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Rhode Island Assisted Living Administrator — Requirements & Free Practice

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Assisted Living Residence Administrator Certification

Individual administrator certification issued by the Department on the recommendation of the Board. Certification and licensure have the same meaning under § 18.2(A)(5).

Licensing authority: Rhode Island Department of Health, Assisted Living Residence Administrator Certification Board · Application information

Biennial renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application And Fee
File a duly executed renewal application and the two-year renewal fee by May 1 of even-numbered years (§ 18.3.5(B)(1)).
Continuing Education
Attest to thirty-two hours of Department-approved continuing education within the previous two years, including sixteen contact hours; the remaining sixteen may be non-contact (§§ 18.3.5(C), 18.3.6(A)-(B)).
Current Certification
Existing certification is valid for two years and expires June 30 of the next even-numbered year unless sooner suspended or revoked (§ 18.3.5(B)).
Documentation
Licensee must obtain and retain dated continuing education documentation for at least four years, subject to Department audit (§ 18.3.6(D)).
Hardship Extension
The Board may grant additional time to complete continuing education for hardship or other extenuating circumstances (§ 18.3.6(E)).
Initial Late Cycle Exemption
Persons initially licensed after May 1 are exempt from continuing education until April 30 of the next even-numbered year (§ 18.3.5(C)(1)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-02.

