Application Submission Instructions

Prepare the Following Materials for Submission

Before starting the following application, please be aware that you will not be able to save this form and come back at a later time. This form will take 15-20 minutes to complete. Please make sure you have the following information available:

1. Education History
2. Employment History
3. Current Employer Mailing Address
4. Credit Card

A separate application is required for each person who is applying for CDAL certification. Fill out all sections of the application. Individuals who submit incomplete applications will be notified that the applications will not be processed.

Confirmations and other important exam information will be sent to you via email or mail. Please ensure all of your contact information is correct. Complete this application in its entirety and submit it with all required attachments to Argentum by clicking Submit at the very end of the form. Please send any questions you have to learn@argentum.org. Argentum reserves the right to verify any information submitted as part of the application and to request further information or documentation from the applicant as needed. Applicants will be notified via email when a completed application is received.

Additional Information

For full CDAL information, including eligibility requirements, exam content outline, exam scheduling, policies and procedures, and more, refer to the CDAL Candidate Handbook. Please contact Argentum staff with questions about the application, and for more information regarding the CDAL certification program.

Applicant Due Dates

Applications for CDAL certification must be received at least 21 days in advance of testing, and at least 30 days in advance if requesting special accommodation. Please note that availability at some local test centers may be limited. Applicants will not be able to schedule an exam at a test center until authorized by Argentum staff.

Applicant Information

Employer Information

Eligibility

Minimum education and experience requirements must be met by all applicants. Select one area in which to demonstrate eligibility and enter the information requested.

Eligibility Route 1 (Education + Experience)

• Possess a bachelor’s degree granted by a college or university that is accredited by an entity approved by the United States Department of Education, or the equivalent
• Have at least one year (2,000 hours) work experience as an assisted living community executive director OR at least three years (6,000 hours) work experience in a management capacity in one or more assisted living communities

Eligibility Route 2 (Experience)

Note that assisted living management does not include long term care management, nursing home management or independent living management.

• Have at least three years (6,000 hours) work experience as an assisted living community executive director OR at least five years (10,000 hours) work experience in a management capacity in one or more assisted living communities

Education

Complete the sections below that describe your education for the requirements of Route 1 above. Please provide all documentation (i.e. diploma/certificate).

Experience

Complete the sections below that describe your experience under your selected route noted above. Email additional copies of this page as needed.

Request for Accommodations

Argentum will provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for individuals with documented disabilities who request and demonstrate the need for accommodation. Please refer to the Accommodations policy in the CDAL Candidate Handbook. Candidates requesting special accommodations must submit the Request for Accommodations form so it is received by Argentum at least 30 days prior to the examination date.

Fees and Payment

CDAL Application Fee

• $750 - Argentum Member Rate (including participating State/Assn. Partners)
• $995 - All other individuals

The application fee includes:

• Application processing
• CDAL Practice Test
• One CDAL examination administration
• Complimentary registration for the Executive Director of Assisted Living online course

Payment will be processed on page 2 of this application. The application form must be submitted with appropriate payment and is non-refundable. However, this fee will be refunded if the applicant is deemed ineligible for participation in the CDAL program. 

Terms & Conditions

By completing, signing, and submitting this application I acknowledge that I:

1. Have read and understand the CDAL Candidate Handbook.
2. Understand that Argentum reserves the right to verify any information submitted on the application and to request further information or documentation from me as needed.
3. Understand that the information I provide to Argentum may be audited to verify my eligibility, and I authorize Argentum to make needed inquiries to verify the information I have provided in this application.
4. Understand that providing false or misleading information at any time may be cause for denial of this application and/or certification without refund of any fees.

Further, if this application is accepted and I become a Certified Director of Assisted Living, I agree:

1. To uphold and abide by Argentum Code of Conduct (sign and include form found in this application).
2. To abide by Argentum's Bylaws and Policies and Procedures, including recertification, confidentiality, and disciplinary requirements.
3. Not to use the CDAL certification in such a manner as to bring Argentum into disrepute, and not to make any statement regarding the certification which Argentum considers misleading or unauthorized.
4. That I will notify Argentum promptly upon a change in my employment status and provide my updated contact information.
5. To inform Argentum, without delay, of any matter that affects my ability to fulfill the certification requirements.
6. To cease all claims to certification that contain any reference to CDAL certification upon expiration, suspension, or withdrawal of CDAL certification, and to return any certificates issued by Argentum.
7. Not to use the CDAL certificate in a misleading manner.

Use of Personal Information

I understand that the information provided to Argentum on this application and other subsequent documentation is used in accordance with the Confidential Candidate and Applicant Information policy found in the CDAL Candidate Handbook. Further, I understand that Argentum publishes the names, certification status, and contact information of all CDALs on the Argentum website and/or in other Argentum published documents. I understand that the status of an individual’s CDAL certification may be verified by contacting Argentum .

