How to Become a Licensed California Residential Care Facility 

To become a licensed Residential Care Facility (RCF) in California, you must complete an 80-hour Initial Administrator Certification course and pass the state exam. Once certified, you will need to submit a license application to the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). Your facility must meet all requirements, including passing building inspections and ensuring full compliance with state regulations.

There are various types of RCF classifications in California:

• Adult Residential Facilities (ARF)
• Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes-ARF (EBSH)
• Community Crisis Homes-ARF (CCH)
• Social Rehabilitation Facilities (SRF)
• Residential Care Facilities for the Chronically Ill (RCFCI)
• Adult Residential Facilities for Persons with Special Health Care Needs (ARFPSHN)
• Adult Day Programs (ADP)
• Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE)
• Residential Care Facility for the Elderly-Continuing Care Retirement Community (RCFE-CCRC)

How to Get a Residential Care Facility License in California

Follow these five steps to become a certified residential care facility in California.

Step 1: Verify what license you need

The first step in applying is determining the specific type of facility license you require. As listed above, California offers several types of residential care facility licenses based on the care services you plan to provide.

Verify which license fits your facility by consulting the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) or the Community Care Licensing Division (CCL).

Step 2: Complete your online orientation

Before applying, all facility owners must complete an online orientation session and pay the $54.85 fee. To register, visit the CDSS website and select the session you need. The orientation covers essential topics such as:

• Facility operations
• Resident care and rights
• Staffing requirements
• Health and safety regulations

After completing the orientation, you will receive a certificate of completion.

Step 3: Fill out your application 

Once you receive your certificate, you can begin the facility application. You will need to provide the following information about your facility:

• Ownership and management details
• Description of services provided
• Layout and specifications
• Plans for staffing and resident care

Ensure you include all documents required for your specific facility as listed on page two of the application. 

Step 4: Purchase your surety bond

California Health and Safety Code 1569.60 requires residential care facilities to file a minimum $1,000 surety bond if they manage residents' finances. Bond requirements vary depending on the amount of funds being safeguarded per month. Verify your required bond amount with the California Department of Social Services. 

You can purchase your residential care facility bond from SuretyBonds.com instantly starting at just $100. 

Step 5: Mail your application and supporting documents

After securing your bond, submit your application packet to the CDSS. Be sure to include: 

• Completed application
• Copy of the California surety bond
• Any additional required documentation (such as facility floor plans, proof of staff training, etc.)
• Application fee (include the facility address on the check or money order)

Use the checklist on page 21 of the application instructions to ensure you have everything you need. Mail your completed application to the address below:

Department of Social Services
Centralized Applications Bureau
Community Care Licensing
Adult and Senior Care Program
744 P Street, MS 9-14-8201
Sacramento, CA 95814    

How to Renew Your Residential Care Facility License 

All California residential care facility licenses expire annually and must be renewed prior to their expiration date. The Department of Health and Human Services will provide instructions for renewing your license.

The California RCF surety bond also expires annually and must be renewed to maintain your license. With SuretyBonds.com, a representative will reach out with renewal instructions and an invoice to ensure your bond remains active before the term ends.

How to Become a Certified Administrator for a California RCF 

A certified administrator for a residential care facility in California oversees the daily operations of the facility. Their responsibilities include:

• Managing resident care and wellbeing
• Supervising staff
• Ensuring resident satisfaction

These facility types must have a certified administrator to be licensed: 

• Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE)
• Adult Residential Facilities (ARF)
• Group Homes (GH)
• Short Term Residential Therapeutic Programs (STRTP)

Follow the steps below as outlined by the Administrator Certification Bureau (ACB) Procedures to become an RCF-certified administrator in California:

Step 1: Complete ICTP training

Begin by completing the Initial Certification Training Program (ICTP) with an ACS-approved vendor. The training will cover critical knowledge areas needed to manage residential care facilities effectively.

Exceptions: If you are an applicant for an RCFE certificate and hold a valid Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) license OR are a current GH administrator applying to become an STRTP administrator, you are eligible to complete 12 hours of classroom instruction rather than taking the full ICTP and exam. 

Step 2: Pass the exam

After completing your ICTP, take the standardized exam administered by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). You must register within 60 days of finishing the ICTP and pass with a minimum score of 70%. Exam schedules and registration information are available on the ACS website. 

Upon registering, submit an exam fee of $100 made payable by check or money order to the Department of Social Services at the address below:

CDSS – ACB
744 P Street, MS 9-15-807
Sacramento, CA 95814

The ACS will notify you of your results within seven days. If you pass, you will receive a congratulatory letter. If you do not pass, you have three attempts to retake the exam within the 60-day window.

Step 3: Submit your application

Once you pass the exam, you have 30 days to submit your administrator application packet to the ACS. This packet must include several documents:

• A copy of your congratulatory letter.
• An LIC 9214 form.
• A $100 nonrefundable application fee.
• A copy of your ICTP completion certificate or exemption documentation.
• An LIC 508 Criminal Record Statement (including details of any convictions).
• An LIC 9163 Live Scan form for background checks.

Note: Do not wait for your Live Scan results before submitting your application. The background check information will be sent directly to CDSS once processed.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Residential Care Facility License in California?

The cost of becoming a licensed residential care facility in California varies drastically based on the facility you have and its capacity. You can expect the following expenses in the application process, totaling $254.85:

• $54.85 orientation fee
• $100 exam fee 
• $100 surety bond*

*This price reflects the SuretyBonds.com residential care facility bond rate. 

More Resources 

• Application Instructions for A Facility License
• Become a Certified Administrator