Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have Zoom on my device? 

Join a Test Meeting | Zoom. It is the student’s responsibility to sign in to class on time and to have Zoom capability, including a working camera, microphone, and speaker. We will not delay the start of class to deal with technical issues, unless it is being experienced by the entire class. 

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What materials do I need for the class, and how do I get them?

You will receive a weekly email with slide handouts for the upcoming sessions. In addition, you must have access to the PA Department of Human Services PCH Regulations & Regulatory Compliance Guides

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Do I have to attend all classes?

Yes, it is mandatory. You may miss no more than 20 minutes of any module; if you do, you will have to repeat that module. An additional fee of $150 per module will be charged. 

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Do you offer a payment plan?

We offer a payment plan of half down, with the other half due by the start of the second week of class. If payment is not received when due, you will be dropped from the class without a refund of the money paid. 

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When do I take the test?

Before the last week of class, you will receive a schedule of available testing dates and times. The test is instructor-led, via Zoom, and cannot be taken on a smartphone. 

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What is the test like?

The test consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and you must achieve 80% to pass. The maximum amount of time to take the test is 2 hours, but most finish within an hour. 

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What if I don’t pass the test?

If you do not pass the test, you may retake it, at no charge, once more after you have had time to review the materials. If you pay attention in class and review your materials, you will be fine. From PCHA test proctoring experience, the majority of students pass on the first attempt.  If you do not pass the second time, you must repeat the entire 100-hour course at the cost of $500.

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When can I take the State Orientation and how much does it cost?

There is no charge for the mandatory 8-hour orientation, and it can be scheduled only after you have completed the 100-hour training and passed the test. You must provide the State with your certificate of completion and your State-issued test certification. 

Register for the orientation: 2026-personal-care-home-administrator-orientation-schedule.pdf

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What if I already have my First Aid, CPR, and obstructed airway training certificate? 

Am I required to have CPR certification?

Yes, you must have certification in CPR and obstructed airway techniques and training in first aid, including the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) module. If you need this training, we recommend the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.  Some local healthcare organizations and employers also offer classes. Check with your organization to see if it is an option.  If you have a current certification, you must provide us with a copy of your card, and you do not have to retake it until it is due.

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What happens if I drop the course? 

A full refund will be issued if requested at least one week before the start of the course. If you withdraw less than one week before the start date, you will receive a refund of the amount paid less a $250 processing fee. Once the 100-hour course starts, there are no refunds. If you have a personal emergency, let us know as soon as possible, and we will work with you to schedule a make-up session/s.

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Do I have to attend all the modules, and what happens if I miss a module?

It is mandatory to attend all the modules. However, we understand there can be personal or work-related emergencies. If it is an excused absence of which we have been notified before the module start date, we will work with you to retake the module the next time it is offered.  If you miss without prior notification or are absent for more than 20 minutes of any module, you must pay $150 to retake that module, regardless of the number of hours.  You can also choose to make up that module with another service provider or hire an approved private instructor at your own expense. You must provide us with proof of completion by that provider.

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What is the average salary for a Personal Care Home Administrator in Pennsylvania?

According to ZipRecruiter.com, as of 2025, the average annual pay for a Personal Care Home Administrator in Pennsylvania is $82,210 a year, with a high of $85,704 and a low of $32,578. A Personal Care Home Administrator's salary is shaped by several key factors, including experience level, specific skills, industry differences, company size, and more. (www.salary.com)

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I am considering opening a home or changing the current administrator. Where can I find additional information?

The Office of Long-Term Living’s (OLTL) Bureau of Human Services Licensing (BHSL) is responsible for licensure of personal care homes (PCH) and assisted living residences (ALR) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For information, click here.