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Utah Nursing Home Administrator — Requirements & Free Practice

US-UT · License preparation

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Licenses, application pathways and examination requirements

Each license and applicant pathway has its own requirements and exemptions. Choosing practice questions does not determine your eligibility.

Health Facility Administrator

Licensing authority: Utah Division of Professional Licensing · Application information

Discretionary endorsement of never licensed applicant with equivalent out of jurisdiction training
Division Decision
Issuance is discretionary and subject to the Division’s refusal and evidence requirements in Utah Code 58-1-302(3)-(5).
Equivalence
Applicant has never been licensed but received education or experience in a U.S. or foreign jurisdiction; the Division must determine education, credentialing examination and experience were substantially similar (Utah Code 58-1-302(3)(b)).
Score
R156-15-302d names CORE and NHA for a health facility administrator applicant; the Division may require endorsement exams under R156-1-302(4).
Licensure by endorsement after one year of licensed practice
Board Instruction
DOPL application requests official verification of active good-standing licensure for at least one year from a jurisdiction it designates equivalent; R156-15-308 also lists three years of administrator employment, two consecutive years at one facility, or NAB HSE qualification.
Division Decision
DOPL may refuse the licence for reasonable cause concerning qualifications or previous or pending discipline (Utah Code 58-1-302(4)).
Prior License
Hold a good-standing licence from another U.S. state, district or territory with a scope the Division finds similar, and have at least one year of practice under it (Utah Code 58-1-302(2)).
Score
The profession rule requires CORE and NHA scores of at least 113 each (R156-15-302d and R156-15-308).
Discretionary endorsement based on other prior licence or equivalent qualifications
Division Decision
Issuance is discretionary and subject to the Division’s review and refusal powers in Utah Code 58-1-302(3)-(5).
Prior License
Hold a licence issued by another U.S. or foreign jurisdiction; the Division must find competency based on education, examination, experience and skills with one year of practice, or substantially similar historical licensure requirements (Utah Code 58-1-302(3)(a)).
Score
R156-15-302d identifies CORE and NHA as the health facility administrator examinations; the Division may require exams on endorsement under R156-1-302(4).
Placement of active licence on inactive status
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Current Status
Hold an active licence in good standing and submit the verified inactive-status application and fee (R156-1-305(1)-(2)).
Practice
An inactive licensee may not practice until the licence is activated (Utah Code 58-1-305(2); DOPL Request for Inactive License).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Initial licensure by application
Application
Submit the DOPL application, official score verification, and supporting qualification records (DOPL Health Facility Administrator application v20250210).
Education Or Experience
Hold an accredited baccalaureate degree or complete 8,000 qualifying experience hours, including 4,000 supervisory hours (R156-15-302a through 302c).
Score
Earn a minimum scaled score of 113 on each NAB component; a pre-July 5, 2017 NAB NHA score is prior evidence rather than a current exam leaf (R156-15-302d(2),(5)).
Training
Complete an approved AIT preceptorship of at least 1,000 hours or hold a NAB HSE credential (R156-15-302a(1)).
Military service extension and renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal
Request renewal within 90 days after termination of orders, submit the official orders, and meet renewal requirements other than continuing education or training (Utah Code 71A-8-103(4)).
Service
The National Guard member, reservist or service member qualifies for an extension while on covered active duty or deployment (Utah Code 71A-8-103(1)-(3),(5)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Activation of inactive licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit a verified application for activation, the fee, and documentation of current renewal requirements (R156-1-305(4)).
Practice
Do not resume practice before the Division activates the licence (DOPL Request for Inactive License).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement within 30 days after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal Qualifications
Show compliance with the current renewal conditions and submit the form and applicable fee (R156-1-308g).
Timing
Apply within 30 days after expiration; licence was active and in good standing at expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement after a suspension or restricted or probationary expiration
Application
Submit a new-licence application and supporting evidence of current qualifications; satisfy fees, competence review and any applicable disciplinary order (R156-1-308i).
Prior Status
Reinstatement after a suspension or restricted or probationary expiration under R156-1-308i.
Relicensure after expiration beyond five years without continuous federal or other state practice
Qualification Evidence
Submit full new-licence supporting documents and pay the new-applicant fee (R156-1-308g(3)(a)).
Timing
Apply after the two-to-five-year profession-specific reinstatement window and meet current qualifications for a new licence (Utah Code 58-1-308(6)(a); R156-1-308g(3)(a)).
Reinstatement after continuous federal employment or other state licensure
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Prior Practice
Continuously practice under a U.S. government full-time position or another U.S. state or territory licence after the Utah licence expired (Utah Code 58-1-308(6)(b); R156-1-308g(3)(b)).
Timing
Apply within six months after reestablishing Utah domicile or terminating federal service and document renewal qualifications and fees (Utah Code 58-1-308(6)(b)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Reinstatement two through five years after expiration of good standing licence
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Board Form Conflict
DOPL’s v20250214 renewal form says an application more than two years after expiration must meet current initial-licensure requirements; the later governing Utah Code 58-1-308(5)(a)(ii)(B) and profession-specific R156-15-303(3) permit the five-year route.
Renewal Qualifications
Provide renewal form, renewal and reinstatement fees, CPE for each expired renewal period, and evidence of current competence requested by DOPL and Board (R156-15-303(3)).
Timing
Apply more than two but no more than five years after expiration when the licence was active and in good standing at expiration (R156-15-303(3)).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

