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Certification guide

Certification, in plain language.

Becoming a certified administrator in California involves training, a state exam, and an application to CDSS. Here's the whole process: who does what, when, and which certificates you'll need.
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An administrator kneels beside a resident to look through a large-print calendar together
FIG. — One date at a time.
Who does what

Who does what, and when.

Training happens with us. The exam and your certificate happen with the state. Some steps are yours alone.

  1. You

    Complete the 80-hour ICTP

    60 live hours in interactive online classes and 20 self-paced hours. Each module ends with an evaluation, with an 80% standard to pass.

  2. With Compass Care

    We review your record and issue your ICTP certificate

    Once every live hour, lesson and evaluation is complete and reviewed, you receive your ICTP Certificate of Completion. We keep your training records for three years.

  3. You

    Register yourself for the state exam

    Email ExamRegistration@dss.ca.gov with a copy of your ICTP certificate, its date, and your exam type. Each person registers individually, with their own email address. Training schools aren't allowed to register students.

  4. With CDSS

    CDSS administers the exam

    Pass within 60 days of completing the ICTP, with at least 70%. The fee is $100 and you get up to three attempts.

  5. You

    File form LIC 9214 within 30 days of passing

    Your Application for Administrator Certification goes in with a copy of your ICTP certificate, the fee, and your Live Scan form.

  6. With CDSS

    CDSS issues your Administrator Certificate

    The Administrator Certification Bureau issues your certificate once your application and criminal record clearance are on file.

  7. YouWith Compass Care

    Renew every two years

    Complete 40 hours of continuing education in each two-year cycle, then submit your renewal application with your course certificates.

Renewal

Staying certified, every two years.

Renewal means completing 40 hours of continuing education in each two-year cycle and submitting a renewal application with your course certificates. There's no new exam.

2

Year cycle

Hours per cycle
40
Live
≥ 20
Laws + regs
≥ 4
Dementia care
≥ 8
Certificates

The certificates you'll receive.

We issue certificates of completion for our courses. Each one has a specific purpose.
CertificateProgramWhen it's issuedWhat it's for
ICTP Certificate of CompletionICTP, 80 hoursWhen all 13 modules are completeRegister for the state exam, and include with form LIC 9214 after you pass
ICTP module certificates (13)ICTP, one per moduleAs you complete each moduleA record of your progress. They don't qualify you for the exam on their own.
CETP course certificates (9)CETP, one per courseAs you complete each courseUpload each one individually with your renewal application
Combined CETP certificate (optional)CETP, 40 hoursWhen all 9 courses are completeA single record of the full renewal program. It doesn't replace the 9 course certificates.

What every certificate includes

As required by Title 22, section 87785, and CDSS guidance:

  • Signature of the vendor or its authorized representative
  • Approved vendor name and vendor number
  • Your full name
  • Approved course name
  • Approved course number
  • Approved course hours
  • Dates, times and locations of the classes

What we don't issue

The Administrator Certificate

Only CDSS issues it, after you pass the exam and your LIC 9214 is on file.

Exam registration

You register for the exam yourself. Schools aren't permitted to register students.

Transcripts in place of certificates

CDSS doesn't accept transcripts instead of certificates of completion.
A blank certificate folder and a navy pen on a wooden desk beside an open notebook and reading glasses
FIG. — Paperwork, handled in order.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements are set by the California Department of Social Services and may change.

The next step

Know the route? Take the first step.

Join the interest list and we'll let you know about class dates, tuition and enrollment as soon as our CDSS approval is in place.

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