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District of Columbia Assisted Living Administrator — Requirements & Free Practice

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Assisted Living Administrator License

Individual professional licence under 17 DCMR Chapter 113. The September 2, 2026 application update says user acceptance testing was complete and final approval pending; the jurisprudence attestation form was complete. The Board of Nursing succeeded the former Board of Long-Term Care Administration under the July 19, 2024 statutory reorganization.

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Nursing / DC Health · Application information

Qualification through a current District nursing home administrator license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Existing license
Current, valid nursing home administrator license in good standing in the District. Section 11302.3 deems the holder qualified; § 11303.1 imposes RC/AL on § 11302.1 applicants. The nursing home administrator credential is an applicant condition, not an examination of this profession.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

Endorsement: administrator licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Discipline
Good standing and no history of discipline or sanction by an assisted living administrator or nursing home administrator licensing board.
Examination waiver
D.C. Code § 3-1205.06(e)(1) permits a Board waiver for endorsement or reciprocity applicants; § 11306 ordinarily requires compliance with §§ 11303 and 11304. An individual waiver is an applicant condition.
Existing license
Current assisted living administrator or nursing home administrator license in another U.S. jurisdiction.
Experience
Two years as an assisted living or nursing home administrator within the four years preceding application.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Supervised pending application
17 DCMR § 11311.5 allows a fully qualified § 11306 applicant who has applied to work for 120 days under another licensed assisted living administrator employed by or contracted with the facility; this is supervised authorization, not an additional license.
Endorsement: employed where administrator licensure is not required
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Discipline
Never subject to discipline or sanction by an authority having jurisdiction over residential care or assisted living facilities.
Employment
Currently employed as an assisted living administrator in a U.S. jurisdiction that does not require that license.
Examination waiver
D.C. Code § 3-1205.06(e)(1) permits a Board waiver for endorsement or reciprocity applicants; § 11306 ordinarily requires compliance with §§ 11303 and 11304. An individual waiver is an applicant condition.
Experience
Two years of assisted living administrator work within the four years preceding application.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Supervised pending application
17 DCMR § 11311.5 allows a fully qualified § 11306 applicant who has applied to work for 120 days under another licensed assisted living administrator employed by or contracted with the facility; this is supervised authorization, not an additional license.
Examination: assisted living administration, gerontology, health care management or public health degree
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Core domains
Board-approved preparation for supervising an assisted living residence under 22-B DCMR § 10116: customer care, supports and services; human resources; finance; environment; management and leadership.
Degree
Bachelor’s or higher degree in assisted living administration, gerontology, health care management or public health from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor other than NAB.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Practicum
320 hours of practicum or relevant work experience in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Supervised practice
17 DCMR § 11311.2 permits Board-authorized supervised practice to accrue required practicum or experience after the education requirement is met; authorization lasts no more than four months. This authorization is not an individual license.
Examination: health related degree
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Core domains
Board-approved preparation for supervising an assisted living residence under 22-B DCMR § 10116: customer care, supports and services; human resources; finance; environment; management and leadership.
Degree
Bachelor’s or higher degree in a health-related field such as nursing or medicine from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Practicum
320 hours of practicum or relevant work experience in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Supervised practice
17 DCMR § 11311.2 permits Board-authorized supervised practice to accrue required practicum or experience after the education requirement is met; authorization lasts no more than four months. This authorization is not an individual license.
Examination: NAB accredited long term care administration degree
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Degree
Bachelor’s or higher degree from a NAB-accredited long-term care administration program.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Historical waiver
17 DCMR § 11305 waives education and RC/AL for an incumbent District administrator with one year of work only if applying within twelve months of Chapter 113’s February 18, 2022 effective date. That published window elapsed before this evaluation. Later discussions of amending the waiver do not themselves amend the current rule.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Examination: non health degree
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Core domains
Board-approved preparation for supervising an assisted living residence under 22-B DCMR § 10116: customer care, supports and services; human resources; finance; environment; management and leadership.
Courses
15 semester hours of relevant courses in the § 11302.2 core domains.
Degree
Bachelor’s or higher degree in a field other than health from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Practicum
480 hours of practicum or relevant work experience in an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Supervised practice
17 DCMR § 11311.2 permits Board-authorized supervised practice to accrue required practicum or experience after the education requirement is met; authorization lasts no more than four months. This authorization is not an individual license.
Training
80 hours of Board-approved assisted living administrator training in the § 11302.2 core domains.
First renewal after the initial grant
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
§ 11307.1 excludes the first renewal after initial grant from its continuing education requirements.
Renewal
Timely application, eligibility, renewal fee and any applicable renewal requirements under D.C. Code § 3-1205.10.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

