How to Become an Adult Care Home Operator

What are the minimum qualifications to become an Operator or Resident Manager?

Operators and Resident Managers must:

  • Pass an abuse and criminal history background check processed by the Oregon Department of Human Services Background Check Unit
  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Demonstrate 8th grade level English proficiency by passing an exam administered by Mt. Hood Community College: $20 fee
  • Be physically and mentally fit and able to provide care as verified by a medical practitioner
  • Have at least the equivalent of 1 year of verifiable full-time experience providing hands-on care to adults in the population you intend to serve (Aging & People With Disabilities, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, or Mental Health & Addictions).  A current Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant license counts as 6 months of experience towards an APD-Class 1 license
  • Complete an eight hour Adult Care Home orientation, basic training, and pass the Multnomah County qualifying exam

In addition, Operators must also

  • Have enough financial resources to cover the cost of running your business for at least two months
  • Own or lease a home that meets structural and safety requirements.

What are the steps to becoming a licensed operator in Multnomah County?

Step 1: Review This Site and Pass Fire Safety Test

Operators, Resident Managers, and caregivers who want to be resident-manager-qualified must complete the online fire safety training and test available on Workday. Fire Safety Link

Instructions to Create Workday Account

Step 2: Take English Test and Submit Background Check

  • Pass the English Competency Test at Mt. Hood Community College: Fee $20.00 effective January 01, 2020.
  • English Test sign up instructions here
  • Submit a  Background Check (285.83 KB) for Operator with $15.00 fee.
  • After passing the English test and the background check, call or email to register for the ACHP Orientation at 503-988-3000 or advsd.adult.carehomeprogram@multco.us

Step 3: Attend ACHP Orientation, Complete Basic Training and required Classes

  • Attend ACHP Orientation, fee: $55. Call 503-988-3000 or email advsd.adult.carehomeprogram@multco.us to register. 

    • Orientation is held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Sign-on at 8:50 a.m.) on:

      • Friday, September 8, 2023

      • Wednesday, October 4, 2023

      • Wednesday, November 1, 2023

      • Tuesday, December 5, 2023

  • Complete the Basic Training Course, fee varies:     

    • APD (serving older adults and adults with physical disabilities) and MHA (also known as Behavioral Health) applicants, find a Basic Training Course: Ensuring Quality Care

    • Operator applicants must complete EQC Essentials and EQC Administration. Resident manager applicants must complete EQC Essentials.

    • DD (serving adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities) applicants, DD Basic Training Manual download 3/2015

Note: The State of Oregon updated requirements related to the APD Ensuring Quality Care (EQC) curriculum. Effective April 1st 2022, ACHP will only accept new applications if you completed the EQC course on or after April 2021. Currently-licensed operators who have already completed EQC and are applying for an additional license are not required to retake the new EQC course. If you plan to take the basic training for APD-licensed providers before the ACHP Orientation, take a copy of the Multnomah County Administrative Rules for Adult Care Homes with you.

  • Complete online Mandatory Abuse Reporting and Food Handler classes (information available here)

  • APD/MHA applicants must complete an approved pre-service Dementia training (information available here)

Step 4: Pass the Qualifying Test

Note: You must complete both the ACHP Orientation and Basic Training before taking the Qualifying Test. Please bring your certificates for verification.

  • Pass the Qualifying Test (no fee). You may sign yourself up for the Qualifying Test here.

Step 5: Submit Application

  • Upon passing the Qualifying Test (step 4), you must request a New License Application from ACHP.
  • Complete the application and return to the ACHP office with the required fees. 

How long does it take to get licensed?

It's different for each applicant. You must have verifiable experience and financial reserves. There are two scheduled classes to attend and two scheduled tests which you must pass. You must submit a very detailed application. After we receive a completed application, the turnaround for approval is within 60 days.

You must have purchased or leased a home when you submit your application. It may take a long time to find an appropriate house. Both the operator and the home are licensed at the same time.  

Applicants wishing to open an Adult Care Home outside of Multnomah County can call the Oregon Department of Human Services at 503-945-6403.