Embrace the Gold Standard in Assisted Living

The Certified Director of Assisted Living (CDAL) credential is the gold standard for the assisted living industry. CDAL status is earned by individuals who demonstrate that they have the knowledge required to competently manage an assisted living community.

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Certification is the most important workforce development investment that you can provide to your executive team. Earning CDAL certification provides recognition, enhances confidence, and helps to garner the respect of peers. Participation in the CDAL programs enhances professionalism within the industry.

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Senior living communities rely on an executive director’s continuous professional growth and pursuit of excellence. Show residents, their families and your colleagues your passion for providing the best quality of care through participation in the Certified Director of Assisted Living program.

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Prepare for Success

From in-person classes to online learning, we invite you to view the numerous resources designed to support CDAL candidates in preparation for the exam.

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Why Become a Certified Director of Assisted Living?

Hear from current CDALs and senior living executives about why they pursued and funded certification and how it benefits their communities.

What CDALs are Saying

Anne Hoeksema, CDAL says, The CDAL is a differentiator. Companies are looking for serious professionals to lead teams, and families are looking for security that you have the resources and best practices to provide the very best to care for their loved one. If you are serious about being the very best leader in the assisted living industry, I highly recommend you consider this nationally recognized certification. I believe this certification demonstrates a level of professionalism and experience in our field that sets you apart from all others in the industry.

Anne Hoeksema, CDAL

Wilson Anhar, CDAL says, I feel tremendous pride in being one of the first Senior Living professionals to receive this honor. I chose to take the CDAL exam to demonstrate my dedication to my industry and to obtain this prestigious credential. By elevating our standards and self regulating to a higher level then expected by the state, we are showing our commitment to excellence in providing quality of care to our residents and peace of mind to families.

Wilson Anhar, CDAL

Margie Longstreth, CDAL says, As most professionals will tell you, whenever there is an opportunity to hone your skills, it should be taken. Taking the CDAL exam, and subsequently achieving the certification, gave me the opportunity to put my day-to-day, anecdotal skills to the test. I walked away with a confidence in what I DO know, but also with the personal challenge to brush up on the subject areas that didn’t come as easily as I would have liked.

Margie Longstreth, CDAL