Nursing Home Administrator Licensure Program Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the Nursing Home Administrator Licensure Application?

The Nursing Home Administrator Licensure Application can be found on the New York State Department of Health website at: www.health.ny.gov/professionals/nursing_home_administrator/licensure_program/application.htm

How much does it cost to apply for a nursing home administrator license?

There is a $40 fee associated with the Nursing Home Administrator Licensure Application.

I am a licensed nursing home administrator in another state. Can I become licensed in New York State through reciprocity?

No. There is no reciprocity for licensed nursing home administrators in New York State. To be considered for licensure in New York State, you must submit a Nursing Home Administrator Licensure Application to demonstrate that you meet all of the licensure qualifications and requirements established by the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators in New York State. If you hold a nursing home administrator license issued by another state, the examination requirement in New York State may be waived.

If I have been charged with or convicted of a crime, can I still apply to become licensed nursing home administrator in New York State?

Yes. However, the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators must determine that there is nothing in your background that may affect your ability to carry out the responsibilities of a nursing home administrator in a professional, competent and ethical manner. Through the application process, your character and suitability to hold a license will be assessed based on a review of your responses (and related documentation) to a number of questions in the application.

Can I submit my application before I meet all of the qualifications?

Yes. However, you should be aware that applications remain active for five years from the date of receipt. Any deficiencies in your application must be addressed by the application expiration date.

How long will it take for my application to be reviewed?

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. The timeframe for review will vary based on the volume of applications received.

How do I know if the 15 credit hours of course work required to satisfy Qualification 3 are acceptable?

A listing of accredited educational institutions that offer course work to satisfy Qualification 3 can be viewed at Accredited Educational Institutions (PDF). The Board will also consider other relevant course work from accredited educational institutions.

Is a copy of my transcript acceptable to support my degree and course work?

No. Your degree(s) and course work being claimed must be supported by an official transcript sent by the academic institution. Electronic transcripts are acceptable.

I am looking for a training site and a preceptor to complete my Administrator-In-Training Program (Internship). Is there a listing of approved training sites and/or preceptors?

No. Given the variables in training site and preceptor criteria, there is no "approved" listing of training sites or preceptors available to applicants. Applicants are responsible for contacting prospective facilities and preceptors to secure an internship. To begin this process, a listing of skilled nursing facilities in New York State may be found on the Nursing Home Profiles. This information is provided as a resource to applicants, but in no way guarantees the availability or acceptability of any internship.

Does my Administrator-In-Training Program (Internship) need to be unpaid?

No. The internship may be paid or unpaid. Any financial arrangement entered into by the preceptor and intern are the sole responsibility of those individuals and not the responsibility of the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators.

Does the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators administer the Nursing Home Administrator Licensing Examination?

No. New York State contracts with the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Board (NAB) to utilize its Nursing Home Administrator Licensing Examination. The examination developed by NAB is the only examination approved by the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators for licensure as a nursing home administrator in New York State.

How much does it cost to take the examination?

Information related to the examination can be found at www.nabweb.org.

What if I fail the examination?

Candidates are eligible to sit for the examination for five years from the date of approval of their application. During this period, you may sit for a maximum of three examinations. You must receive a passing score on both components of the examination. If you do not receive a passing score on one or both components of the examination by your third attempt, and you wish to retake the examination after the five-year period of eligibility, you will be required to reapply and requalify under the (then) current laws, rules and regulations.

How do I register my license?

Every licensee must register with the Department of Health. If you receive a passing score on both components of the examination, you will be provided with information on how to register with the Department of Health as a licensed nursing home administrator. Upon receipt and review of your registration information, your license and Certificate of Registration will be issued.

How often does my registration need to be renewed?

Registrations are renewed biennially.

How much does is cost to renew my registration?

There is a $40 fee associated with the Application for Registration as a Nursing Home Administrator. If you are applying in the second year of the biennial period, the fee is $20. A late fee in the amount of $5 per month for each month (or part thereof) past the expiration date of your current registration will apply (not to exceed $120).

What is the continuing education requirement to renew my registration?

You must complete continuing education consisting of a minimum of 48 clock hours, unless directed otherwise. The clock hour requirement for your first renewal or license reactivation will be prorated based on the month (within the two-year registration period) in which you became licensed or reactivate your license.

How do I know if the continuing education clock hours I completed are acceptable for renewal or reactivation?

Continuing education standards can be found on the Registration Renewal page.

Can I complete my continuing education through distance learning?

Yes. There is no limit on the number of distance learning course clock hours than can be claimed toward satisfying the continuing education requirement. However, the course(s) must be pre-approved by a designated continuing education provider.

Do I need to submit documentation to support all continuing education being claimed?

No. You must self-certify that the continuing education information reported as part of your application is true and accurate. However, all information contained in the application is subject to audit/verification by the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators. You are responsible for obtaining documentation from the sponsor to support all continuing education completed. If your application is identified for audit, you will be notified and requested to submit documentation to support all continuing education being claimed.

Can I submit my Application for Registration as a Nursing Home Administrator electronically?

No. Applications must contain your notarized signature and must be submitted through standard mail.

Can I inactivate my license?

Yes. You may submit a written request to the Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators to place your license into inactive status.

Is there a fee to verify my licensed status?

No. The Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators will verify your licensed status without a fee.

I lost my Certificate of Registration. Can I order a replacement?

Yes. Upon satisfactory evidence that your Certificate of Registration has been lost, mutilated or destroyed, a duplicate certificate may be issued upon the payment of a fee of $10.

How do I contact the Bureau of Professional Credentialing?

Credentialing Specialists are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-877-1827. You may also send an e-mail to profcred@health.ny.gov. Please note that many of your questions may be answered on this or related pages.