  • general-law.pdf

    Utah Code 58-1-308(5)(a)(ii)(B) five-year extension

  • rule.html

    R156-15-303(3) profession reinstatement requirements

Reinstatement 31 days through two years after expiration
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Renewal Qualifications
Show compliance with the current renewal conditions and submit the form and applicable fee (R156-1-308g).
Timing
Apply from day 31 through two years after expiration; licence was active and in good standing at expiration.

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

Relicensure following revocation
Application
Submit a new-licence application and supporting evidence of current qualifications; satisfy fees, competence review and any applicable disciplinary order (R156-1-308j).
Prior Status
Relicensure following revocation under R156-1-308j.
Relicensure after surrender while not in good standing
Application
Submit a new-licence application and supporting evidence of current qualifications; satisfy fees, competence review and any applicable disciplinary order (R156-1-308k(2)).
Prior Status
Relicensure after surrender while not in good standing under R156-1-308k(2).
Biennial licence renewal
No examination is required for this applicant pathway.
Application
Submit renewal and document or certify compliance; DOPL may audit and condition issuance (Utah Code 58-1-308(3)-(4); R156-1-308c and 308f).
Continuing Education
Complete at least 40 hours of relevant CPE in each two-year period, subject to prorating and waiver rules (R156-15-309).
Timing
Renew by May 31 in odd-numbered years and pay the renewal fee (DOPL renewal page; R156-1-308a).

Official no-examination sources

Effective from 2026-09-22.

NAB National Core Knowledge Exam for Long-Term Care Administrators (CORE)

