Become an Adult Residential Facility Administrator

Get Certified Today! Enroll in Our ARF Initial Administrator Training Program Now.

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What is an Adult Residential Facility (ARF)?

An Adult Residential Facility (ARF) provides essential, non-medical residential care to adults who require assistance with activities of daily living. In California, these facilities undergo a rigorous certification process overseen by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD). This certification is a critical measure to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of residents.

 

How do I get Started?

Before you begin your journey to become an ARF administrator, double check to make sure that you meet the qualifications outlined by the California Title 22 Regulations:

  • Administrators must be at least 21 years old.
  • Administrators must possess a high school diploma or GED.
  • Additional experience and/or education requirements may be needed for facilities larger than 6 clients:
    • 7-15 clients: One year of residential care experience.
    • 16-49 clients: One year of experience or 15 college/continuing education units.
    • 50+ clients: Three years of experience (with one year in direct care/administration) or 60 college/continuing education units.

Step 1:

The California Department of Social Services mandates 35 hours of initial training for all Adult Residential Facility administrators—and we’ve got you covered! Community Training Connection’s ARF Initial Certification Training Program delivers the exact 35 hours of state-required curriculum, but we don’t stop there.

  • Complete State-Approved Curriculum: Master every critical topic with our expert-led instruction, ensuring you’re fully prepared for certification. 
  • Your Essential Resource Kit: Receive a professionally printed and bound comprehensive training manual to accompany our course and a complete set of Title 22 Regulations, your go-to resources for ongoing success. 
  • Maximize Your Learning: Utilize our targeted study materials to streamline learning and boost confidence. 
  • Post-Certification Support: Access the required 5 hours of HIV and Infectious Disease training after certification, fulfilling your Community Care Licensing Division requirement.

Don’t just meet the requirements—exceed them!

Community Training Connection provides the tools and resources you need to become a certified ARF administrator and excel in your career. Enroll today and take the first step towards a rewarding and impactful future.

Register Now!

Step 2:

Within 60 days after completing the initial training course, register for the Administrator Certification exam. This 90 minute, 75 question exam is administered using a combined web-conferencing and web exam application via Blackboard.

The current registration process begins with your registration request submitted via email. Once the registration request is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with your three (3) exam dates and times, plus details on what to expect on exam day.

You can find all of the exam details on the Community Care Licensing Website.

Step 3:

Once your exam dates are confirmed via email, don’t forget to pay the non-refundable $100 exam fee by check or money order to “CDSS-ACB”. You’ll need to mail this form to:

CDSS-ACB

744 P Street, MS 9-15-807

Sacramento, CA 95814

Step 4:

The certification exam allows for 3 attempts. If you do not pass within those 3 attempts, you will have to restart the process. Once you pass, you will be notified directly via email by ACB.

We are committed to your success, and those who have taken our course will receive a significant discount for re-enrollment.

Step 5:

Within 30 days of passing the exam, you’ll need to submit your application package. You can download the official application form from a variety of places, but we have it here for your convenience.

You’ll notice right away that this form is used for initial administrator applications as well as certificate renewals, luckily, the second page contains instructions for both uses.

You’ll need to include the following:

  • Application for Administrator Certification, form LIC 9214 (The form above!)
  • A check or money order for $140 payable to the Department of Social Services
  • A copy of your Certificate of Completion
  • A completed Request for Livescan Service, form LIC 9163
    • You’ll get this after the request is completed at your local Livescan location
    • NOTE: Do not wait for your Live Scan results to submit your application. Your clearance information will be sent directly to CDSS.

CTC always recommends mailing things to CCLD with tracked mail.

Step 6:

CCLD processes applications in the order that they are received and can sometimes take quite some time to review but once your application is received you can track the status using this page on their website.

As soon as an application is received, ACB immediately processes the application payment. This does not mean that ACB is processing your application. This means that the ACB has received your application.

The ACB typically begins processing of applications within 30 days of receipt.

Once your application is approved, or denied, you’ll be notified via email directly.

Get Started with Your ARF Initial Administrator Training Today!

Register Now!

Have questions? Contact us for guidance.

Have Questions? Our FAQ can help!

What's the Difference Between an ARF and RCFE?

ARFs (Adult Residential Facilities):

  • Serve adults aged 18 to 59.
  • Focus on providing care for adults with disabilities or conditions that require assistance with daily living.
  • Address the needs of younger adults who cannot live independently.

RCFEs (Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly):

  • Serve individuals aged 60 and older.
  • Specialize in providing care for elderly adults with varying levels of cognitive or physical impairment.
  • Tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults.

What's the Difference Between a Certificate and a License?

Many people confuse Certification with a License, but they serve different purposes:

  • Certification: This is required for the individuals who want to become Administrators and oversee the daily operations of a facility. You must complete an administrator training program and pass an exam to receive certification.
  • License: This is required if you want to own and operate a Residential Facility in California. Getting a facility licensed involves meeting state requirements, submitting an application, and passing a facility inspection.

If you want to work as an administrator, you need certification. If you plan to own a facility, your building needs a license. 

We offer expert licensing application consultation packages to simplify the process. Contact us to get started!

Can I Get an Extension?

If for a good cause (e.g., death in immediate family, required fulfillment of military service or other civic duty) you cannot meet the timelines for the exam and/or application submission, you may request an extension within the allowed timeframes.

Use the Extension Request Form

If you have been granted an extension, include the approval letter in your application packet submission

Can I Expedite the Process?

Applicants may submit an expedite request for their application if they have a qualifying event.

Check their list of information regarding qualifying events and instructions

How Do I Keep My Certificate Valid?

Administrators must complete 40 hours of continuing education every 2 years, including 4 CEUs on laws and regulations. These hours must relate to facility operations and can be obtained through approved courses, with up to half allowed as self-paced training.

Recertification requires submitting an application, proof of completed hours, and a fee before the certificate expires. Late recertification within four years incurs a higher fee, and after four years, the administrator must restart the entire certification process.

We offer a wide variety of flexible options for Continuing Education that you can learn more about here.

Need More Help? Contact Us!