Frequently Asked Questions
About CCO
What does Community Care Options do?
We help RCFE/ARF leaders stay compliant and confident with state-approved training (live-stream + self-paced CEUs), Initial Certification (ICTP), staff training solutions, CEU conferences/cruises, senior referral services (free for families), and practical tools like virtual tours.
Are your courses state-approved?
Yes. Our CEUs and RCFE ICTP meet California’s requirements. Each class page lists approvals and credit hours.
Who are your courses for?
RCFE/ARF administrators, owners/operators, compliance and clinical leads, and direct-care staff (via our Staff Training Subscription).
I’m not sure where to start—can I talk to someone?
Absolutely. Contact us and a real person will guide you to the right class, membership, or service.
How do I contact support?
Use the contact form on our site, call our office, or email the training team. We respond quickly during business hours.
Do you accept invoices/P.O.s for organizations?
Yes— just ask our team and we’d be happy to help.
What’s your refund/reschedule policy?
Policies appear on each checkout page. If plans change, contact us—we’ll help you reschedule whenever possible.
Do you offer group rates?
Yes—group and multi-site pricing is available for teams and enterprise client.
Initial Certification & Licensing
What is the RCFE ICTP format?
An 80-hour program: 60 hours live (webinar) + 20 hours self-paced online completed during the class window.
When should I take the state exam?
Typically within 60 days of course completion; passing is usually 70% (up to three attempts). Check current state guidance.
Do you help with the administrator application?
Yes—ask about license application support after you pass the exam.
What are the first steps to open an RCFE, ARF, or GH?
To open a care facility, you must complete two processes:
Administrator Certification – Complete the Initial Certification Training Program (ICTP), pass the state exam, and apply for your Administrator Certificate with CDSS.
Facility License – Apply for your facility license through the California Department of Social Services (CDSS), which includes required documentation, financial verification, and inspections.
What is the Initial Certification Training Program (ICTP)?
The ICTP is an 80-hour course that covers the “Core of Knowledge” required for RCFE or ARF administrators. Topics include resident care, laws and regulations, business operations, and health & safety.
What will I learn in the ICTP?
You’ll gain an understanding of Title 22, licensing regulations, admission and discharge requirements, medication management, business operations, and resident rights.
What do I do after completing the RCFE Administrator course?
After finishing the ICTP, register for the state exam within 60 days. Once you pass, submit your Administrator Application Packet (LIC 9214, proof of training, Live Scan, and other required documents) to CDSS within 30 days.
How much does the License Application cost?
License application assistance starts at $1,850 for a 6-bed facility. (Learn More)
How long does CDSS take to approve a license?
On average, approval takes 90–120 days, depending on background checks, fire clearance, and how complete your application is.
How much money do I need to open a facility?
Plan for at least three months of operating costs, typically $65,000–$75,000 for a 6-bed facility, available in the applicant’s name.
Do I need to own the property?
No. You can lease or rent, provided you have legal control of the property under your business entity.
What are the fire clearance requirements?
Fire clearances are issued by your local fire authority. Requirements vary by building classification and may include widening doors, adding exits, or upgrading walls.
How do I start the licensing process with CCO?
You can begin by purchasing a License Application Package on our site, which includes personalized assistance and templates tailored to your facility type.
Virtual Tours (for communities & businesses)
Why add a virtual tour if we already have photos?
Tours are interactive and room-to-room, setting accurate expectations, reducing no-shows, and improving tour-to-move-in conversion.
Will scanning disrupt operations?
Minimal. We coordinate around meals/activities and scan most areas in minutes..
Administrator CEUs & Membership
How many CEUs do I need to renew?
Most administrators need 40 CEUs every two years, with at least 20 from live-stream/in-person formats. Always confirm your regulator’s current rules.
What’s included with CCO Membership?
One year of Live-Stream + Self-Paced CEUs, certificates on completion, and member-only discounts on select products/events. Your Members Resource Hub has links, codes, and how-tos.
Where do I find my member discount code?
In the Members Resource Hub (log in). Not a member? Join to save on classes and events.
How fast do I get my CEU certificate?
Promptly—same day or shortly after completing a class or course.
Accessibility & Tech
Are your live classes accessible?
Tell us what you need—ADA accommodations are available with advance notice.
What tech do I need for live-stream classes?
A reliable internet connection and a computer with audio. We email links and materials in advance.
Do your self-paced courses work on mobile?
Yes—courses run in a standard web browser on desktop or mobile.
Memberships & Payments
What does a CCO Membership include?
