ARF & RCFE Frequently Asked Questions

Adult Residential Facilities (ARF) are facilities of any capacity that provide 24-hour non-medical care for adults ages 18 through 59, who are unable to provide for their own daily needs. Adults may be physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, and/or mentally disabled.

The first step is to register for a Relias Academy certification class near you. After you have attended one of our ARF Administrator Certification classes you must take and pass the state exam. Note: In addition to the basic administrator certification training requirements, ARF Administrators are required to complete 4 hours of HIV and TB training every 2 years. The final step is to submit your application to the Department of Social Services to receive your certification.

Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) provide care, supervision and assistance with activities of daily living to persons 60 years of age and over. RCFEs may also be known as assisted living communities, retirement homes and board and care homes. They can range in size from six beds or less to over 100 beds. The residents in these facilities require varying levels of personal care and supervision.

Becoming a Certified Administrator is a great way to advance your career. The first step is to register for one of our RCFE Administrator certification classes. Effective January 2016, applicants for RCFE administrator certification must now complete 80-hours to receive certification. Relias Academy RCFE certification course includes 20 hours of online courses and 6 days of in-class live training to cover the remaining 60 hours. Beginning November 1, 2017, the online 20 hours must be completed prior to attending the first day of the live RCFE Initial Certification Training Program to receive the official 80-hour Certificate of Completion. Once you have completed our certification program you must take and pass the state exam. The final step is to submit your application to the Department of Social Services to receive your certification.

To become a Certified RCFE Administrator you must meet the qualifications outlined in regulation 87405. And to be certified as an ARF Administrator you must meet the qualifications outlined in regulation 85064. For both, this includes being at least 21 years of age; having a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent; and having the knowledge and ability to meet regulatory requirements and provide care and supervision. Administrators in communities of more than 15 residents must meet.

Relias Academy has been providing education and training for assisted living and residential care providers for over 30 years. Our Department of social services-approved Administrator Certification Courses are instructed by a team of experienced professionals and nurses. Our courses not only address the state exam, they also cover current client care issues, including medications, staffing, clinical needs management and regulations. Since our founding in 1984, we've helped over 100,000 administrators and senior care professionals meet their training and compliance needs.

The facility licensure process is different from the Administrator Certification process. Think of it this way: The Administrator (person) is certified, the facility (building/property) is licensed.