Essential Training and Tests for Adult Care Home Professionals
Navigating the requirements of an Adult Care Home Program can be complex, especially when it comes to ensuring that operators, resident managers, and caregivers are properly trained and qualified. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the essential training and qualifying tests mandated within the Adult Care Home Program (ACHP). Whether you are a current operator, an applicant, a resident manager, or a caregiver, understanding these requirements is crucial for providing high-quality care and maintaining compliance.
Basic Training and Qualifying Tests: Who Needs What?
The specific training and testing requirements within the adult care home program depend on your role and the population you serve. Generally, basic training and qualifying tests are mandatory for the following individuals:
- Current Operators: Individuals currently running an adult care home.
- Operator Applicants: Those applying to become adult care home operators.
- Resident Managers: Professionals responsible for the day-to-day management of the care home.
- Caregivers: Individuals providing direct care to residents in the adult care home setting.
Operators and resident managers should also be aware of additional training requirements beyond the basics, including continuing education units (CEUs) and provider meetings. More information on these can be found in the additional trainings guide.
Support for Navigating Training Requirements
The Adult Care Home Program understands that navigating the training landscape can be challenging. To assist you, an ACHP training coordinator is available to answer your questions and provide guidance on finding and enrolling in relevant community-based, ACHP, and state-sponsored training programs. For personalized support, you can contact the ACHP training coordinator, Ana Weakland, at 503-988-3000.
Qualifying Tests: Demonstrating Competency
The Adult Care Home Program administers two distinct qualifying tests to ensure competency in key areas of care. These tests are provided free of charge.
1. Developmental Disabilities (DD) Qualifying Test
This test is mandatory for all caregivers, resident managers, and operators before they can provide direct care to residents with developmental disabilities. The test content is based on the DD Basic Training Manual. It is highly recommended to thoroughly study this manual prior to taking the test.
Key points about the DD Qualifying Test:
- All DD caregiver applicants must successfully pass this test before receiving any approval to work, including temporary approvals.
- Caregiver applicants must also submit a Caregiver Application and Background Check in person at the ACHP office.
2. Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) Qualifying Test
The APD Qualifying Test is required for resident managers and operators working with APD and Mental Health and Addiction (MHA) populations. It is also necessary for caregivers seeking to become resident manager-qualified. This test draws upon the APD Basic Training (Ensuring Quality Care) (replace with actual link if available, or remove if not) and the ACHP Orientation. Completing these courses beforehand is essential for test preparation.
Important Information Regarding Qualifying Tests:
- Operator and resident manager applicants are limited to two attempts to pass a qualifying test within a six-month period. Failure after two attempts may result in application denial.
- Caregiver applicants who fail a qualifying test twice must wait 14 days before retaking the test.
Registering for a Qualifying Test:
To register for an upcoming qualifying test, please contact the ACHP directly at 503-988-3000. Please note that test schedules may vary, and it’s advisable to register in advance.
- No test January 28
- Tuesday, February 4, 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 11, 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 18, 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, February 25, 2 p.m.
Specific Training Requirements for Caregivers
Caregiver training requirements are tailored to their specific roles within the adult care home and the populations they serve. It is important to note that if a resident from a different population moves into a care home, caregivers must complete a new Caregiver Application and Background Check applicable to the new population. Furthermore, all staff, including caregivers, must fulfill the required training for all populations served in the home. For instance, if an MHA resident joins an I/DD home, caregivers must meet the training requirements for both I/DD and MHA populations. Carefully review the requirements to ensure full compliance.
General Requirements for All Caregivers:
- Submit your Caregiver Application and Background Check at the ACHP office. Remember to bring a current photo ID and the application fee.
- Mandatory abuse training (details below).
- Providing Inclusive Care (New LGBTQIA2S+ Training Course) (details below).
- First Aid/CPR certification (required if working alone).
- Recordkeeping B (required before administering medications or if working alone).
To help caregivers stay organized, a Caregiver Checklist is available.
Additional Requirements for Caregivers 21+ Working Alone for More Than 20 Hours:
- Pre-Service Infection Prevention & Control for Community Based Care (details below).
- Fire safety training (details below).
- English listening and reading tests (Provided by MHCC) (details below).
- Food handler card (details below).
Requirements Specific to Aging and People with Disabilities (APD):
- APD Caregiver Preparatory Training Study Guide
- APD Caregiver Preparatory Training Workbook
Requirements Specific to Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD):
- DD basic training.
- DD qualifying test.
- Oregon Intervention System (OIS) certification (I/DD-2B only).
- 12 hours of I/DD continuing education units annually upon renewal.
Requirements Specific to Mental Health and Addiction (MHA):
- APD caregiver workbook (currently, there is no MHA-specific training for caregivers).
- 12 hours of MHA continuing education units annually upon renewal.
