How to Become a Certified Assisted Living Administrator in Georgia (GA)

If you’re passionate about senior care and want to take your career to the next level, becoming a Certified Assisted Living Administrator in Georgia is a great way to make a lasting impact. Administrators play a key role in managing staff, ensuring residents’ safety, maintaining compliance, and keeping facilities running smoothly.

Whether you’re new to the field or already working in senior living, this guide will walk you through each step of the process to become certified in Georgia.

1. Understand the Role

An Assisted Living Administrator oversees the daily operations of an assisted living community or personal care home. Responsibilities include:

• Managing staff schedules and training

• Ensuring compliance with state regulations

• Overseeing resident care and safety

• Managing budgets and facility maintenance

• Communicating with families and healthcare professionals

It’s a leadership position that requires both compassion and strong management skills.

2. Meet the Basic Requirements

Before you apply, make sure you meet Georgia’s eligibility standards set by the Georgia State Board of Long-Term Care Facility Administrators (GSBLTCA):

• Be at least 21 years old

• Be of reputable and responsible character

• Be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization

You’ll also need to show that you have the education, training, and experience required for the license (explained next).

3. Complete the Required Education and Training

Georgia requires administrators to complete a Board-approved pre-licensure training program. One of the most recognized options is the Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) Course offered by the Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA).

The CALA Course includes:

• At least 14 hours of training approved by the state

• Topics covering leadership, ethics, staffing, safety, and resident care

• A written exam at the end of the program

This training gives you the foundation you need to manage an assisted living community effectively and prepares you for the licensing process.

4. Gain Experience in the Field

Georgia requires applicants to have at least one year of full-time experience in one of the following:

• Working in a healthcare facility (such as a nursing home, assisted living community, or hospital), or

• Supervisory or managerial experience outside the healthcare field

This experience helps ensure you’re familiar with leadership, operations, and staff management — all crucial skills for administrators.

5. Pass the Required Exam

After completing your training, you’ll need to pass the national Resident Care/Assisted Living (RCAL) Exam, administered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB).

The exam covers:

• Resident care and services

• Human resources

• Financial management

• Physical environment and safety

• Leadership and management

Passing this exam demonstrates that you understand the responsibilities and regulations involved in managing an assisted living community.

6. Apply for Licensure

Once you’ve completed training and passed the exam, it’s time to apply for your license.

You can download the application from the Georgia Secretary of State’s website under the Board of Long-Term Care Facility Administrators section.

Your application will typically include:

• Proof of identity and age

• Completion certificate for the 14-hour course

• Exam results (NAB RCAL)

• Documentation of work experience

• Application fee

Make sure all documents are complete and accurate before submission — incomplete applications can delay your approval.

7. Maintain Your License

Once licensed, administrators in Georgia must renew their licenses periodically and complete continuing education (CEU) hours to stay current with laws, ethics, and management practices.

The Georgia Senior Living Association (GSLA) and other training providers offer CEU courses throughout the year to help you meet these requirements and enhance your leadership skills.

8. Career Outlook and Benefits

Becoming a Certified Assisted Living Administrator opens doors to leadership roles in senior living and long-term care. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead a team that improves residents’ quality of life

• Earn a competitive salary with room for advancement

• Make a difference in your community

With Georgia’s aging population growing rapidly, skilled administrators are in high demand across the state.

Becoming a certified assisted living administrator in Georgia is a rewarding journey that combines education, experience, and leadership.

Here’s a quick recap of the steps:

1. Meet basic eligibility requirements

2. Complete an approved 14-hour administrator training course (like GSLA’s CALA)

3. Gain one year of supervisory or healthcare experience

4. Pass the NAB RCAL exam

5. Apply for licensure through the Georgia Board

6. Maintain your license through continuing education

Once you’re licensed, you’ll have the credentials and confidence to manage an assisted living community successfully — and make a meaningful impact on the lives of residents and their families.

If you want to become an Assisted Living Administrator or plan to open a new Assisted Living Facility in Georgia, ALF Consultants can guide you through every step — from training and licensing to compliance and setup.

We make the process simple, stress-free, and fully compliant with Georgia state requirements.

👉 Contact ALF Consultants today to start your journey toward becoming a certified administrator or launching your own ALF!