Administrator Certification Bureau (ACB)
ABOUT ACB
The ACB supports prospective and current administrators by proctoring mandated administrator exams, processing initial and renewal administrator applications, and ensures overall compliance of Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) approved, third-party program training vendors to promote the health, safety, and well-being of vulnerable California residents in licensed Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE), Adult Residential Facilities (ARF), Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTP), and Group Homes (GH).
ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The following resources provide guidance to prospective and current administrators regarding the administrator certification process:
CCLD CONSIDERATIONS FOR CERTIFIED ADMINISTRATORS
The CCLD has offered the following considerations to provide some relief to the provider community as related to the ACB applications backlog.
- FOR FACILITY LICENSE APPROVAL
- When an administrator is associated to a pending facility licensure (initial or change of ownership), the administrator’s application is expedited, and certification approval is conducted along with licensure approval. This is done through internal coordination with Children's’ Residential Program (CRP) or Adult and Senior Care Program (ASCP), Regional Offices (RO) or Centralized Applications Bureau (CAB).
If this situation applies to you or if you have questions about the pending facility licensure, please contact CAB or your assigned CRP RO
- FOR CRITICAL NEED
- If there is a critical need for certification approval (for example if services from a partner agency, such as the county or Regional Center, is at risk of being disrupted; or residents are at risk of relocation as a result of a pending certification renewal; or if a new administrator needs to be onboarded immediately), your local Regional Office may request to expedite certification on the administrator’s behalf.
If this situation applies to you, please contact the assigned LPA for the licensed facility to discuss the critical need. If the RO determines that an expedite certification approval is necessary, they will send the request to ACB on your behalf.
- FOR FACILITY INSPECTIONS
- During the course of a facility inspection, if the administrator certificate is expired and the licensee can validate the submission of a renewal certificate application, the LPA should take into consideration whether a citation is warranted. Each citation should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis including the facility and administrator’s history of compliance.
If this situation applies to you, please consult with the assigned LPA to discuss questions or concerns with regards to a citation related to an expired administrator certificate.
Past Webinars
The ACB has hosted webinars for administrators, providers, and community partners. You may access recordings and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) obtained during the webinars by clicking the links below:
Administrator Certification Bureau Vendor Webinar, May 29, 2025
Topics: Website enhancements, Vendor Automation Platform updates, course monitoring, course and certificate reminders, and policy updates.
- Recording (Coming soon)
- FAQ (Coming soon)
Administrator Certification Bureau Webinar, March 20, 2025
Topics: Online Application Portal updates, application processing timelines, website enhancements, and certification reminders
Administrator Certification Bureau Webinar, December 19, 2024
Topics: Online Application Portal updates, application processing timelines, website enhancements, and RCFE regulations.
Administrator Certification Bureau Vendor Webinar, November 13, 2024
Topics: ACB reorganization, course monitoring, certificate reminders, and substantive changes in Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) regulations.
ACB Quarterly Webinar, September 24, 2024
Topics: Application processing updates; Online Application Portal updates; website enhancements.
ACB Quarterly Webinar, June 4, 2024
Topics: Application processing updates; Online Application Portal updates; website enhancements.
ACB Webinar, December 12, 2023
Topics: Application processing updates; Online Application Portal walkthrough.
ACB Webinar, July 19, 2023
Topics: Assembly Bill 120; CCLD Considerations; website enhancements; Online Application Portal overview.
Administrator Certification Program Fees
Administrator Certification Fees
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Application
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Fee Amount
|
|
Administrator Initial Application
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$140
|
|
Administrator Renewal Application
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$140
|
|
Administrator Examination Fee
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$100
|
Vendor Application Fees
|
Application
|
Fee Amount
|
|
Vendor Initial Application, Initial Certification Training Program (ICTP)
|
$210
|
|
Vendor Renewal Application (ICTP)
|
$210
|
|
Vendor Initial Application, Continuing Education Training Program (CETP)
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$140
|
|
Vendor Renewal Application (CETP)
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$140
|
|
Vendor Course Fees (CETP)
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$10 per unit
|
Laws in Health & Safety Code (HSC) for Administrator Certification
Regulations in California Code of Regulations (CCR) and STRTP Interim Licensing Standards (ILS) for Administrator Certification
Regulations for Administrator Certification Training Programs Vendors
The historical rulemaking file for the regulation updates can be found at: