State Licensure

Every nursing home in the country that provides Medicare and Medicaid services must operate under the supervision of a licensed administrator. Nursing Home Administrators are licensed by the states.

Every state requires that applicants for licensure pass the national licensing exam. The national licensing exam is also referred to as the “NAB” exam as the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) develops the exam and sets the passing scores.

The national exam is computer-based and is administered by the states at testing centers around the country. The state licensing boards set the eligibility requirements for the national exam and most require that an administrator take the state licensing exam as well.

Many states’ licensure requirements include holding a baccalaureate degree and completion of an Administrator-in-Training (AIT) program. AIT programs are typically 6 months or 1,000 hours long. Most states' re-licensure requirements include obtaining 20-50 continuing education credits each year.

ACHCA is an excellent resource for professional development programs that offer NHA continuing education credit that can be applied toward re-licensure.

Click here to find specific state licensing agencies and boards.  The National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) provides specific state contact information and NHA requirements, click here to view.  Please note that if you have specific questions contact the state licensing agencies or boards directly.