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Objective multiple-choice items with four response options, one correct; delivered by Pearson VUE
Exam questions
125 (100 scored, 25 non-scored pretest)
Time limit
150 minutes seat time; 2 hours 10 minutes to answer questions
Passing score
Scaled score of 113 on a 50-150 scale
Exam fee
CORE only $320; CORE and NHA combo $480 (effective 2/1/2026)
Examination outline
  • Care, Services, and Supports (39%)
    • Quality of Care: Medical and Nursing Care Practices
    • Quality of Care: Medication Management and Administration
    • Quality of Care: Disease Management (e.g., acute vs. chronic conditions)
    • Quality of Care: Nutrition and Hydration (e.g., specialized diets)
    • Quality of Care: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Independent Activities of Daily Living (IADLs)
    • Quality of Care: Rehabilitation and Restorative Programs
    • Quality of Care: Care Recipient Assessment and Interdisciplinary Care Planning
    • Quality of Care: Clinical and Medical Records and Documentation Requirements (e.g., storage, retention, destruction)
    • Quality of Care: Medical Director
    • Quality of Care: Emergency Medical Services (e.g., CPR, first aid, Heimlich maneuver, AED)
    • Quality of Care: Transition of Care (e.g., admission, move-in, transfer, discharge, and move-out)
    • Quality of Care: Basic Healthcare Terminology
    • Quality of Life: Psychosocial Needs (e.g., social, spiritual, community, cultural)
    • Quality of Life: Person-Centered Care and Comprehensive Care Planning
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient Safety (e.g., fall prevention, elopement prevention, adverse events)
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient (and Representative) Grievance, Conflict, and Dispute Resolution
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient Advocacy (e.g., Ombudsman, resident and family council)
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient Decision-Making (e.g., capacity, power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, code status, advance directives, ethical decision-making)
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient (and Representative) Satisfaction
    • Quality of Life: Recognition of Maltreatment (e.g., abuse, neglect, exploitation)
    • Quality of Life: Mental and Behavioral Health (e.g., cognitive impairment, depression, social support systems)
    • Quality of Life: Trauma-Informed Care (e.g., PTSD)
    • Quality of Life: Pain Management
    • Quality of Life: Death, Dying, and Grief
    • Quality of Life: Restraint Usage and Reduction
    • Quality of Life: Foodservice (e.g., choice and menu planning, dietary management, food storage and handling, dining services)
    • Quality of Life: Social Services Programs
    • Quality of Life: Therapeutic Recreation and Activity Programs
    • Quality of Life: Community Resources, Programs, and Agencies (e.g., meals on wheels, housing vouchers, Area Agencies on Aging, Veterans Affairs)
    • Ancillary Services: Hospice and Palliative Care
    • Ancillary Services: Specialized Medical Equipment (e.g., oxygen, durable medical equipment)
    • Ancillary Services: Transportation for Care Recipients
    • Ancillary Services: Telemedicine (e.g., e-health)
    • Ancillary Services: Diagnostic Services (e.g., radiology, lab services)
    • Ancillary Services: Dental and Oral Care Services
    • Ancillary Services: Healthcare Partners and Clinical Providers (e.g., MD/DO, Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatrist, Podiatrist, Dentist)
    • Ancillary Services: Volunteer Programs
  • Operations (37%)
    • Financial Management: Budgeting and Forecasting
    • Financial Management: Financial Analysis (e.g., ratios, profitability, debt, revenue mix, depreciation, operating margin, cash flow)
    • Financial Management: Revenue Cycle Management (e.g., billing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, collections)
    • Financial Management: Financial Statements (e.g., income/revenue statement, balance sheet, statement of cash flows, cost reporting)
    • Financial Management: Revenue and Reimbursement (e.g., PDPM, PDGM, ACOs, HMOs, Medicaid, private payors)
    • Financial Management: Financial Reporting Requirements (e.g., requirements for not-for-profit, for-profit, and governmental providers)
    • Financial Management: Integration of Clinical and Financial Systems (e.g., EMR/HER, MDS)
    • Financial Management: Internal Financial Management Controls (e.g., segregation of duties, access)
    • Financial Management: Supply-Chain Management (e.g., inventory control)
    • Financial Management: Resident Trust Accounts for Personal Funds
