As you know, having an RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly) Certification sets you apart from the competition. In California, this certification is required by law and you must be 21 years of age or older to obtain it. RFCE certification requires taking classes, taking a test, and paying the costs of the test and certification to the State of California.
Currently, there are about 8,000 Residential Care Centers for the Elderly with a total of about 179,000 beds. Don’t be surprised to learn that this is not enough to handle the aging demographic in CA. You see, California is in crisis mode trying to cope with all the necessary care for the elderly. It is definitely a growth industry.
The California State Examination for RCFE Certification has 100 questions. They are not difficult, but you cannot pass them without serious study and knowing the important details. Before taking the test, you must have completed high school or show the GED equivalency. You will need to show that you have taken a minimum of 80 hours of classroom instruction before you are eligible to take the exam. Like all legitimate elder care professions, a background check is absolutely required.
You can ask anyone at CANHR, California’s advocates for nursing home reform, why an RCFE certification is so important. Due to problems in the past, the RCFE certification was created and has come a long way in solving the challenges with less than adequate care for our older adults in care and accommodation facilities. Elder abuse has decreased, quality of life has increased, and the elderly have better care. Their families now have more options.
If you need your RCFE Certificate, then it makes sense to find a highly rated school to receive your instruction. It is recommended that you carefully read the syllabus and understand what will be taught. It is vital that you learn from a school that has competent and experienced instructors who have worked in the field. Instructors who can explain what to expect on a daily basis, as there is much more to learn than just the 100 questions on the RCFE state exam for certification.
Is the RCFE test difficult? Well, it is not easy, and if you have studied and understood what you have learned, you should do well. Again, provided you have chosen the correct RCFE school. The State of California wants to make sure you understand the rules and the law. That you will follow those rules and not break the law. Each rule is applied for a specific reason, and many of these reasons have stories behind them, none of which are arbitrary.