CALIFORNIA ARF ADMINISTRATOR EXAM, ARF
LATEST 2026 ACTUAL EXAM
INTRODUCTION .
This comprehensive study guide is designed for candidates preparing forCalifornia
the Adult
Residential Facility (ARF) Administrator Certification Examination
for the 2025/2026 testing cycle.
The exam assesses knowledge of Title 22 regulations, administrator certification requirements, facility
operations, resident care standards, and compliance procedures under the California Department of
Social Services (CDSS), Community CareLicensing Division (CCLD) .
Key Regulatory References:
• Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 6– ARF regulations
• Health and Safety Code – ARF -specific statutes
• CCR, Title 22, Sections 80001-80092.8– Operational requirements
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q1
An ARF certificate holder who wants to administer a home for 50 residents shall meet what
requirements prior to employment as an administrator? (85064(i)(1)(2))
A. High school diploma or GED only
B. Bachelor's degree in social work
C. High school diploma or GED and completion of 60 college units OR 4 years of work experience in
residential care[CORRECT]
D. Master's degree in healthcare administration
Rationale:For facilities with 50 or more residents, the administrator must have a high school diploma or
GED AND either 60 college units OR 4 years of work experience in residential care. This ensures
administrators of larger facilities have sufficient educational
ackground
b or practical experience
.
,Q2
How many hours per week must an administrator be available to work in each care home he/she
administers? (85064(d)(1))
A. 20 hours per week
B. 30 hours per week
C. 40 hours per week
D. The number of hours necessary to manage and administer the facility in compliance with applicable
law and regulation[CORRECT]
Rationale:The regulation does not prescribe a fixed number of hours but requires administrators to be
present as many hours as necessary to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
This flexible standard recognizes that different facilities
have different management needs
.
Q3
When an administrator is absent from the facility, what are the coverage requirements? (85064(f))
A. The facility may operate without an administrator for up to 30 days
B. Coverage by a designated substitute who is capable of running the home and who meets the
qualifications listed in section 80065
[CORRECT]
C. The facility must close during the administrator's absence
D. Any staff member may serve as temporary administrator
Rationale:A designated substitute who is capable of running the home and meets the qualifications in
section 80065 must cover the facility during the administrator's absence. This ensures continuity of care
and regulatory compliance
.
Q4
What are the three things a person must do to become a certified administrator? (85064(B)(1)(2)(3)(d))
A. Complete the initial training class, pass a written exam, submit an application form along with a
processing fee of $100
[CORRECT]
B. Complete high school, work 2 years in a facility, pass background check
, C. Obtain bachelor's degree, complete internship, pass oral exam
D. Complete online training, submit resume, pay $50 fee
Rationale:The three requirements are: (1) complete the initial training class, (2) pass a written exam,
and (3) submit an application form along with a $100 processing fee. All three must be completed to
obtain certification.
Q5
In order for an ARF administrator to renew their administrator's certificate prior to the certificate's
expiration date, the certificate holder shall submit... (85064.3(C)(1)(2)(3))
A. Only a renewal fee
B. A written request and CEU documentation only
C. A written request to recertify post
-marked on or before the certificate expiration date, evidence of
completion of 40 CEU's, and a payment of $100 processing (renewal) [CORRECT]
fee
D. A new application and background check
Rationale:Renewal requires three components: (1) written request-marked
post on or before expiration,
(2) proof of 40 CEU completion, and (3) $100 processing fee. All three are required for timely renewal
.
Q6
If an administrator does not renew their administrator's certificate within 2 years, what is the
delinquency fee? (85064.3(d)(3))
A. $100
B. $200
C. $300[CORRECT]
D. $400
Rationale:A $300 delinquency fee is assessed when renewal is not completed within
-year
the 2
certification period. This late fee is in addition to the standard renewal
. fee
LATEST 2026 ACTUAL EXAM
INTRODUCTION .
This comprehensive study guide is designed for candidates preparing forCalifornia
the Adult
Residential Facility (ARF) Administrator Certification Examination
for the 2025/2026 testing cycle.
The exam assesses knowledge of Title 22 regulations, administrator certification requirements, facility
operations, resident care standards, and compliance procedures under the California Department of
Social Services (CDSS), Community CareLicensing Division (CCLD) .
Key Regulatory References:
• Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 6– ARF regulations
• Health and Safety Code – ARF -specific statutes
• CCR, Title 22, Sections 80001-80092.8– Operational requirements
EXAM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q1
An ARF certificate holder who wants to administer a home for 50 residents shall meet what
requirements prior to employment as an administrator? (85064(i)(1)(2))
A. High school diploma or GED only
B. Bachelor's degree in social work
C. High school diploma or GED and completion of 60 college units OR 4 years of work experience in
residential care[CORRECT]
D. Master's degree in healthcare administration
Rationale:For facilities with 50 or more residents, the administrator must have a high school diploma or
GED AND either 60 college units OR 4 years of work experience in residential care. This ensures
administrators of larger facilities have sufficient educational
ackground
b or practical experience
.
,Q2
How many hours per week must an administrator be available to work in each care home he/she
administers? (85064(d)(1))
A. 20 hours per week
B. 30 hours per week
C. 40 hours per week
D. The number of hours necessary to manage and administer the facility in compliance with applicable
law and regulation[CORRECT]
Rationale:The regulation does not prescribe a fixed number of hours but requires administrators to be
present as many hours as necessary to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
This flexible standard recognizes that different facilities
have different management needs
.
Q3
When an administrator is absent from the facility, what are the coverage requirements? (85064(f))
A. The facility may operate without an administrator for up to 30 days
B. Coverage by a designated substitute who is capable of running the home and who meets the
qualifications listed in section 80065
[CORRECT]
C. The facility must close during the administrator's absence
D. Any staff member may serve as temporary administrator
Rationale:A designated substitute who is capable of running the home and meets the qualifications in
section 80065 must cover the facility during the administrator's absence. This ensures continuity of care
and regulatory compliance
.
Q4
What are the three things a person must do to become a certified administrator? (85064(B)(1)(2)(3)(d))
A. Complete the initial training class, pass a written exam, submit an application form along with a
processing fee of $100
[CORRECT]
B. Complete high school, work 2 years in a facility, pass background check
, C. Obtain bachelor's degree, complete internship, pass oral exam
D. Complete online training, submit resume, pay $50 fee
Rationale:The three requirements are: (1) complete the initial training class, (2) pass a written exam,
and (3) submit an application form along with a $100 processing fee. All three must be completed to
obtain certification.
Q5
In order for an ARF administrator to renew their administrator's certificate prior to the certificate's
expiration date, the certificate holder shall submit... (85064.3(C)(1)(2)(3))
A. Only a renewal fee
B. A written request and CEU documentation only
C. A written request to recertify post
-marked on or before the certificate expiration date, evidence of
completion of 40 CEU's, and a payment of $100 processing (renewal) [CORRECT]
fee
D. A new application and background check
Rationale:Renewal requires three components: (1) written request-marked
post on or before expiration,
(2) proof of 40 CEU completion, and (3) $100 processing fee. All three are required for timely renewal
.
Q6
If an administrator does not renew their administrator's certificate within 2 years, what is the
delinquency fee? (85064.3(d)(3))
A. $100
B. $200
C. $300[CORRECT]
D. $400
Rationale:A $300 delinquency fee is assessed when renewal is not completed within
-year
the 2
certification period. This late fee is in addition to the standard renewal
. fee
