The American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA) is reviving two key certification programs online: the Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) and advanced Certification for Nursing Home Administrators (CNHA) programs. Both programs are expected to go live during ACHCA’s 56th Annual Convocation and Expo, scheduled for April 24-27 in Baltimore.

The new and improved credentials are designed to demonstrate mastery of content at an advanced practice level, rather than an entry-of-practice exam. The certification exams test professionals in five distinct domains: care services and supports; operations; environment and quality; and leadership and strategy— all part of the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) domains of practice. The fifth domain is designated as a “catch all” for content that doesn’t fit neatly into one of the other four domains.

ACHCA President and CEO, Bob Lane, said that the certification exam results will provide a “natural professional development path” for individuals and organizations. It also will provide an avenue for recertification for those who previously were certified under the old programs.

The new programs will be proctored through a secure online platform designed by Pathway Health, offering candidates more flexibility to test when and where it is convenient for them. ACHCA will also be developing study guides to assist test-takers as they prepare for the exams.

The organization also is pursuing two additional credentials, Certified Post-Acute Care Executive, which may include content related to population health and data analytics, as well as a Home- and Community-Based Services Administrator credential that would be differentiated from the CALA credential.

Click here for more information about the certification programs.