NAB Core and RCAL
The national NAB exams are competency-based assessments that are developed to protect the public by ensuring that entry-level administrators/directors have mastered a specific body of knowledge necessary for competent practice within the profession. NAB develops and administers examinations across the continuum of long-term care. All of the items on the examinations are objective, multiple-choice questions, having four answer choices of which only one is the correct response. The Examination Content covers four content areas or domains:
- Care, Services, and Supports
- Operations
- Environment and Quality
- Leadership and Strategy
The NAB exams include the Core of Knowledge examination for long-term Care Administrators/Directors (CORE) and the Residential Care/Assisted Living Administrators/Directors (RCAL) line of service examination.
NAB Core of Knowledge (CORE) Exam
The CORE exam is used to demonstrate mastery of the foundation of skills and knowledge for all lines of service across the senior living and health services continuum. The CORE has 125-questions and the candidate is given two hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam.
Residential Care Assisted Living (RC/AL) Exam
The RC/AL line of service exam measures the entry-level knowledge which is specific to residential care/assisted living administrators. The RC/AL examination is a required component of licensure in several states. The RC/AL has 75-questions and the candidate is given one hour and 30 minutes to complete the exam.
How to Apply for Exams
You must have an active application for licensure on file with BELTSS.
To apply for the NAB exams -
1.You will need submit the NAB online application at https://www.nabweb.org/seeking-licensure/exam-info.
- First time users to the NAB system will have to create an account on NAB's website and complete the account profile which includes sections for personal information, work history and education.
2. Make sure you select 'Minnesota' as your jurisdiction when you are submitting your exam applications. You will be allowed to sit for your exams after the BELTSS reviews your application submission and ensures your coursework is complete. Applicants do not need to notify us; BELTSS is automatically notified by NAB when a submission is received. If it is necessary BELTSS will reach out to an applicant using the contact information in their BELTSS Online Portal profile.
NOTE: Please make sure your contact information is up to date!
3. Once BELTSS approves your exam application you will be authorized to schedule an appointment to take your exams.
- The scheduling link and instructions email will be sent to you by NAB-PSI.
- Find a location close to you at PSI Online. NAB is unable to schedule exams. In order to avoid scheduling delays, please contact PSI directly.
4. After scheduling your examination appointment online, you will receive an email confirmation from no-reply@psiexams.com. This will contain the test date, time, test center address and directions.
Please review NAB's website for more information about exam scheduling, click here.
