RAC-CT Certification: Overview and FAQ

If you work in post-acute or long-term care, you’ve probably heard of RAC-CT certification. But what does it mean, and is it worth pursuing? This certification is especially relevant for MDS coordinators, case managers, and directors of nursing who work in facilities governed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regulations.

Developed by the CMS, the Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual is used to:

• Assess residents’ clinical needs.
• Guide care planning.
• Determine reimbursement for skilled nursing services.

Nurses and other healthcare professionals who coordinate RAI need a deep understanding of clinical assessment, documentation requirements, and federal policy.

What Is RAC-CT Certification?

Resident Assessment Coordinator – Certified is the gold-standard credential for nurses who manage the RAI process in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and long-term care settings. This credential is awarded by the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) and validates a nurse’s in-depth understanding of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) care assessment areas and regulations related to reimbursement.

Certified professionals are typically responsible for assessing residents, completing MDS assessments accurately and on time, coordinating interdisciplinary care plans, and making sure their facility meets CMS requirements. This credential shows that a nurse not only understands how to complete regulatory assessments but also how to interpret and apply them in ways that improve patient outcomes, protect reimbursement, and support quality care.

Why Pursue Resident Assessment Coordinator Certification?

This credential is a great choice for MDS coordinators who want to advance their authority and their resume. Earning it shows that you’ve met national standards of expertise in your field, and this can make you a more competitive applicant for new jobs. You may receive bonuses or salary boosts for certification, and in some facilities, it is an MDS job description requirement.

Your employer benefits from this credential, too, since accurate RAI ensures that Medicare funds are provided fully and quickly. According to the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination (AANAC), certified new-hire professionals typically need less training, and certification may increase productivity as well.

Become a Certified Resident Assessment Coordinator: 4 Steps

How long does the certification process take? If you meet eligibility requirements, you could earn this credential in just a few months.

Step 1: Meet Certification Requirements

The AANAC recommends at least six months of experience with the RAI process before seeking RAC-CT, meaning, this credential is not for professionals who are brand-new to the role. If you’re looking to break into MDS coordinator jobs, the AANAC offers essential resources to help you learn about the field.

Step 2: Complete the Certification Program

To become certified, there are 10 courses you’ll need to complete, and each corresponds to an exam. The courses are offered in three formats. The corresponding RAC-CT certification cost for each resource is listed below.

Whichever format you choose, you’ll complete the online material and exam portion through your AAPACN account. Once each course is launched, you have 90 days to complete the corresponding exam.

Step 3: Pass the Exams Corresponding to Each Course

Each exam is open-book, with multiple-choice questions. Since there’s no exam time limit, you can take breaks and come back to the exam materials; however, you’ll need to complete each test within 90 days of launching the course.

The exams are self-scoring, and you’ll get your score back immediately. You’ll need a score of at least 80% on each exam to pass.

What’s covered in the certification courses and exams? Certification covers the domains below:

1. MDS 3.0 Coding for OBRA and PPS
2. Accurately assessing functional status and the MDS 3.0
3. OBRA timing and scheduling for the MDS 3.0
4. PPS timing and scheduling for the MDS 3.0
5. Resource utilization groups IV and the MDS 3.0
6. Care area assessments and the MDS 3.0
7. Care planning and the MDS 3.0
8. Quality measures and the MDS 3.0
9. The five-star quality rating system
10. Introduction to Medicare Part A

To help you go into each exam prepared, the AANAC provides an RAC-CT practice test for each domain exam. You’ll then have three attempts to pass the course exam. What if you fail an exam after three attempts? You can purchase three more testing attempts for $45, but if you fail these, you’ll need to wait a year before trying again.

Once you pass all 10 domain exams, you can begin using your new credentials as a certified resident assessment coordinator.

Step 4: Maintain Your Credential

This credential is valid for two years after your completion date and expires at the end of the month of completion, with a one-month grace period to submit your renewal. The AANAC regularly updates its certification curriculum, so it’s best to begin the recertification process at least six months before your certification expires.

To recertify, you can either complete the 10 domains again or complete two recertification domains:

• • MDS 3.0 Updates and PPS scheduling challenges
  • MDS 3.0 common coding errors and quality measure pitfalls

Resident Assessment Coordinator Certification FAQ

Can you get RAC-CT certification online?

Yes, by purchasing the online certification option, you can review the materials and take the certification exams fully online.

Are there RAC-CT certification training programs?

Yes, you can find live certification workshops through AAPACN. Each program includes continuing education credits, and they are offered in both virtual and in-person formats.

Is this credential only for nurses?

No, the AANAC encourages other interdisciplinary team members to become certified as well. This includes the following roles:

• Physical therapists
• Occupational therapists
• Speech therapists
• Social workers
• Health information professionals
• Dietitians
• Administrators

What does it cost to become an AANAC member, and what are the benefits?

It costs $124 per year, or $217 for two years. Members receive the following resources and benefits:

• Updates on changes to CMS requirements and long-term care news
• Access to a members-only community where you can get answers to questions
• Access to the AANAC career center
• Discounts up to 50% on certification and educational materials, as well as conferences

Find MDS Coordinator Roles

Whether you’re pursuing RAC-CT certification or not, IntelyCare can help you advance your career. Learn about personalized job notifications that will alert you when roles open up in your area.