition
When HSC 1569.58(h) applies, the individual may petition for reinstatement after one year from the exclusion decision or notification, under Government Code 11522; the exclusion otherwise continues unless the Department orders differently.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Grandfather eligibility
The applicant still meets HSC 1569.616(b)(2): both licensee and administrator on or before July 1, 1991, seeking a conditional certificate only for that same facility.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Prior action
The applicant seeks a new administrator certificate following revocation, rather than renewal or Department-approved reinstatement of the previous certificate.
Training
Complete all initial training areas under the grandfather route; the statutory examination exemption applies only to the qualifying facility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Timely renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Certificate period
Renew the certificate every two years; submit the renewal application up to 90 days before expiration.
Continuing education
Complete 40 hours per two-year period; holders of a valid California Nursing Home Administrator license complete 20. At least four hours cover laws/regulations and at least eight cover dementia. Include one hour on the underserved aging LGBT community if not completed in initial training. Ordinary certificate holders may complete no more than half through self-paced courses; the July 1, 2026 FAQ permits all 20 hours for valid NHA license holders to be self-paced.
Criminal record
Maintain a current criminal record clearance or exemption under 22 CCR 87407(h).
Facility limit
This conditional certificate remains limited to the facility for which its grandfather exemption was granted.
Renewal application
Submit LIC 9214, proof of approved continuing education, any required NHA license copy, and the current $140 renewal processing fee. The portal or postal submission is available.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Replacement of a lost current certificate
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Existing certificate
The applicant already holds the certificate and requests reissuance of the lost certificate.
Facility limit
This conditional certificate remains limited to the facility for which its grandfather exemption was granted.
Replacement fee
Pay the $25 replacement fee; the fee concerns reissuance of the existing certificate.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

New facility limited certification after more than four years without renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit Application for Administrator Certification (LIC 9214), training/exemption documentation, examination pass or exemption documentation, fingerprint/clearance documentation, and the applicable processing fee. Current CDSS instructions specify $140 and permit the CCLD Public Portal or postal mail.
Criminal record
Criminal record clearance or applicable CDSS exemption/transfer is required before certificate issuance (HSC 1569.616(d)(5); 22 CCR 87406(c)).
Education
High school diploma or equivalent/GED (HSC 1569.613(c); 22 CCR 87405(d)(6)).
Expired certificate
The facility-limited certificate was not renewed within four years after expiration, so initial certification must begin anew.
Facility capacity qualifications
For 16-49 residents: at least 15 college or continuing-education semester units and one year of residential elder-care experience, or Department-approved equivalent education and experience. For 50 or more: two years of college and at least three years of residential elder-care experience, or licensing-agency-approved equivalent. Section 87405(g) preserves the specified pre-July 1982 employment exemptions.
Minimum age
At least 21 years of age (HSC 1569.613(a); 22 CCR 87405(d)(7)).
Retained grandfather eligibility
The applicant remains both the qualifying pre-July 1991 licensee and administrator of the same facility for which the conditional exemption was granted.
Training
Complete all areas of initial certification training; the examination exemption under HSC 1569.616(b)(2) and 22 CCR 87406(a)(2) continues only for that facility.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Administrator Certification Exam

Provider
California Department of Social Services, Administrator Certification Bureau
Format
Timed online examination using combined web-conferencing and Blackboard; open-book for authorized printed statutes and regulations
Exam questions
100
Time limit
120 minutes
Passing score
70% or more
Exam fee
$100, non-refundable; up to three attempts
Examination outline
  • Laws, Regulations, Policies, and Procedural Standards Impacting RCFE
    • Health and Safety Code 1569
    • Overview of Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Articles 1-15
    • Overview of Title 22: Licensing process
    • Overview of Title 22: Non-transferability of license
    • Overview of Title 22: Certification process
    • Overview of Title 22: New Laws and Regulations
    • Overview of Title 22: Administrative responsibility/accountability
    • Overview of Title 22: Mandated reporting
    • Overview of Title 22: Confidentiality
    • Overview of Title 22: Personal rights
    • Overview of Title 22: Complaint procedures
    • Overview of Title 22: Forms
    • Overview of Title 22: Navigation of CCLD website