Examination: Board approved equivalent foreign education
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Foreign education
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03(b): the Board must find foreign education and training substantially equivalent; the applicant must otherwise qualify for licensure under the applicable § 11302.1 pathway, including required practicum, experience and training.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Qualification through the NAB Health Services Executive credential
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Existing credential
Current, valid NAB Health Services Executive credential. Section 11302.4 deems the holder qualified notwithstanding §§ 11302 and 11303; the credential is an applicant condition.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

Late renewal within 60 days of expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
Applicable first-renewal exemption or 40-hour continuing education requirement under § 11307.
Deadline
Within 60 days of expiration; pay late fee. On renewal the license is deemed valid during the intervening period.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

New application after expiration more than five years ago
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Expiry
A license expired more than five years cannot be reinstated. Meet the requirements for a new application and the applicable § 11302 pathway.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Qualification exceptions
Current District nursing home administrator license or current NAB HSE credential qualifies under §§ 11302.3 or 11302.4; those qualifications may excuse RC/AL under their specific terms.
Reactivation more than five years after inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Pay reactivation fee; meet current criminal background check requirements; satisfy the Board of current competency, including any applicable re-entry plan.
Inactive period
More than five years since inactive status began.
Training
Within two years before applying, complete 80 hours of Board-approved administrator training meeting § 11302.2 and 20 approved continuing education hours.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

Reactivation within five years of inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Competency
Pay reactivation fee; meet current criminal background check requirements; satisfy the Board of current competency, including any applicable re-entry plan.
Continuing education
20 approved continuing education hours for each inactive year, maximum 100; at least 20 in the year preceding application.
Inactive period
Not more than five years since inactive status began.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

Reinstatement within five years, without a practice absence exceeding two years
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
20 approved continuing education hours for each unlicensed year, maximum 100; at least 20 in the year preceding application.
Expiry
Apply within five years of expiration.
Fitness
Reinstatement application and fee; satisfactory evidence of fitness, competency and knowledge of District and federal laws; Board may require additional education or training.
Practice
Applicant has not been absent from active practice for more than two years before application; § 3-1205.12(c) discretionary testing provision for longer absences does not apply.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

Subsequent renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing education
40 Board-approved continuing education hours during the preceding two-year period, including two LGBTQ hours, one or more § 11307.3(b) topics, and 10% in Director-designated public health priorities.
Renewal
Timely application, eligibility, fee, evidence of continuing education; Board may require an attestation and audit compliance.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

Temporary Assisted Living Administrator License

Licensing authority: District of Columbia Board of Nursing / DC Health · Application information

Temporary license pending endorsement
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Director determination
Issuance requires the Director’s written health-and-welfare necessity determination under § 4007.1 and Board approval.
Duration
Director sets duration, at most 90 days; restrictions may be imposed; not a regular professional license.
Existing license
Currently licensed in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction; the endorsement qualifications of § 11306(a), including two years of qualifying experience and clean discipline history, apply.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Temporary license pending the next scheduled examination
NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)
Application status
September 2, 2026 Board agenda, OS-26-09-13: application user acceptance testing was complete and final approval was pending.
Director determination
Director’s written necessity determination and Board approval are required.
Duration
At most 90 days, with any Board-imposed restrictions.
Existing license
D.C. Code § 3-1205.08a(a) requires licensure and good standing in another jurisdiction for temporary licensure; this statutory condition also applies to § 4007.4’s examination-pending category.
General qualifications
D.C. Code § 3-1205.03: minimum age 18, occupationally related conviction review, required training and qualifications, no disqualifying unresolved suspension or revocation elsewhere, and no pending disciplinary action concerning the right to practice elsewhere.
Jurisprudence
17 DCMR § 11304 requires competent knowledge of District laws and rules. The January 7, 2026 Board decision requires self-attestation for initial licensure in 2026; the September 2, 2026 agenda reports that form complete. The future exam, course and/or study guide planned for 2028 renewal is not a currently offered examination.
Qualifications
Meets applicable § 11302.1 qualifications except successful examination completion; has applied for the next scheduled RC/AL examination.
Temporary license for a new applicant already licensed elsewhere
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Director determination
Director must determine in writing that temporary licensure is necessary to protect District residents’ health and welfare; Board may impose restrictions.
Duration
At most 90 days.
Existing license
Submitted a new-license application; licensed and in good standing in another jurisdiction in the same profession.
Scope
This route concerns the temporary grant under § 3-1205.08a and the third category of § 4007.4; later ordinary licensure has its own requirements.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-01-07.