Certification by endorsement: approved training qualifications
Residential Care Assisted Living Administrator Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the completed Department application and required documents and fees at least thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.3(A)); the form states that applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application Field Experience Form
The Department application field-experience form also lists human resources, business office, and housekeeping/laundry; submit its required attestation with the application.
Background Check
The Department performs a criminal background records check on applicants and reapplicants and judges any disqualifying information (§ 18.3.1(C)); the application requires an original Attorney General BCI check and a detailed explanation if positive.
Education And Training
Successfully complete a training program administered by a Department-approved organization (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)); the Department application names RIALA certification and RIALA examination results.
Eligibility And Documents
Provide proof of lawful entry and United States employment eligibility as applicable, a recent photograph, school or training credentials sent directly by the provider, and examination results sent directly to the Department (§ 18.3.3(A)).
Endorsement Application
Submit the completed certification application thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(c)); the application also requests a brief history of industry experience and official school or training transcripts.
Field Experience
Satisfactorily complete at least eighty hours within twelve months at Rhode Island-licensed assisted living residences in administration, nursing, activities, admissions, dietary, and environment/maintenance; the supervising administrators must attest to coverage (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)).
Issuance
Certification is issued by the Director on Board recommendation after the certification requirements are met (§ 18.3.5(A)).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing, with documentation, for active military or reservist applicants, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses; this is an expedited application condition.
Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least eighteen years old (§ 18.3.2(A)(1)).
Moral Character
Applicant must be of good moral character (§ 18.3.2(A)(2)); the Department application requests two original letters on company letterhead.
National Certification Question
The Department application’s Interstate Verification Form, page 8, asks whether the applicant has completed and passed the National Certification Exam. This generic question does not identify the supplied NAB RC/AL examination or establish a separate requirement for it; the named prior examination and verification remain applicant evidence.
No New Sitting
Section 18.3.4(B)(1) states: 1.A certification may be issued to an assisted living residence administrator without examination to an applicant who has been licensed by examination in an alternate jurisdiction and who holds a current license in good standing as an assisted living residence administrator in said jurisdiction, provided: a.The Board finds that the standards for licensure in such other jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to those prevailing in this state at the time of application and the applicant meets the qualifications required of assisted living residence administrators in this state as set forth in § 18.3.2 of this Part; This route retains the licensing examination incorporated by § 18.3.2 for training or degree applicants; the Board may issue certification without a new examination sitting on the stated endorsement terms.
Other Jurisdiction License
Applicant must have been licensed by examination in an alternate jurisdiction and hold a current assisted living residence administrator license there in good standing (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)). An alternate jurisdiction’s own examination is an applicant condition under this survey contract.
Passing Score
Successfully complete the Department-approved licensing examination at the passing grade determined by the Department (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)).
Standing Verification
Every jurisdiction where the applicant holds or has held a registration or license must send a statement of good standing to the Board (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(b)); § 18.3.3(A)(6) requires prior examination results directly from the original licensing jurisdiction or examination service.
Substantial Equivalence
The Board must find the other jurisdiction’s licensing standards substantially equivalent to Rhode Island’s at the time of application, and the applicant must meet § 18.3.2 qualifications (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(a)).
Certification by endorsement: healthcare related degree qualifications
Residential Care Assisted Living Administrator Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the completed Department application and required documents and fees at least thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.3(A)); the form states that applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application Field Experience Form
The Department application field-experience form also lists human resources, business office, and housekeeping/laundry; submit its required attestation with the application.
Background Check
The Department performs a criminal background records check on applicants and reapplicants and judges any disqualifying information (§ 18.3.1(C)); the application requires an original Attorney General BCI check and a detailed explanation if positive.
Education And Training
Successfully complete a healthcare-related degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in gerontology, personnel management, and financial management (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)).
Eligibility And Documents
Provide proof of lawful entry and United States employment eligibility as applicable, a recent photograph, school or training credentials sent directly by the provider, and examination results sent directly to the Department (§ 18.3.3(A)).
Endorsement Application
Submit the completed certification application thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(c)); the application also requests a brief history of industry experience and official school or training transcripts.
Field Experience
Satisfactorily complete at least eighty hours within twelve months at Rhode Island-licensed assisted living residences in administration, nursing, activities, admissions, dietary, and environment/maintenance; the supervising administrators must attest to coverage (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)(4)-(5)).