Gold $325 40 CEUs + full access to online and live courses
Diamond $390 Gold benefits + discounts on events
Platinum $635 Diamond benefits + one-on-one consulting and exclusive events
Does my membership auto-renew?
Yes by default. You can enable or disable auto-renewal anytime in your Member Account Dashboard.
Are memberships refundable?
No. You’ll keep access through the end of your paid term, but fees are non-refundable.
How do I update my payment method?
Log in to your Member Account and update your payment details anytime.
Courses & Webinars
I just purchased a membership—how do I access my classes?
Self-paced courses: Log in under “Online Courses” (TalentLMS).
Live courses: Go to the Live Courses section and register through EventSpark using your member ticket.
How many live courses do I need?
At least five live classes (about 20 CEUs total).
What does one CEU equal?
Each CEU equals one hour of approved training.
What if I get interrupted in a self-paced course?
No problem—your progress is saved automatically. Log back in to continue where you left off.
CEU Conferences & Cruises
What’s the difference between a CEU class and a conference/cruise?
Classes are focused single topics; conferences/cruises bundle multiple sessions so you can earn credits quickly, network, and get the latest compliance updates.
Do members get discounts on conferences/cruises?
Yes—members receive special pricing (see your tier benefits and the Members Hub for codes).
Staff Training Subscription (for facilities)
Does the subscription cover the full 40 hours of initial staff training?
It provides 24 online hours toward the required 40; the remaining 16 hours are hands-on at your facility (shadowing/supervised practice).
What about annual staff training?
Covers the 20 annual hours (including 8 dementia and 4 hours in postural supports/restricted conditions/hospice) with online modules you can assign and track.
How do we access the courses?
Through TalentLMS (your staff CEU portal). Progress auto-saves; certificates are downloadable for personnel files.
Senior Referral Services (Families)
Is your referral service really free?
Yes—our help for families is free. We create a curated short-list, coordinate tours, and explain costs/levels of care.
Do you have local advisors?
Yes. Our local, in-person advisors know the communities in your area and can meet you for tours or consults.
What types of communities do you cover?
Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
How does the referral process work?
A Senior Services Advisor will learn about your loved one’s needs, coordinate tours, assist with applications, and support you through the decision process.
What areas do you serve?
Currently: Butte, Glenn, Tehama, and Yuba Counties.
What’s the average cost of Assisted Living?
Around $5,000 per month in Butte County; Independent Living starts near $2,750 per month.
How can I pay for senior care?
Families typically use savings, LTC insurance, VA benefits, proceeds from home sales, or bridge-loan/reverse-mortgage programs.
What is the role of a Senior Services Advisor?
Your advisor helps assess care needs, coordinates tours, and provides continued support after placement.
Do your advisors attend tours with families?
Yes—unless you prefer to go independently.
What’s the difference between Assisted and Independent Living?
Assisted Living: Help with daily activities and medication management.
Independent Living: Minimal supervision for those who are largely self-sufficient.
Can I bring my pet?
Usually yes—policies vary, and a pet deposit or monthly fee may apply.
What if I have mobility or medical needs?
Most Assisted Living communities accommodate mobility devices and chronic conditions; Independent Living may have limits.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes. Most communities offer special diets and texture-modified meals.
Do I have to participate in activities?
No—activities are optional. Residents can engage as much or as little as they wish.
Can my family visit or participate in my care?
Absolutely. Families are encouraged to visit and remain involved in their loved one’s care.
Questions to Ask When Touring a Facility
What are the monthly fees and what’s included?
Are there additional charges for certain services?
How often do rates increase, and what notice is given?
What’s the admission and discharge process?
How are medications managed?
What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
How are emergencies handled?
Are healthcare or therapy services available on-site?
Can you accommodate hospice or end-of-life care?
What payment options are accepted?
Terminology
RCFE (Residential Care Facility for the Elderly)
Licensed by CDSS; provides care and supervision for residents 60 and older.
ARF (Adult Residential Facility)
Serves adults 18–59 who need care and supervision.
GH (Group Home)
24-hour residential care for children ages 6–17.
Facility License
Required state license to operate RCFE, ARF, or GH facilities.
Administrator Certificate
Credential required to manage a licensed facility, issued by CDSS after ICTP and exam.
ICTP (Initial Certification Training Program)
80-hour training covering the “Core of Knowledge” for administrators.
CEU (Continuing Education Unit)
Equals one hour of state-approved training; 40 required every two years.
CDSS (California Department of Social Services)
State agency overseeing licensing and certification for care facilities..
Can’t find your answer?
Send us a note—we’ll point you to the right resource, class, or advisor, and update this page so others benefit too.