Application Fee
See agencyVerified by CA Board of Healthcare
Nursing Home Administrator Licensing in California
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for nursing home administrator in California, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
Renewal al period: Every two yearsLicensing Blueprint for Nursing Home Administrator in California
Estimated timeline: 1-18 yearsCore Requirements
- 1
Have a doctorate degree in medicine and a current valid license as a physician and surgeon;
- 2
Have a baccalaureate degree;
- 3
Have ten years of full-time work experience and a current valid license as a registered nurse.
- At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a supervisory or director of nursing position.
- 4
Have ten years of full-time work experience in any department of a skilled nursing facility, an intermediate care facility, or an intermediate care facility/developmentally disabled with at least 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college or university courses.
- At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a position as a department manager.
- 5
Have ten years of full-time hospital administration experience in an acute care hospital with at least 60 semester units (or 90 quarter units) of college or university courses.
- At least the most recent five years of the 10 years of work experience shall be in a supervisory position.
- 6
License Type: Register with licensing agency.
- 7
Fees: Administrator-In-Training (AIT): $421.
- 8
Nursing Home Administrator State Exam: $1,502.
- 9
Nursing Home Administrator Provisional License: $2,685.
- 10
Initial license: prorated, based on birth month and year/date application is received.
- 11
Renewal period: Every two years.
- 12
Exam (State): Four times per year throughout California.
Exam and processing details
- $1,502 Nursing Home Administrator Provisional License: $2,685 Initial license: prorated, based on birth month and year/date application is received. (State): Four times per year throughout California. (National): The national examination is computer-based and can be scheduled through the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). Frequency: The Nursing Home Administrators Program is required to administer a licensure examination at least four time a year. Experience 1. Have a master's degree in nursing home administration or a related health administration field. The master's program in which the degree was obtained must have included an internship or residency of at least 480 hours in a skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility
- or 2. Have a current valid license as a nursing home administrator in another state and meet the education requirements in California
- or 3. Have completed an NHAP approved Administrator-In-Training (AIT) program with an NHAP certified Preceptor. Average Time to Process Application: 30 days Authority: Health and Safety Code Sec. 1416.
Continuing education and program notes
- certified Preceptor
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Administrator-In-Training (AIT) | $421 |
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Public Health • Licensing and Certification • Nursing Home Administrator Program
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
Renewal al period: Every two years
- Salary Position
$136,500 median (16% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#4 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (8)
- 1. Meet California eligibility requirements for Nursing Home Administrator licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Have a doctorate degree in medicine and a current valid license as a physician and surgeon;).
- 3. Document required supervised experience (Have ten years of full-time work experience and a current valid license as a registered nurse. At least the most recent five years of the...).
- 4. Pass required examination steps: $1,502 Nursing Home Administrator Provisional License: $2,685 Initial license: prorated, based on birth month and year/date application is received. (State): Four times per year....
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (Initial license: prorated, based on birth month and year/date application is received.).
- 6. Budget filing costs (Administrator-In-Training (AIT): $421).
- 7. Submit the application to Department of Public Health~Licensing and Certification~Nursing Home Administrator Program and monitor board communications.
- 8. Maintain post-licensure compliance (renewal cycle: Renewal al period: Every two years).
Salary Insights in California
With a median salary of $136,500, Nursing Home Administrators in California earn 16% above the national median of $117,960. California ranks #4 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
SteadyQoQ Employment Change
+1.4%Average Weekly Wage
$1,758Median annual salary
$136,500Hourly estimate
$65.6316% above national median
Difference: +$18,540
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationNursing Home Administrator Salary Ranking
#4 of 50 statesfor Nursing Home Administrator median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | $149,820 |
| #2 | Washington | $143,300 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $140,750 |
| #4 | California | $136,500 |
| #5 | Georgia | $136,030 |
Nearby States Comparison
Nursing Home Administrator licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $136,500 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 1-18 years |
| Oregon | $135,530 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Nevada | $106,240 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-21 years |
| Arizona | $122,740 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Oregon | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Nevada | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Arizona | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Department of Public Health • Licensing and Certification • Nursing Home Administrator Program
P.O. Box 997416, MS 3302, Sacramento, CA, 95899-7416
Phone: 9165528780
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Nursing Home Administrator in California?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical Nursing Home Administrator salary in California?
The median annual salary for Nursing Home Administrators in California is $136,500.
How does the Nursing Home Administrator salary in California compare to the national average?
Nursing Home Administrators in California earn 16% above the national median of $117,960, with a state median of $136,500.
How many Nursing Home Administrators work in California?
California employs approximately 68,800 Nursing Home Administrators according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Nursing Home Administrator license to California from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Nursing Home Administrators in California?
The licensing agency is Department of Public Health / Licensing and Certification / Nursing Home Administrator Program. Review agency details at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/.
How often do you renew a Nursing Home Administrator license in California?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of Renewal al period: Every two years.