Issuance
Certification is issued by the Director on Board recommendation after the certification requirements are met (§ 18.3.5(A)).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing, with documentation, for active military or reservist applicants, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses; this is an expedited application condition.
Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least eighteen years old (§ 18.3.2(A)(1)).
Moral Character
Applicant must be of good moral character (§ 18.3.2(A)(2)); the Department application requests two original letters on company letterhead.
National Certification Question
The Department application’s Interstate Verification Form, page 8, asks whether the applicant has completed and passed the National Certification Exam. This generic question does not identify the supplied NAB RC/AL examination or establish a separate requirement for it; the named prior examination and verification remain applicant evidence.
No New Sitting
Section 18.3.4(B)(1) states: 1.A certification may be issued to an assisted living residence administrator without examination to an applicant who has been licensed by examination in an alternate jurisdiction and who holds a current license in good standing as an assisted living residence administrator in said jurisdiction, provided: a.The Board finds that the standards for licensure in such other jurisdiction are substantially equivalent to those prevailing in this state at the time of application and the applicant meets the qualifications required of assisted living residence administrators in this state as set forth in § 18.3.2 of this Part; This route retains the licensing examination incorporated by § 18.3.2 for training or degree applicants; the Board may issue certification without a new examination sitting on the stated endorsement terms.
Other Jurisdiction License
Applicant must have been licensed by examination in an alternate jurisdiction and hold a current assisted living residence administrator license there in good standing (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)). An alternate jurisdiction’s own examination is an applicant condition under this survey contract.
Passing Score
Successfully complete the Department-approved licensing examination at the passing grade determined by the Department (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)(6)).
Standing Verification
Every jurisdiction where the applicant holds or has held a registration or license must send a statement of good standing to the Board (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(b)); § 18.3.3(A)(6) requires prior examination results directly from the original licensing jurisdiction or examination service.
Substantial Equivalence
The Board must find the other jurisdiction’s licensing standards substantially equivalent to Rhode Island’s at the time of application, and the applicant must meet § 18.3.2 qualifications (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(a)).
Certification by endorsement: current Rhode Island nursing home administrator qualification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed Department application and required documents and fees at least thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.3(A)); the form states that applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Background Check
The Department performs a criminal background records check on applicants and reapplicants and judges any disqualifying information (§ 18.3.1(C)); the application requires an original Attorney General BCI check and a detailed explanation if positive.
Eligibility And Documents
Provide proof of lawful entry and United States employment eligibility as applicable, a recent photograph, school or training credentials sent directly by the provider, and examination results sent directly to the Department (§ 18.3.3(A)).
Endorsement Application
Submit the completed certification application thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(c)); the application also requests a brief history of industry experience and official school or training transcripts.
Examination Exemption
Section 18.3.4(A)(1) expressly exempts applicants qualifying under § 18.3.2(A)(3)(c) from the written examination.
Existing License
Possess a current Rhode Island nursing home administrator license in good standing (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(c)). The nursing home administrator license is an applicant condition; its examinations belong to another profession.
Issuance
Certification is issued by the Director on Board recommendation after the certification requirements are met (§ 18.3.5(A)).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing, with documentation, for active military or reservist applicants, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses; this is an expedited application condition.
Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least eighteen years old (§ 18.3.2(A)(1)).
Moral Character
Applicant must be of good moral character (§ 18.3.2(A)(2)); the Department application requests two original letters on company letterhead.
National Certification Question
The Department application’s Interstate Verification Form, page 8, asks whether the applicant has completed and passed the National Certification Exam. This generic question does not identify the supplied NAB RC/AL examination or establish a separate requirement for it; the named prior examination and verification remain applicant evidence.
No New Sitting
The Board may issue certification without examination under § 18.3.4(B)(1); the applicant also qualifies for the express § 18.3.4(A)(1) exception through § 18.3.2(A)(3)(c).
Other Jurisdiction License
Applicant must have been licensed by examination in an alternate jurisdiction and hold a current assisted living residence administrator license there in good standing (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)). An alternate jurisdiction’s own examination is an applicant condition under this survey contract.
Standing Verification
Every jurisdiction where the applicant holds or has held a registration or license must send a statement of good standing to the Board (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(b)); § 18.3.3(A)(6) requires prior examination results directly from the original licensing jurisdiction or examination service.
Substantial Equivalence
The Board must find the other jurisdiction’s licensing standards substantially equivalent to Rhode Island’s at the time of application, and the applicant must meet § 18.3.2 qualifications (§ 18.3.4(B)(1)(a)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-02.