NAB National Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators Line of Service Exam (RC/AL)

Provider
National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB); delivered at Pearson VUE test centers
Format
Objective multiple-choice items with four answer choices, one correct; line of service exam taken after or together with the separately scored CORE exam
Exam questions
75 (60 scored, 15 non-scored pretest)
Time limit
1 hour 30 minutes seat time; 1 hour and 10 minutes to answer questions
Passing score
Scaled score of 113 on a 50-150 scale
Exam fee
RC/AL only $190; CORE and RC/AL combo $480 (effective 2/1/2026)
Examination outline
  • Domain 1: Care, Services, and Supports (75% of the RC/AL exam) (75%)
    • 1A1 Quality of Care: Medical and Nursing Care Practices
    • 1A2 Quality of Care: Medication Management and Administration
    • 1A4 Quality of Care: Nutrition and Hydration (e.g., specialized diets)
    • 1A6 Quality of Care: Rehabilitation and Restorative Programs
    • 1A7 Quality of Care: Care Recipient Assessment and Interdisciplinary Care Planning
    • 1A8 Quality of Care: Clinical and Medical Records and Documentation Requirements (e.g., storage, retention, destruction)
    • 1A11 Quality of Care: Transition of Care (e.g., admission, move-in, transfer, discharge, and move-out)
    • 1B1 Quality of Life: Psychosocial Needs (e.g., social, spiritual, community, cultural)
    • 1B2 Quality of Life: Person-Centered Care and Comprehensive Care Planning
    • 1B3 Quality of Life: Care Recipient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
    • 1B4 Quality of Life: Care Recipient Safety (e.g., fall prevention, elopement prevention, adverse events)
    • 1B5 Quality of Life: Care Recipient (and Representative) Grievance, Conflict, and Dispute Resolution
    • 1B6 Quality of Life: Care Recipient Advocacy (e.g., Ombudsman, resident and family council)
    • 1B7 Quality of Life: Care Recipient Decision-Making (e.g., capacity, power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, code status, advance directives, ethical decision-making)
    • 1B8 Quality of Life: Care Recipient (and Representative) Satisfaction
    • 1B14 Quality of Life: Restraint Usage and Reduction
    • 1B15 Quality of Life: Foodservice (e.g., choice and menu planning, dietary management, food storage and handling, dining services)
    • 1B16 Quality of Life: Social Services Programs
    • 1B17 Quality of Life: Therapeutic Recreation and Activity Programs
    • 1C3 Ancillary Services: Transportation for Care Recipients
    • 1C8 Ancillary Services: Volunteer Programs
  • Domain 2: Operations (12% of the RC/AL exam) (12%)
    • 2A5 Financial Management: Revenue and Reimbursement (e.g., PDPM, PDGM, ACOs, HMOs, Medicaid, private payors)
    • 2B7 Risk Management: Scope of Practice and Legal Liability
  • Domain 3: Environment and Quality (13% of the RC/AL exam) (13%)
    • 3A2 Care Setting: Person-Centered Environment (e.g., home-like environment)
    • 3B3 Regulatory Compliance: Certification and Licensure Requirements for the Organization
    • 3B4 Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory Survey and Inspection Process
Examination sources