    • Overview of Title 22: Agencies
    • State Fire Code Regulations
    • State Fire Code Regulations: R2 Occupancies
    • State Fire Code Regulations: R3.1 Occupancies
    • State/Federal Laws
    • Program flexibility, Exceptions, Waivers
    • Accounting & tax filing requirements
    • Accounting & tax filing requirements: Bonding
    • Accounting & tax filing requirements: IRS
    • Accounting & tax filing requirements: Comingling, Theft/loss
    • Plan of Operation
  • Business Operations
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 4 - Operating Requirements
    • Wage Order 5, Liability issues
    • Insurance types
    • Budgeting and fiscal documentation
    • Monitoring of ongoing operations
    • Overview of labor laws/Federal requirements
    • Personnel/wages
    • Classification of employees
    • Classification of employees: Employments status
    • Classification of employees: Live-in
    • Classification of employees: Salary vs hourly
    • Classification of employees: Contract vs employee
    • Classification of employees: FMLA
    • Marketing a facility
    • Marketing a facility: General requirements
    • Marketing a facility: Type of facility
    • Rate setting/record keeping
    • Other agencies
    • Other agencies: IRS
    • Other agencies: EDD
    • Other agencies: INS
    • Contract compliance, Audits
    • Contract compliance, Audits: Program
    • Contract compliance, Audits: Financial
    • Legal fund raising
    • Legal fund raising: Audits
    • Legal fund raising: Co-mingling of funds
    • Phones/vehicles
  • Management/Supervision of Staff
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 6 - Background Check & Article 7 - Personnel
    • Staffing requirement/day/night supervision
    • Hiring practices
    • Hiring practices: Criminal background requirements
    • Hiring practices: Use of volunteers and interns
    • Hiring practices: EEO requirements
    • Hiring practices: Job descriptions
    • Hiring practices: Federal/State requirements
    • Hiring practices: Wages
    • Hiring practices: Interviewing
    • Hiring practices: Termination
    • Hiring practices: Fact sheet 33, Performance evaluations, Personnel policy manual
    • Personnel records requirements
    • Admin/staff training requirements
    • Admin/staff training requirements: First Aid/CPR
    • Admin/staff training requirements: Immunizations and health
    • Admin/staff training requirements: Water safety
    • Admin/staff training requirements: Cal-OSHA
    • Admin/staff training requirements: Illness/injury prevention plan
    • Admin/staff training requirements: Staff duties and responsibilities
    • Admin/staff training requirements: Employer responsibilities
    • Admin/staff training requirements: Staffing patterns
    • General personnel requirements, Training
    • General personnel requirements, Training: Types & frequency
  • Psychosocial Needs of the Elderly
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 8 - Resident Assessments, Fundamental Services, and Rights
    • Identifying characteristics and special needs of client population
    • Evaluation and observation
    • Evaluation and observation: Initial
    • Evaluation and observation: ongoing
    • Mental health issues
    • Family involvement/participation and dynamics
    • Bereavement/stress issues
    • Activities
    • Activities: Interests
    • Activities: Resident councils
    • Basic services
    • Training
    • Training: Types
    • Training: Frequency
    • Advanced Health Care Directives
    • DNR Orders
    • End of life planning
  • Physical Needs for Elderly Persons
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 8 & Article 11 - Health Background Check & Article 7
    • Personnel Hydration
    • Understanding the client needs
    • Understanding the client needs: Nutrition
    • Understanding the client needs: Assisting with ADLs
    • Understanding the client needs: Health conditions
    • Understanding the client needs: Aging process
    • Individual health care needs
    • Individual health care needs: Dental
    • Individual health care needs: Vision
    • Individual health care needs: Podiatry
    • Individual health care needs: Hearing
    • Individual health care needs: Physical limitations
    • Sexuality in the aging adult
    • Nutritional support/food service
    • Nutritional support/food service: Quality
    • Nutritional support/food service: Quantity
    • Nutritional support/food service: Storage
    • Basic services
    • Annual Physical 602
    • Ongoing assessment & observation
    • Areas of neglect in direct client care
    • Areas of neglect in direct client care: Dehydration
    • Areas of neglect in direct client care: Skin Breakdown
    • Areas of neglect in direct client care: Malnutrition
  • Community & Support Services
    • Responsibility & expectations of referral agencies
    • Mental health resources
    • Ombudsman
    • Adult Protective Services
    • Resident and support services
    • Suicide prevention
    • Funding sources
    • Other resources
    • Other resources: Local area agencies on aging
    • Other resources: Assisted living waiver program
    • Other resources: DDS Regional centers
    • Other resources: Free legal
    • Other resources: Eye care
    • Other resources: Dental
    • Other resources: Transportation
    • Other resources: PACE