    • Risk Management: OSHA Rules and Regulations
    • Risk Management: Workers’ Compensation
    • Risk Management: Ethical Conduct and Standards of Practice
    • Risk Management: Compliance Programs
    • Risk Management: Risk Management Process and Programs
    • Risk Management: Quality Improvement Processes (e.g., root cause analysis, PDCA/PDSA)
    • Risk Management: Scope of Practice and Legal Liability
    • Risk Management: Internal Investigation Protocols and Techniques (e.g., incidents, adverse events)
    • Risk Management: Mandatory Reporting Requirements (e.g., incidents, adverse events, abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, fraud)
    • Risk Management: Insurance Coverage (e.g., liability, property)
    • Risk Management: Healthcare Record Requirements (e.g., confidentiality, disclosure, safeguarding, HIPAA, HITECH)
    • Risk Management: Security (e.g., cameras, monitoring systems, locks, staff location reporting)
    • Risk Management: Contracted Services (e.g., roles, responsibilities, oversight, background checks)
    • Human Resources: Federal Human Resources Laws, Rules, and Regulations (e.g., ADA, FMLA, Wage and Hour, FLSA)
    • Human Resources: Selection and Hiring Practices (e.g., EEOC, interviewing, adverse impact, protected classes, occupational qualifications)
    • Human Resources: Compensation and Benefits Programs (e.g., time off, healthcare insurance, employee pay and payroll)
    • Human Resources: Organizational Staffing Requirements and Reporting (e.g., PBJ)
    • Human Resources: Staff Certification and Licensure Requirements
    • Human Resources: Professional Development (e.g., maintenance of credentials, continuing education)
    • Human Resources: Employee Training and Orientation
    • Human Resources: Performance Evaluation
    • Human Resources: Human Resource Policies (e.g., drug-free workplace, discipline, job classification, photography and video, social media usage, mobile phone usage)
    • Human Resources: Employee Record-Keeping Requirements
    • Human Resources: Employee Grievance, Conflict, and Dispute Resolution
    • Human Resources: Employee Satisfaction, Engagement, and Retention
    • Human Resources: Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness
    • Human Resources: Labor Relations (e.g., union, collective bargaining [CBA], contract/pool staff)
  • Environment and Quality (13%)
    • Care Setting: Federal Codes and Regulations for Building, Equipment, Maintenance, and Grounds
    • Care Setting: Person-Centered Environment (e.g., home-like environment)
    • Care Setting: Safety and Accessibility (e.g., ADA, safety data sheets)
    • Care Setting: Facility Management and Environmental Services
    • Care Setting: Information Systems Infrastructure (e.g., configurations, data security, technical controls)
    • Care Setting: Preventative and Routine Maintenance Programs (e.g., pest control, equipment, mechanical systems)
    • Care Setting: Infection Control and Sanitation (e.g., linens, kitchen, hand washing, healthcare-acquired infections, hazardous materials)
    • Care Setting: Disaster and Emergency Planning, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (e.g., Appendix Z)
    • Regulatory Compliance: Federal Healthcare Laws, Rules, and Regulations
    • Regulatory Compliance: Government Programs and Entities (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, waivers)
    • Regulatory Compliance: Certification and Licensure Requirements for the Organization
  • Leadership and Strategy (11%)
    • Leadership: Organizational Structures (e.g., departments, functions, systemic processes)
    • Leadership: Organizational Change Management
    • Leadership: Organizational Behavior (e.g., organizational culture, team building, group dynamics)
    • Leadership: Leadership Principles (e.g., communication, styles, mentoring, coaching, personal professional development)
    • Leadership: Governance (e.g., board of directors, governing bodies, corporate entities, advisory boards)
    • Leadership: Professional Advocacy and Governmental Relations
    • Organizational Strategy: Mission, Vision, and Value Statements
    • Organizational Strategy: Strategic Business Planning (e.g., new lines of service, succession management, staffing pipeline)
    • Organizational Strategy: Business Analytics (e.g., evidence-based practice, data analytics)
    • Organizational Strategy: Business Development (e.g., sales, marketing, partnerships, ACOs, contracts and agreements, negotiations)
    • Organizational Strategy: Public Relations and External Stakeholders (e.g., hospitals, referrals sources, local community, donors)
Examination sources