Certification by examination: approved training program
Residential Care Assisted Living Administrator Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the completed Department application and required documents and fees at least thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.3(A)); the form states that applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application Field Experience Form
The Department application field-experience form also lists human resources, business office, and housekeeping/laundry; submit its required attestation with the application.
Background Check
The Department performs a criminal background records check on applicants and reapplicants and judges any disqualifying information (§ 18.3.1(C)); the application requires an original Attorney General BCI check and a detailed explanation if positive.
Before Sitting
Complete all certification requirements as approved by the Board except passing the examination before sitting (§ 18.3.4(A)(1)).
Education And Training
Successfully complete a training program administered by a Department-approved organization (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)); the Department application names RIALA certification and RIALA examination results.
Eligibility And Documents
Provide proof of lawful entry and United States employment eligibility as applicable, a recent photograph, school or training credentials sent directly by the provider, and examination results sent directly to the Department (§ 18.3.3(A)).
Field Experience
Satisfactorily complete at least eighty hours within twelve months at Rhode Island-licensed assisted living residences in administration, nursing, activities, admissions, dietary, and environment/maintenance; the supervising administrators must attest to coverage (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)).
Issuance
Certification is issued by the Director on Board recommendation after the certification requirements are met (§ 18.3.5(A)).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing, with documentation, for active military or reservist applicants, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses; this is an expedited application condition.
Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least eighteen years old (§ 18.3.2(A)(1)).
Moral Character
Applicant must be of good moral character (§ 18.3.2(A)(2)); the Department application requests two original letters on company letterhead.
Passing Score
Successfully complete the Department-approved licensing examination at the passing grade determined by the Department (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)).
Certification by examination: healthcare related degree
Residential Care Assisted Living Administrator Licensing Examination
Application
Submit the completed Department application and required documents and fees at least thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.3(A)); the form states that applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application Field Experience Form
The Department application field-experience form also lists human resources, business office, and housekeeping/laundry; submit its required attestation with the application.
Background Check
The Department performs a criminal background records check on applicants and reapplicants and judges any disqualifying information (§ 18.3.1(C)); the application requires an original Attorney General BCI check and a detailed explanation if positive.
Before Sitting
Complete all certification requirements as approved by the Board except passing the examination before sitting (§ 18.3.4(A)(1)).
Education And Training
Successfully complete a healthcare-related degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in gerontology, personnel management, and financial management (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)).
Eligibility And Documents
Provide proof of lawful entry and United States employment eligibility as applicable, a recent photograph, school or training credentials sent directly by the provider, and examination results sent directly to the Department (§ 18.3.3(A)).
Field Experience
Satisfactorily complete at least eighty hours within twelve months at Rhode Island-licensed assisted living residences in administration, nursing, activities, admissions, dietary, and environment/maintenance; the supervising administrators must attest to coverage (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)(4)-(5)).
Issuance
Certification is issued by the Director on Board recommendation after the certification requirements are met (§ 18.3.5(A)).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing, with documentation, for active military or reservist applicants, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses; this is an expedited application condition.
Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least eighteen years old (§ 18.3.2(A)(1)).
Moral Character
Applicant must be of good moral character (§ 18.3.2(A)(2)); the Department application requests two original letters on company letterhead.
Passing Score
Successfully complete the Department-approved licensing examination at the passing grade determined by the Department (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)(6)).
Reinstatement of lapsed certification
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Continuing Education
Complete thirty-two hours of Department-approved continuing education, including sixteen contact hours; the remaining sixteen may be non-contact (§ 18.3.6(A)-(B)).
Director Approval
The Director may reinstate upon application, payment of the current renewal fee, and completion of § 18.3.6 continuing education during the two years immediately preceding the renewal request (§ 18.3.5(D)).
Lapsed Certification
Certification lapsed because it was not renewed by July 1; this reinstatement provision does not apply to suspended or revoked certification (§ 18.3.5(D)).
Practice During Lapse
Using the administrator title or functioning as an administrator while certification is lapsed is subject to penalties (§ 18.3.5(D)(1)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-02.

