CDAL - Certified Director of Assisted Living

The Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) is offered by the Senior Living Certification Commission (SLCC).

Assisted living is a housing community designed for residents in need of varying medical and personal care support levels. These communities allow for more autonomy for older adults who are relatively independent but require some assistance with tasks such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.

The Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes professionals who demonstrate the expertise required to manage assisted living communities at the executive director level. The CDAL professional has experience with the following:

• Is responsible for the work of staff, vendors, and providers, as well as the interests of residents, family members, owners, and other key stakeholders.

• Executes policies that address safety, risk, regulatory compliance, and quality and manages resident and family relations.

• Provides overall direction for the community within guidelines set up by the owner, board of directors, or similar governing body.

• Coordinates operational activities with the help of staff managers.

Costs

The application fee for the CDAL certification is $750 for professionals employed by an Argentum partner or member company and $875 for non-members.

The CDAL Examination is administered at computer-based testing centers and may be offered at industry events. Applicants should indicate on the application form whether they intend to take the CDAL exam at a computer‐based testing center, in conjunction with an Argentum (or other) industry event, or using the online proctoring system.

To be eligible for the CDAL examination, the professional must have one of the following qualifications:

• Route 1: Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree is granted by a college or university accredited by an entity approved by the United States Department of Education.

  • Completion of one year (2,000 hours) of work experience in an assisted living community executive director or completion of at least three years (6,000 hours) work experience in a management role in one or more assisted living communities.

• Route 2: Experience

  • Completion of at least three years (6,000 hours) of work experience as an assisted living community executive director, or five years (10,000 hours) of work experience in a management role in one or more assisted living communities. The required experience in assisted living doesn't include work in long-term care, nursing homes or independent living leadership roles.

The CDAL credential is valid for three years. The deadline for renewal is December 31st of the year recertification is due. The recertification fee is $300. The renewal candidate must also complete 30 CEs and the CDAL recertification application.

The SLCC offers resources for certification candidates, including a candidate handbook. The application fee includes a CDAL practice test.