Step-by-Step RCFE Certification Process

A Retirement Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) career path can be challenging and rewarding, so making sure caretakers and administrators are well prepared is at the forefront of the field. Obtaining an RCFE certification involves several necessary steps to ensure an excellent quality of care for the residents.

Enroll in a Certification Program

Certified RCFE programs must meet the state requirements for training, including the number of total training hours (both online and in-person training) and the content of the training. Through the program, future administrators should complete 80 total hours of training and staff should complete 40 hours. Topics typically include direct resident care, regulations, medication self-administration assistance and dementia care. Completion of a qualified program will allow the future administrator to apply to take the state RCFE certification exam.

Complete the State Certification Exam

The state exam for training administrators is a standardized test that consists of 100 questions.  Administered by the Department of Social Services, passing this exam with a minimum of 70% is required to move on in the process. If the exam is not passed to satisfaction the first time, the student is allowed to retake the exam within a 60-day period.

Pass a Background Check

In most circumstances, a background check will be conducted before the certification is approved. Any criminal convictions typically need to be explained with a signed letter. Additionally, eligibility rules will also need to be met. An administrator needs to be at least 21-years old with a completed high school diploma, whereas staff members must be 18 years old. For facilities with beds over 15, additional college credits are needed.

Pay Fees and File for the Certificate

If testing was successful, the candidate will receive a congratulatory letter in the mail. A copy of this letter, along with the applicable fees and forms, will need to be submitted in order to complete the RCFE certification process.  The state requires a fee of $100 written to the Department of Social Services.

The field of residential care and assisted living administration is rapidly growing, and the RCFE certification is the first step toward this fulfilling career.