How to Get Started

How to Get Started

ANNOUNCEMENT: The ability to apply for, schedule, and take a national NAB exam, or state exam offered on NAB's platform, will be unavailable as follows:

·         Exam candidates’ ability to apply for an exam will end at midnight eastern on December 11, 2024.

·         State jurisdictions’ ability to review (approve or deny) exam applications will end at midnight eastern on December 12, 2024.

·         The ability to take an exam with PSI will end on December 14, 2025.

If exam eligibility expires during the shutdown window, the eligibility date will be extended to allow for the full 60 day eligibility. Exam applications, review, and scheduling will start on January 3, 2025. NAB will be changing exam providers. Exam content will not change. Please plan accordingly.

Download the informational flyer for details. 

Each state has its own process and requirements for obtaining an NHA, RCAL, or HCBS license, including requirements for education, Administrator Residency/ Administrator-in-Training (AIT) hours, etc. NAB does not establish requirements or issue licenses.

STEP 1
Review the license types and requirements established by your state. These entries are maintained by the respective state boards; please contact them with specific questions.

STEP 2
Contact your state licensing board to see if you qualify for licensure/ certification. Apply directly with your state licensing board for licensure. Your state board must approve your licensure application prior to you applying for a NAB exam.

STEP 3
Study for your exams.

STEP 4
Create an account at nabweb.org. Once logged in, go to Customer Center, then select Candidate – Exam Applications and Score Transfers, under My Actions.

On the Applications-Registries page that opens up, go to Credentials, then click on the Exam Applications tab. Begin/ start/ continue the exam application for which you wish to apply.

Submit your exam application and pay the exam application fee(s). The state board under whose jurisdiction you applied will be notified that your application is awaiting their review. 

Approval of exams applications is the state licensing board's responsibility, and can take up to 120 days per the Exam Candidate Handbook. NAB does not approve exam applications.

STEP 5
Schedule your exams with PSI once your exam application has been approved by the state licensing board. NAB recommends using the scheduling link found in the exam approval email. If you prefer to call PSI to schedule an exam, their phone number and your candidate ID will be listed in the exam approval email. Exams must be scheduled and completed within the 60 day exam eligibility window.

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