English Language Proficiency Test
An English test is a requirement for all resident managers and operators and may be necessary for certain caregivers. The ACHP has partnered with Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) to administer the CASAS Life & Work tests. This test evaluates both reading and listening comprehension. The test fee is $23.50, and retests, if needed, are $11.50 each. Sample test questions are available through CASAS to help applicants prepare.
Mandatory Abuse Reporting Training
Mandatory abuse reporting training is essential for protecting vulnerable adults in care homes. Classes can be accessed through Workday. You will need to create a Workday profile to access this training.
- Mandatory Abuse Reporting for I/DD, APD and MHA care homes
- Instructions: How to Request a Workday Learning Account
- Request Workday Learning Account
The State of Oregon also provides a helpful Abuse Reporting and Investigative Guide for Providers.
Providing Inclusive Care: LGBTQIA2S+ Training
A new and crucial requirement for all adult care home operators, staff, and contractors is the Providing Inclusive Care: Training for Oregon Long-Term Care Facility Staff course. This training specifically focuses on LGBTQIA2S+ inclusivity in care settings.
This online course, offered by Oregon Care Partners, takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete and provides 1.5 CEUs. Each staff member must create an individual account to complete the training and receive a certificate of completion. Certificates are valid for 24 months and are transferable between adult care homes. Ensure you enroll in the specifically approved course to meet this mandatory training requirement.
Pre-Service Dementia Training
All new APD providers are required to complete an approved dementia care training course before working with residents or being fully approved for any APD role. Currently approved APD providers must also demonstrate completion of this training.
Approved trainings with online options are available. Dementia Training Sign up Instructions provides guidance on how to access these resources.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Training
HCBS training is mandatory for all APD providers, staff, and volunteers working in APD homes or serving APD residents.
- Free online 1.25-hour training from Oregon Care Partners.
- Home and Community-Based Services and Settings and Individually-Based Limitations
- Also available in Spanish.
This training covers essential HCBS rights and protections, understanding individually-based limitations, and the process for requesting them.
APD Ensuring Quality Care (EQC) Course
The APD Ensuring Quality Care Course is a prerequisite for operator and resident manager applicants. If you plan to take the basic training for APD-licensed providers before the ACHP orientation, remember to bring a copy of the Multnomah County Administrative Rules (MCAR). Currently licensed operators applying for an additional license who have already completed EQC are not required to retake the course.
Portland Area EQC Instructors:
- Alyssa Elting-McGuire and Matt Gannon
Pre-Service Infection Prevention & Control Training
Operator and resident manager applicants must complete the Pre-Service Infection Prevention & Control for Community Based Care course as part of their application process. This 120-minute online video course focuses on preventing the spread of infections, including crucial information on COVID-19. This free Oregon Care Partners course also provides 2 Continuing Education Units. Create an account at Oregon Care Partners, complete the course, and submit a copy of your certificate to ACHP via email or fax (503-988-5722).
Food Handler Training
Operators, resident managers, and caregivers who aspire to become resident-manager-qualified or who may be in charge of the home during absences must complete a one-time food handler training. Multnomah County offers a study guide and training manual, along with information on obtaining a food handler card valid in Oregon. Ensure that any online course you choose is officially approved in Oregon to avoid fraudulent providers. A list of approved providers is available.
Fire Safety Training
Fire safety training is mandatory for operators, resident managers, and caregivers seeking resident-manager qualification. The online fire safety training and test are accessible through Workday.
- Instructions: How to Request a Workday Learning Account
- Request Workday Learning Account
CPR and First Aid Certification
For CPR and First Aid certification and renewals, in-person courses are required. Online-only courses do not meet the requirements (MCAR 023-070-630). If a course includes an online component, it must also include an in-person skills test conducted by a certified instructor.
Approved in-person course providers include:
- American Heart Association (Heartsaver)
- American Red Cross
- American Safety and Health Institute
- Medic First Aid
If you plan to take a course from a provider not listed, it is recommended to contact the ACHP to confirm its acceptance.
Oregon Intervention System (OIS) Certification
The Oregon Intervention System (OIS) certification is crucial for staff supporting adults and children with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) who may exhibit challenging behaviors. This training is mandatory for I/DD-2B caregivers, resident managers, and operators. Sign up for the OIS course or learn more about OIS. Stay informed about changes to OIS Certifications that may affect new applicants and recertification processes.
Conclusion: Commitment to Quality Care through Training
The Adult Care Home Program is committed to ensuring that all professionals within adult care homes are well-prepared to provide safe, inclusive, and high-quality care. By adhering to these training and qualification requirements, you contribute to a higher standard of care for residents and a stronger adult care home community. For any further questions or clarifications, do not hesitate to contact the ACHP for assistance.
