Vermont Nursing Home Administrator — Requirements & Free Practice
US-VT · License preparation
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Nursing Home Administrator License
License to administer a Vermont nursing home.
Licensing authority: Vermont Office of Professional Regulation · Application information
Licensure by endorsement
- Application
- Online application, fee, and verification from initial and most recent licensing jurisdictions.
- Board Nab Request
- February 2026 Board application instructions also request NAB written-examination results; 18 V.S.A. §2059 and Rule 2.5 allow qualifying endorsement without the written proficiency examination.
- Continuing Education
- Board asks for 40 hours of NAB-approved continuing education, or 20 hours in the first half of the biennium.
- Education
- Board asks for bachelor degree transcripts.
- Prior License
- Current good-standing nursing home administrator license in another jurisdiction with substantially equivalent standards.
Initial licensure by examination
- Age
- At least 18.
- Application
- Online application, fee, transcripts, AIT records, NAB results, and Vermont answer sheet.
- Education
- Accredited bachelor degree; Director may consider licensed administrator experience instead.
- Fitness
- Mentally and physically able to perform the role.
- Training
- Director-approved administrator-in-training program of 1,000 hours; Director may waive or reduce for relevant practical experience.
Fast Track Endorsement
- Application
- Online application, fee, license verifications, and Vermont answer sheet.
- Practice
- Active good-standing license or certification in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least three years before application.
- Waiver
- Director may waive the practice requirement if State policy and public protection allow.
Reinstatement after lapse exceeding five years
- Director Discretion
- 3 V.S.A. §135(b) permits the Director to find retained competency sufficient or require reexamination or reapplication.
- Fees
- Renewal and reinstatement charges may apply.
- Threshold
- Rule 3.2 says more than five years; 3 V.S.A. §135(b) says five or more years of absence from practice.
Reinstatement after lapse shorter than five years
- Continuing Education
- Verify education for the last renewal period or qualify for a less burdensome showing permitted by the Director.
- Fees
- Pay renewal fee and applicable late penalty.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-27.
- Administrative Rules for Nursing Home Administrators
Rule 3.2, lapse within five years
- 3 V.S.A. Chapter 5
3 V.S.A. §135(a), absence under five years
Biennial renewal
- Application
- Submit renewal application, fee, and education evidence before expiration.
- Continuing Education
- Complete applicable continuing education, up to 40 hours per biennium.
Official no-examination sources
Effective from 2026-09-27.
- 18 V.S.A. Chapter 46
18 V.S.A. §2057(b), renewal
- Administrative Rules for Nursing Home Administrators
Rule 3.1(a), renewal
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 Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 NAB examination specifications table, heading
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, Domain 1 row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, Domain 2 row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, Domain 3 row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, Domain 4 row
- NAB CORE Domains of Practice (2022)
p.1 title
- NAB CORE Domains of Practice (2022)
page footer
- NAB CORE Domains of Practice (2022)
p.1 item 1A1
- NAB CORE Domains of Practice (2022)
p.4 item 4B5
- NAB Domains of Practice page
Domains of Practice page, 2022 vs. 2026 table, 2022 column heading
- NAB Domains of Practice page
Domains of Practice page, current domains download paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.17 Exam question types
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.17 Answering exam questions
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.18 Score reporting, scaled score paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.17 Answering exam questions, pretest paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.8 Exam structure, CORE paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.6 CORE description, timing
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.11 Exam fees, first paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.8 Exam structure, readmission sentence
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.8 Exam structure, consecutive scheduling paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.17 Answering exam questions, combo exam note
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.11 National exam fees table, CORE only row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.11 National exam fees table, CORE and NHA row
- NAB Exam Information page
Exam Information, February 2026 fee notice
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
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 NAB examination specifications table, heading
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, Domain 1 row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, Domain 2 row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, Domain 3 row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, Domain 4 row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.16 specifications table, note
- NAB Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Domains of Practice (2022)
p.1 title
- NAB Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Domains of Practice (2022)
page footer
- NAB Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Domains of Practice (2022)
p.1 item 1A1
- NAB Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Domains of Practice (2022)
p.3 item 3B10
- NAB Domains of Practice page
Domains of Practice page, 2022 vs. 2026 table, 2022 column heading
- NAB Domains of Practice page
Domains of Practice page, current domains download paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.17 Exam question types
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.17 Answering exam questions
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.18 Score reporting, scaled score paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.17 Answering exam questions, pretest paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.8 Exam structure, multiple-choice paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.6 NHA description, question count
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.6 NHA description, timing
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.11 Exam fees, first paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.8 Exam structure, readmission sentence
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.8 Exam structure, consecutive scheduling paragraph
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.17 Answering exam questions, combo exam note
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.11 National exam fees table, NHA only row
- NAB Candidate Handbook (Pearson VUE publication #619900)
p.11 National exam fees table, CORE and NHA row
- NAB Exam Information page
Exam Information, February 2026 fee notice
Vermont Nursing Home Administrator Jurisprudence Examination #1
- Format
- Open book; upload answer sheet
- Exam questions
- 25
- Passing score
- At most five incorrect answers
Examination outline
- Administrative Rules for Nursing Home Administrators
- 18 V.S.A. Chapter 46, Nursing Home Administrators
- 3 V.S.A. Chapter 5, Subchapter III, Professional Regulation
- Licensing and Operating Rules for Nursing Homes
Examination sources
- Administrative Rules for Nursing Home Administrators
Rule 2.4(b), state jurisprudence scope
- Nursing Home Administrator Jurisprudence Examination #1
Page 1, study references
- Nursing Home Administrator Jurisprudence Examination #1
Page 1, directions 1-3
- Nursing Home Administrator Jurisprudence Examination #1
Page 2, answer sheet
- Nursing Home Administrator Jurisprudence Examination #1
Page 1, directions 1-2
- Administrative Rules for Nursing Home Administrators
Rule 2.4(d)