Certified Alzheimer Caregiver (CAC)®
CANDIDATE DEFINITION
The candidate for this test is someone who cares for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Candidates may be family members, or those who work in the home, at an adult daycare center, or in assisted living or nursing homes. They may or may not have a high school degree. They may or may not be a Certified Nurse Aide.
Upon passing the examination, the Certified Alzheimer Caregiver (CAC)® has demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the special needs and circumstances of persons with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and their families. They have the competence to work on a practical level with this population, using their knowledge of the disease to apply strategies to produce the best possible environment of care.
Applying Yourself? - Click here to complete the Exam Application for Yourself
Buying for a Group/Staff? - Click here to Buy the Exam and/or Caregiver Guide for others
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
18 years of age or older
Direct care experience with persons with dementia
Paid or Unpaid
A minimum of 15 hours per week for (one of the below):
One year OR
6 months if candidate is a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), LPN or RN
Training Requirements:
At least 15 hours in specific dementia care training within the last two years (our online Caregiver Course can account for 8 of the 15 required if purchased with your exam and completed prior to taking the exam)
OR
18 years of age or older
Participation in a Dementia Training/Apprenticeship Program
Examination Fee
The fee to take the exam is $165. You can optionally add-on the Caregiver Course for $185. Exam candidates are given 90 days of access to the Course, or until the exam is taken (whichever comes first). A short demo of the Caregiver Course is below:
Exams are administered through Pearson VUE Professional Testing Centers. Click here to locate your nearest testing center.
Alternatively, you may choose to have your exam proctored remotely. Equipment and environment requirements for remote proctoring are very strict and in some cases it may be easier for you to travel to a Pearson Vue testing center. Please make sure you have reviewed this page before choosing remote proctoring on the application.
The Certified Alzheimer Caregiver (CAC)® maintains certification with $35 yearly renewal and six hours of continuing education credits.