Editorial Team · Content Writer
Reviewed by John Brown, CSA®
Updated October 2026 · 4-minute read
Table of Contents
- Texas Assisted Living Manager Requirements and Training
- Texas Nursing Facility Administrator Licensing and Professional Development
- Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing training for a senior care career starts with understanding the role. Texas assisted living managers complete required education and training, while nursing facility administrators need an individual state license. Optional certifications can add knowledge beyond those requirements.
For professionals serving older adults in Austin, New Braunfels, Temple, and Waco, knowing the difference helps you choose education that fits your work.
Texas Assisted Living Manager Requirements and Training
Texas assisted living manager requirements are part of the state’s facility licensing standards. Texas does not issue these managers the same individual occupational license required for nursing facility administrators.
Under 26 TAC §553.253, managers generally complete a minimum 24-hour assisted living management course, including eight hours on assisted living standards within the first three months. Required management training must be completed by the first anniversary of employment, subject to applicable exemptions.
Managers also need 12 hours of annual continuing education; the initial 24-hour course satisfies the first year’s requirement. Education and experience qualifications differ between small and large facilities.
| Requirement | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Initial management training | At least 24 hours, subject to applicable exemptions |
| Assisted living standards instruction | Eight hours within the first three months |
| Continuing education | 12 hours annually after the initial year |
| Documentation | Facility records must show training content, hours, dates, and provider |
The rule includes exemptions involving comparable prior coursework and certain employment transitions. Changing communities does not automatically mean repeating the entire course. Keep personal copies and have the new employer confirm documentation requirements. LII / Legal Information Institute
Pro Tip: Before enrolling, ask whether the course meets current Texas requirements and provides a detailed completion record. Start with Texas HHSC’s assisted living resources.
Texas Nursing Facility Administrator Licensing and Professional Development
A Texas nursing facility administrator follows a separate licensing process through Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
The standard pathway includes a bachelor’s degree, required coursework, supervised administrator-in-training experience, and examinations. Alternative pathways may apply, so confirm your eligibility before paying for a program.
Licensed administrators renew every two years and must complete required continuing education. See HHSC’s licensing requirements and renewal guidance. Texas Health and Human Services
Where CSA® and SRES® Fit
Optional credentials serve different purposes:
- Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®: A certification for professionals working with older adults. Requirements include an examination, background check, ethics module, and agreement to professional standards. It can complement an administrator’s experience but does not replace required licensing or authorize clinical, legal, or financial services. Learn about CSA certification requirements. csa.us
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®): A real estate designation focused on the housing needs of clients age 50 and older. It may be relevant to referral partners helping with home sales and housing transitions. It is separate from senior care administration qualifications. See NAR’s SRES® information. nar.realtor
Key Takeaway: Choose credentials that support your responsibilities. Check separately whether a course qualifies for required continuing education.
For Central Texas teams, professional development can also focus on dementia support, family communication, resident rights, and hospital-to-home coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas require an assisted living manager license?
Texas requires assisted living managers to meet qualifications and training standards within its facility licensing rules. This differs from the individual license required for nursing facility administrators.
Is CSA® required to manage a senior living community?
No. CSA® is an optional professional certification. It supplements knowledge about aging without replacing the requirements for a specific management role.
How can families check an administrator’s qualifications?
Ask about the person’s experience, required training, continuing education, and any professional credentials. For nursing facility administrators, use HHSC’s licensing resources to check license status. hhs.texas.gov
How SIS Can Help
Senior Industry Services connects Central Texas families and professionals with educational articles, local resource listings, and networking opportunities. Our Senior-AI assistant can help you explore general senior care questions and identify resources to contact.
This article provides general education. Confirm licensing, training, and continuing education requirements with HHSC and the relevant credentialing organization.