Reexamination after unsuccessful testing: approved training qualifications
Residential Care Assisted Living Administrator Licensing Examination
After Three Failures
After three failures, request reexamination in writing; complete the additional coursework or training determined by the Board before admission to a future examination (§ 18.3.4(A)(1)(b)).
Application
Submit the completed Department application and required documents and fees at least thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.3(A)); the form states that applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application Field Experience Form
The Department application field-experience form also lists human resources, business office, and housekeeping/laundry; submit its required attestation with the application.
Background Check
The Department performs a criminal background records check on applicants and reapplicants and judges any disqualifying information (§ 18.3.1(C)); the application requires an original Attorney General BCI check and a detailed explanation if positive.
Before Sitting
Complete all certification requirements as approved by the Board except passing the examination before sitting (§ 18.3.4(A)(1)).
Education And Training
Successfully complete a training program administered by a Department-approved organization (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)); the Department application names RIALA certification and RIALA examination results.
Eligibility And Documents
Provide proof of lawful entry and United States employment eligibility as applicable, a recent photograph, school or training credentials sent directly by the provider, and examination results sent directly to the Department (§ 18.3.3(A)).
Field Experience
Satisfactorily complete at least eighty hours within twelve months at Rhode Island-licensed assisted living residences in administration, nursing, activities, admissions, dietary, and environment/maintenance; the supervising administrators must attest to coverage (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)).
Issuance
Certification is issued by the Director on Board recommendation after the certification requirements are met (§ 18.3.5(A)).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing, with documentation, for active military or reservist applicants, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses; this is an expedited application condition.
Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least eighteen years old (§ 18.3.2(A)(1)).
Moral Character
Applicant must be of good moral character (§ 18.3.2(A)(2)); the Department application requests two original letters on company letterhead.
Passing Score
Successfully complete the Department-approved licensing examination at the passing grade determined by the Department (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(a)).
Previous Unsuccessful Attempt
Applicant previously tested unsuccessfully and must meet the Rhode Island requirements prevailing when the retest is administered (§ 18.3.4(A)(1)(a)).
Reexamination after unsuccessful testing: healthcare related degree qualifications
Residential Care Assisted Living Administrator Licensing Examination
After Three Failures
After three failures, request reexamination in writing; complete the additional coursework or training determined by the Board before admission to a future examination (§ 18.3.4(A)(1)(b)).
Application
Submit the completed Department application and required documents and fees at least thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.3(A)); the form states that applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Application Field Experience Form
The Department application field-experience form also lists human resources, business office, and housekeeping/laundry; submit its required attestation with the application.
Background Check
The Department performs a criminal background records check on applicants and reapplicants and judges any disqualifying information (§ 18.3.1(C)); the application requires an original Attorney General BCI check and a detailed explanation if positive.
Before Sitting
Complete all certification requirements as approved by the Board except passing the examination before sitting (§ 18.3.4(A)(1)).
Education And Training
Successfully complete a healthcare-related degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in gerontology, personnel management, and financial management (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)).
Eligibility And Documents
Provide proof of lawful entry and United States employment eligibility as applicable, a recent photograph, school or training credentials sent directly by the provider, and examination results sent directly to the Department (§ 18.3.3(A)).
Field Experience
Satisfactorily complete at least eighty hours within twelve months at Rhode Island-licensed assisted living residences in administration, nursing, activities, admissions, dietary, and environment/maintenance; the supervising administrators must attest to coverage (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)(4)-(5)).
Issuance
Certification is issued by the Director on Board recommendation after the certification requirements are met (§ 18.3.5(A)).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing, with documentation, for active military or reservist applicants, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses; this is an expedited application condition.
Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least eighteen years old (§ 18.3.2(A)(1)).
Moral Character
Applicant must be of good moral character (§ 18.3.2(A)(2)); the Department application requests two original letters on company letterhead.
Passing Score
Successfully complete the Department-approved licensing examination at the passing grade determined by the Department (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(b)(6)).
Previous Unsuccessful Attempt
Applicant previously tested unsuccessfully and must meet the Rhode Island requirements prevailing when the retest is administered (§ 18.3.4(A)(1)(a)).
Certification by current Rhode Island nursing home administrator license
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit the completed Department application and required documents and fees at least thirty days before the scheduled Board meeting (§ 18.3.3(A)); the form states that applications are valid for one year after receipt.
Background Check
The Department performs a criminal background records check on applicants and reapplicants and judges any disqualifying information (§ 18.3.1(C)); the application requires an original Attorney General BCI check and a detailed explanation if positive.
Eligibility And Documents
Provide proof of lawful entry and United States employment eligibility as applicable, a recent photograph, school or training credentials sent directly by the provider, and examination results sent directly to the Department (§ 18.3.3(A)).
Examination Exemption
Section 18.3.4(A)(1) expressly exempts applicants qualifying under § 18.3.2(A)(3)(c) from the written examination.
Existing License
Possess a current Rhode Island nursing home administrator license in good standing (§ 18.3.2(A)(3)(c)). The nursing home administrator license is an applicant condition; its examinations belong to another profession.
Issuance
Certification is issued by the Director on Board recommendation after the certification requirements are met (§ 18.3.5(A)).
Military Expedition
The application offers expedited processing, with documentation, for active military or reservist applicants, honorably discharged veterans, and qualifying spouses; this is an expedited application condition.
Minimum Age
Applicant must be at least eighteen years old (§ 18.3.2(A)(1)).
Moral Character
Applicant must be of good moral character (§ 18.3.2(A)(2)); the Department application requests two original letters on company letterhead.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-07-02.

Residential Care Assisted Living Administrator Licensing Examination

Practice scope

The authority has not published an examination outline; the practice questions follow the scope of the existing question bank.

  • Regulations and Regulatory Oversight
    • State and local regulations, administrator responsibilities, regulatory authority, surveys, deficiencies, corrections, licensing, and certification
  • Person-Centered Care
    • Assisted living philosophy, continuum of care, person-centered care, and effects of federal benefit and civil-rights laws
  • Administrative Processes
    • Residency contracts, move-in, individualized service plans, risk management, compliance, surveys, grievances, and conflicts
  • Dementia and Alzheimer’s Management
    • Dementia recognition, behaviors, dementia-supportive environments, and family support
  • Nursing and Medication Management
    • Nursing roles, scope, administrator oversight, medication management, and staff training
  • Operational Best Practices
    • Facilities, human resources, sales and marketing, dining, mental health, activities, and financial management
Examination sources