Non-Disclosure Agreement

I understand that the CDAL certification examination is confidential and proprietary. It is made available to examinees solely for the purpose of assessing competency in the field of assisted living. All candidates are expressly prohibited from recording, copying, disclosing, publishing, reproducing, or transmitting the examination, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, verbal or written, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the prior express written permission of Argentum . Non-compliance may lead to the revocation of certification or other disciplinary action.

Attestation

Please read and sign the statement below.

I understand that, in order to process my application, Argentum may verify information. I agree to cooperate in such a review and will allow others to provide information regarding my abilities and experience. I hereby solemnly declare and affirm, under penalties or perjury that the facts and matters contained in the following foregoing application are true and correct.

Code of Conduct

Introduction

The Code of Conduct applies to individuals credentialed by Argentum as Certified Assisted Living Executive Directors and those who are candidates for certification.

All applicants and certificants are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct (Code). Violation of any portion of the Code may result in disciplinary action as outlined in the disciplinary policy.

Purpose

Assisted Living Community Executive Directors are responsible for the overall management of assisted living communities. The Executive Director works to ensure residents’ choice, independence, individuality, dignity, quality of life, and quality of care in a home-like environment. Executive Directors are also responsible for the work of staff, vendors, and providers, as well as the interests of residents, family members, owners, and other key stakeholders. They execute policies that address safety, risk, regulatory compliance, and quality, and provide overall direction for the community within guidelines set up by the owner, board of directors, or similar governing body. Additional responsibilities are resident and family relations. They plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of staff managers.

The Code of Conduct establishes the basic ethical standards for the professional behavior of individuals who apply for, or participate in, the CDAL program. The Code is designed to provide both appropriate ethical practice guidelines and enforceable standards of conduct.

Code of Conduct

Argentum has established professional standards designed to serve Executive Directors, employers, the assisted living community team and, most importantly, residents and their families. First and foremost, Argentum certificants and candidates, in their role as Executive Directors, exemplify the principles of choice, dignity, independence, and quality of life for seniors. Argentum certificants and candidates have the obligation to: maintain high standards of integrity and professional conduct, accept responsibility for their actions, continually seek to enhance their professional capabilities, administer communities with fairness and honesty, and, encourage others to act in a professional manner, consistent with the certification standards and responsibilities set forth below.

Section 1: Adherence to Legal Requirements

1. Adhere to all applicable state and/or federal laws and all applicable rules and regulations that apply to assisted living care and the Executive Director role.
2. Maintain any required certifications, licenses, operating licenses, etc. in compliance with applicable state regulations.
3. Adhere to all applicable nondiscrimination laws and refrain from discrimination in professional activities, including relationships with employees, employers,residents and their families, and other professionals.
4. Refrain from public behavior that is clearly in violation of professional, ethical,and/or legal standards that apply to assisted living Executive Directors.

Section 2: Adherence to Argentum Policies & Requirements

1. Follow all Argentum certification program policies, procedures, requirements, and rules. This includes the obligation to be aware of and understand these policies and requirements.
2. Provide accurate and complete information to Argentum concerning certification and recertification.
3. Cooperate with Argentum regarding matters related to the Code of Conduct, complaint investigations, and/or disciplinary matters.
4. Keep confidential all certification examination information, including preventing any unauthorized disclosures of exam information.
5. Report candidate or certificant violations of the Code of Conduct to Argentum involving violations of the law, violations of state regulations, and/or violations that affect the health and/or safety of a resident.

Section 3: Professional Performance

1. Deliver competent services in the assisted living Executive Director role.
2. Treat employees, residents, and residents’ families with fairness and respect.
3. Maintain the confidentiality of private and sensitive information, unless there is mandate to report or other legal obligation to disclose the information.
4. Appropriately disclose any conflicts of interest or potential conflicts of interest and avoid conduct that could cause a conflict of interest.
5. Establish a safe environment for residents and staff through appropriate systems that enhance resident and employee safety.
6. Establish adequate financial controls to protect residents and employers against financial crimes.
7. Promote quality staffing through appropriate hiring practices, including background checks and drug screening as required, and by providing specialized training.
8. Support resident rights of informed choice, independence, dignity, and privacy to the extent possible and appropriate.
9. Make available a consumer friendly disclosure document to prospective residents.
10. Promote a zero-tolerance environment in regard to abuse by appropriately reporting abuse and providing training to residents, families, and staff in order to provide for the detection,reporting, and prevention of elder abuse.
11. Act honestly in the conduct of professional responsibilities and in all profession alinteractions with others.
12. Properly use professional titles, degrees, and all credentials and provide accurate and truthful information regarding education, experience, qualifications, and the performance of services.

Compliance

Argentum requires adherence to the Code of Conduct by all certified individuals and requires individuals to return a signed copy of the Code of Conduct to Argentum as a condition of applying for initial certification and recertification.

Any individual may file a complaint against a certified person and complaints shall be fully investigated and adjudicated by the Commission. All complaints must allege a violation of the Code of Conduct and shall be investigated according to the rules and procedures of the Commission, which shall allow for due process.

Signature

Your signature below indicates that you have read, understand, and agree with the Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct found within this application form.