NAB National Nursing Home Administrators Line of Service Exam (NHA)

Provider
Pearson VUE
Format
Objective multiple-choice items with four response options, one correct; delivered by Pearson VUE
Exam questions
75 (60 scored, 15 non-scored pretest)
Time limit
90 minutes seat time; 1 hour and 10 minutes to answer questions
Passing score
Scaled score of 113 on a 50-150 scale
Exam fee
NHA only $190; CORE and NHA combo $480 (effective 2/1/2026)
Examination outline
  • Care, Services, and Supports (45%)
    • Quality of Care: Medical and Nursing Care Practices
    • Quality of Care: Medication Management and Administration
    • Quality of Care: Nutrition and Hydration (e.g., specialized diets)
    • Quality of Care: Rehabilitation and Restorative Programs
    • Quality of Care: Care Recipient Assessment and Interdisciplinary Care Planning
    • Quality of Care: Clinical and Medical Records and Documentation Requirements (e.g., storage, retention, destruction)
    • Quality of Care: Medical Director
    • Quality of Care: Emergency Medical Services (e.g., CPR, first aid, Heimlich maneuver, AED)
    • Quality of Care: Transition of Care (e.g., admission, move-in, transfer, discharge, and move-out)
    • Quality of Life: Psychosocial Needs (e.g., social, spiritual, community, cultural)
    • Quality of Life: Person-Centered Care and Comprehensive Care Planning
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient Safety (e.g., fall prevention, elopement prevention, adverse events)
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient (and Representative) Grievance, Conflict, and Dispute Resolution
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient Advocacy (e.g., Ombudsman, resident and family council)
    • Quality of Life: Care Recipient Decision-Making (e.g., capacity, power of attorney, guardianship, conservatorship, code status, advance directives, ethical decision-making)
    • Quality of Life: Recognition of Maltreatment (e.g., abuse, neglect, exploitation)
    • Quality of Life: Mental and Behavioral Health (e.g., cognitive impairment, depression, social support systems)
    • Quality of Life: Trauma-Informed Care (e.g., PTSD)
    • Quality of Life: Pain Management
    • Quality of Life: Death, Dying, and Grief
    • Quality of Life: Restraint Usage and Reduction
    • Quality of Life: Foodservice (e.g., choice and menu planning, dietary management, food storage and handling, dining services)
    • Quality of Life: Social Services Programs
    • Quality of Life: Therapeutic Recreation and Activity Programs
    • Ancillary Services: Hospice and Palliative Care
    • Ancillary Services: Transportation for Care Recipients
    • Ancillary Services: Diagnostic Services (e.g., radiology, lab services)
    • Ancillary Services: Dental and Oral Care Services
    • Ancillary Services: Healthcare Partners and Clinical Providers (e.g., MD/DO, Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatrist, Podiatrist, Dentist)
    • Ancillary Services: Volunteer Programs
  • Operations (28%)
    • Financial Management: Revenue and Reimbursement (e.g., PDPM, PDGM, ACOs, HMOs, Medicaid, private payors)
    • Financial Management: Financial Reporting Requirements (e.g., requirements for not-for-profit, for-profit, and governmental providers)
    • Financial Management: Integration of Clinical and Financial Systems (e.g., EMR/EHR, MDS)
    • Financial Management: Resident Trust Accounts for Personal Funds
    • Risk Management: OSHA Rules and Regulations
    • Risk Management: Compliance Programs
    • Risk Management: Scope of Practice and Legal Liability
    • Risk Management: Internal Investigation Protocols and Techniques (e.g., incidents, adverse events)
    • Risk Management: Mandatory Reporting Requirements (e.g., incidents, adverse events, abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, fraud)
    • Risk Management: Healthcare Record Requirements (e.g., confidentiality, disclosure, safeguarding, HIPAA, HITECH)
    • Risk Management: Security (e.g., cameras, monitoring systems, locks, staff location reporting)
    • Risk Management: Contracted Services (e.g., roles, responsibilities, oversight, background checks)
    • Human Resources: Organizational Staffing Requirements and Reporting (e.g., PBJ)
    • Human Resources: Staff Certification and Licensure Requirements
    • Human Resources: Professional Development (e.g., maintenance of credentials, continuing education)
    • Human Resources: Employee Training and Orientation
    • Human Resources: Performance Evaluation
    • Human Resources: Employee Record-Keeping Requirements
    • Human Resources: Cultural Competence and Diversity Awareness
  • Environment and Quality (27%)
    • Care Setting: Federal Codes and Regulations for Building, Equipment, Maintenance, and Grounds
    • Care Setting: Person-Centered Environment (e.g., home-like environment)
    • Care Setting: Safety and Accessibility (e.g., ADA, safety data sheets)
    • Care Setting: Facility Management and Environmental Services
    • Care Setting: Preventative and Routine Maintenance Programs (e.g., pest control, equipment, mechanical systems)
    • Care Setting: Infection Control and Sanitation (e.g., linens, kitchen, hand washing, healthcare-acquired infections, hazardous materials)
    • Care Setting: Disaster and Emergency Planning, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery (e.g., Appendix Z)
    • Regulatory Compliance: Federal Healthcare Laws, Rules, and Regulations
    • Regulatory Compliance: Government Programs and Entities (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid, waivers)
    • Regulatory Compliance: Certification and Licensure Requirements for the Organization
    • Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory Survey and Inspection Process
    • Regulatory Compliance: Procedures for Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR)
    • Regulatory Compliance: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Measures
    • Regulatory Compliance: Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI)
    • Regulatory Compliance: Bed-Hold Requirements
    • Regulatory Compliance: Pre-Admission Screening Annual Review (PASRR)
    • Regulatory Compliance: Facility Assessment
Examination sources