News

News  Adoption of National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Board (NAB) Licensure Examination Attempts

2/20/2026
  • Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators
TitleAdoption of National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Board (NAB) Licensure Examination Attempts. 

 
PurposeThe Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators (“the Board”) adopts this policy to align 245 CMR 3.03 with National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) requirements for test taking, specifically the number of test taking attempts per examination cycle. This adoption will allow NHA applicants an additional number of licensure examination attempts should they fail the licensing eligibility requirements.
Date Adopted  February 20, 2026
Background

The requirements for licensure as a Nursing Home Administrator in Massachusetts are set forth in 245 CMR 3.00: Licensure.  With regard to examination requirements, 245 CMR 3.03(1) states that an “applicant must obtain a passing score on the Board-approved Licensure Examination.”  

 

NAB administers the Board-approved licensure exam.  NAB announced that starting January 1, 2026, in an effort to ensure exam integrity, candidates are limited in the number of exam attempts in an exam cycle.  CORE, NHA, & RCAL exams: up to 4 attempts per cycle. HCBS exams: up to 3 attempts per cycle. Examination cycles are from July 1 - June 30. Consequently, The Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators seeks to clarify the number of exam attempts permitted by candidates to align with NAB.

 

PolicyThe Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators (“the Board”) adopts this policy to follow the National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) allowed four failures of the licensing examination per examination cycle, under 245 CMR 3.03. This adoption will specify the licensing eligibility requirements and application procedures set forth in 245 CMR 3.00
  • Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators

    We work to protect the health and safety of nursing home residents. We ensure that nursing home administrators are competent and perform their responsibilities properly.
  • Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

    Please do not include personal or contact information.
    Feedback