Adult Family Home Administrator Training in Washington
Washington requires Adult Family Home license applicants — and entity representatives opening an additional home — to complete the DSHS-approved Adult Family Home administrator training (WAC 388-76-10064). The course is taught by community colleges only. Here is who must take it, what it covers, where to enroll, and how it fits your licensing timeline.
Who must take it
- Every applicant submitting an Adult Family Home license application.
- A provider or entity representative applying for a NEW license who has never completed the training — even if currently licensed for another home (WAC 388-76-10064).
- Resident managers designated to run the home also need qualifying training — confirm your role’s requirements with DSHS.
What the course covers
The administrator course covers the business and regulatory side of running an AFH: licensing rules (WAC 388-76), resident rights, staffing and training obligations, records and policies, emergency planning, and the financial basics of operating a home. It is separate from the 75-hour Home Care Aide training, which covers hands-on caregiving skills.
Where to take it: community colleges only
DSHS requires this curriculum to be taught by community colleges. Providers have included Highline College and Green River College continuing education departments. A recent Highline listing showed a 54-hour online course (Zoom/Canvas) priced around $729 — but classes fill and schedules, formats, and fees change every quarter, so confirm current offerings directly with the college. Search “[college name] continuing education adult family home administrator training” for the current quarter.
Cost, schedule, and passing
- Cost is typically in the hundreds of dollars; check the current quarter’s listing.
- Formats include multi-week evening/weekend sessions and online options; the first day is often a mandatory orientation.
- Providers generally require successful completion of all coursework (around 80% overall is common) to award the DSHS certificate of completion — confirm the current passing standard when you enroll.
- Keep your certificate: the license application asks for it.
How training fits the licensing path
Take administrator training EARLY — you need the certificate before DSHS will process your license application, and course schedules can add months if you wait. See the full step-by-step in our Washington startup guide. Budget training alongside the other 2026 line items on our startup costs page.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Adult Family Home administrator training?
The DSHS requirement is framed as a 48-hour course; colleges may package it with orientation as a 54-hour offering. Plan for several weeks of sessions.
Can I take it online?
Some colleges offer it online via Zoom/Canvas (desktop or laptop usually required). Formats vary by quarter — check the current listing.
I am already a licensed provider. Do I need it again?
Not for the home you already operate. But if you apply for a NEW license and never completed the training, you must take it before applying (WAC 388-76-10064).
Does administrator training replace the 75-hour caregiver training?
No. They cover different things — administration versus hands-on care. Most applicants need both, plus 1,000 hours of caregiving experience, CPR/first aid, and the DSHS orientation.