    • Other resources: Medicare
    • Other resources: Medi-Cal
    • Other resources: 211
    • Other resources: VA
    • Other resources: Adult day care center
    • Other resources: SSI
  • Medication Management
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 8 - Resident Assessments, Fundamental Services, and Rights
    • Health & Safety Code
    • AB 1570
    • Administration of medication
    • Administration of medication: Technical aspects
    • Regulatory requirements
    • Regulatory requirements: Storage
    • Regulatory requirements: Documentation
    • Regulatory requirements: Disposal
    • Role of medications in treatment plan, including typical interactions & staff’s role
    • Misuse and adverse effects of medication
    • Communication with pharmacists & MDs
    • Communication with pharmacists & MDs: Written instructions
    • Drug interaction/pharmaco-dynamics
    • Common medications
    • Common medications: Infection control
    • Common medications: Seizure disorder
    • Common medications: Psychotropic
    • Client advocacy related to medication use
    • Medi-Cal
    • Medical/dental funding
    • Required Training
    • Common medication errors
    • Address toxic medication precautions
    • Hospice
  • Resident Admission, Retention & Assessment Procedures
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 12 - Dementia
    • Program Statement
    • Allowable vs. Prohibited conditions/IMS
    • Appraisals
    • Appraisals: Pre-admission
    • Appraisals: Physician’s report
    • Appraisals: Functional
    • Appraisals: Social
    • Appraisals: Ongoing
    • Needs and services plan
    • Needs and services plan: Development
    • Needs and services plan: Review
    • Charting and documentation
    • Admission agreements
    • Adult Protective Services/emergency placement
    • Incidental medical services
    • Incidental medical services: Allowable
    • Incidental medical services: Restricted
    • Incidental medical services: Prohibited
    • Client satisfaction
    • Contract compliance
    • Age exceptions
    • Relocation/eviction
    • Evaluation and observation
    • Evaluation and observation: Initial
    • Evaluation and observation: ongoing
    • Assessment tools
    • Home health and other allied professional relationships
  • Managing Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 8 - Resident Assessments, Fundamental Services, and Rights
    • Non-pharmacologic person-centered approaches to dementia care
    • Overview of Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia
    • Understanding dementia-related behaviors
    • How the patient communicates
    • Personal care
    • Medications
    • Environment & physical plant
    • Environment & physical plant: Egress
    • Storage of dangerous items
    • Individualized Service Plan (ISP)
    • Marketing and advertising
    • Dementia care
    • Dementia Plan of Operation
  • Cultural Competency and Sensitivity to Aging LGBT Community
    • AB 663
    • Issues related to the underserved aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community
    • LGBTQ
    • LGBTQ: Ethics & values
    • LGBTQ: Self-awareness
    • LGBTQ: Education/skills/resources/advocacy
    • LGBTQ: Staff
    • LGBTQ: training requirements
    • Care - equality
  • Managing the Physical Environment
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 5 - Physical Environment and Accommodations
    • Maintenance requirements
    • Housekeeping requirements
    • Health and safety considerations
    • Health and safety considerations: Air/water temperature
    • Health and safety considerations: Lighting
    • Health and safety considerations: Grab bars
    • Health and safety considerations: Non-skid strips
    • Health and safety considerations: Signal
    • System disaster plan
    • Capacity
    • Use of space and storage
    • Use of space and storage: Poisons and pesticides
    • Use of space and storage: Firearms
    • Use of space and storage: Clear passageways
    • Physical plant
    • Changes to plan of operation
    • Building and Safety Code
    • State Fire Code Regulations
    • R2 Occupancies, R3.1 Occupancies
  • Residents’ Rights
    • Title 22, CCR, Div 6, Chapter 8, RCFE, Article 8 - Resident Assessments, Fundamental Services, and Rights
    • Statutory Personal Rights Afforded by AB 2171
    • Initial and ongoing staff training to ensure residents’ rights are fully respected and implemented
    • Resident and Family Councils
    • Basic services
    • Basic services: Transportation
    • Basic services: Handling of money
    • Basic services: Protection from other residents
    • Safeguard resident’s cash, etc.
    • Safeguard resident’s cash, etc.: Accommodations
    • Safeguard resident’s cash, etc.: Observations
    • Safeguard resident’s cash, etc.: Advance Health Care Directives
    • Safeguard resident’s cash, etc.: DNR
    • Safeguard resident’s cash, etc.: Dignity
    • Conservator-ship
    • Conservator-ship: Full
    • Conservator-ship: Limited
    • Abuse prevention
    • Polst
  • Postural Supports, Restricted Health Conditions & Hospice Care
    • Postural Supports
    • Restricted Health Conditions or Health Services
    • Hospice care
    • Hospice care: Waiver
    • Bedridden resident
    • Exception requests and conditions for them
    • Home health and other allied professional relationships
Examination sources