Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to register for the test?
The testing fee is $200.
- What forms of payment are accepted for the test?
Fees and charges may be paid online through our website or by money order or business check. Personal checks and cash are NOT accepted.
- What identification is required to be admitted for testing?
You must bring one valid form of identification. The ID must be government-issued and have a clear photo and your signature. Acceptable ID includes:- State-issued driver’s license or identification card
- United States military ID with visible signature
- Government-issued passport
- What should I bring with me to the test site?
- Proper ID (see question #2)
- Several sharpened #2 pencils
- Your admission letter
- What items are prohibited in the test room?
- cell phones, or any other electronic device
- books or notes of any kind
- food or drinks, including water
- Are walk-ins permitted?
Walk-ins are not permitted. Applications must be received by the registration deadline.
- How many questions are on the test?
There are 100 questions on the test.
- How long is the test?
The actual testing time is 2 hours. Please allow an additional 30 minutes for administration preparations, such as admitting and seating examinees and distributing test materials.
- Is there a break scheduled during the test?
There are no scheduled breaks during the test period.
- When will score reports be mailed?
Score reports will be mailed within three weeks of the test.
- May the test be retaken?
Yes, candidates may reapply by submitting a new registration application and payment. However, you may not retake the test sooner than 31 days of your last testing.
- Is additional time allowed for retesting?
No, all tests are 2 hours.
- How do I reschedule a missed test.
You must fax a request to transfer to another date. Transfers will only be provided with documented medical or family emergency.
- What score do I need to achieve in order to pass the test?
Florida Statutes set the passing score at 75%.
- How do I know if my license is still active?
To hold a current license, you must have completed 12 hours of CEUs every two years from the date of licensure. The date of licensure can be viewed by searching for your name on the “List of Successful Examinees” Link.
- How do I know if the courses I completed count toward my ALF Administrator’s license requirement?
Currently, there is not a specific list of approved courses, rather, you would need to complete CEUs that are aligned with the core competencies. The core competencies include, general license activity, administration, records, residency, food service, medication management, personal care and services, special needs (Alzheimer’s, mental health, hospice), resident’s rights, and enforcement activities. Those already working in the healthcare fields often already have fulfilled these requirements to maintain other licenses. It is best to cross-reference your completed training with the core competencies to be sure they are aligned.
- Do I need to submit my CEUs to TMRI or another agency for review?
No, TMRI does not collect or maintain CEU information from licensed (active or inactive) administrators for the purposes of renewal. However, we will review your CEUs if an order is placed to obtain a replacement ID card or certificate and your license is over two years old. It is the responsibility of each administrator to keep a record of their completed CEUs. The Agency for Healthcare Administration may request to review your CEU records, specifically during visits to facilities, upon the opening of a new facility, or upon starting a new job as an administrator. Further information regarding AHCA’s policies and procedures as well as the ALF Unit’s contact information can be found here: Assisted Living Facility | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (myflorida.com).
- Do I need to order a new ID card or certificate for the purpose of renewal?
You do not need to order a new ID card or certificate for the purpose of renewal. If you have fulfilled the biennial 12-hour requirement, then your license is considered active.
- What do I need to do if my name has been changed since obtaining my license?
If your name has changed since obtaining your license, please submit documentation (court judgment or marriage certificate) to our office via email to alftest.tmri@gmail.com to have your name updated in the database prior to placing an order for a new ID card or certificate.
- It has been over two years since I completed the 26-hour core training course, and I did not take the exam during that period. Do I need to retake the course to register for the exam?
It is not required, but strongly recommended that you retake the 26-hour training course if two or more years have lapsed. It is advised that you obtain current information regarding statutes, rules, and regulations as that material will be included in the exam.
- What if my CEUs have lapsed during the required timeframe? Do I need to retake the test?
Yes, your license will be considered inactive if you have not fulfilled the 12-hour requirement every two years from the date of licensure as required by statute. You will need to retake the exam. You may retake the 26-hour core training course or a refresher course. Once you pass the exam, you will be issued a new license number, and the old number will be considered archived (inactive).
- Does TMRI offer study guides and resources for exam preparation?
No. We are not a training site and do not prepare or offer study guides or training materials (aside from the core competencies guide that is included in the results packet for non-successful examinees).
- How do I request accommodation for a disability?
TMRI requires written documentation from a doctor to consider accommodation requests. You must email the required documentation along with your proposed accommodation to alftest.tmri@gmail.com for review. Requests must be made at the time of registration (or at least two weeks prior to the exam date). Late requests will not be considered. Please note that each approved accommodation is considered a one-time unique event for a specific exam date only. Each exam attempt requires a new request and approval.
- How do I request documentation of licensure for a reciprocity agreement with another state or agency?
Please send us the reciprocity form and/or the contact details of the requesting agency so that we may respond directly. All requests must be sent either by email to alftest.tmri@gmail.com or via fax at 352-340-4145.
- Are the ALF Core Competency Exam and the NAB exam the same credential/certification?
No, these are two separate credentials. These exams are not affiliated. The ALF Core Competency Exam and license is applicable in the state of Florida only. Please contact the NAB exam administrators for further information regarding that exam and credential.
For additional information, contact TMRI Testing Office at (352) 835-7883.