The nursing facility administrator licensing exam covers five “domains of practice”—components of the job that require a degree of tasks, knowledge, and skills. The National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators (NAB) defines each domain as follows:

• Resident-Centered Care and Quality of Life: Ensuring that resident rights, quality of care, and quality of life are maximized by assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating resident services;
• Human Resources: Facilitating a comprehensive human resources program that recognizes the need for effective, engaged employees to successfully deliver resident-centered care;
• Finance: Facilitating comprehensive fiscal management to achieve the organization’s financial performance objectives and to provide ongoing resident services;
• Environment: Ensuring an environment and atmosphere that promote, protect, and provide resident-centered care and quality of life; and
• Leadership and Management: Ensuring innovation and strategic direction in alignment with organizational mission, vision, values, and purpose; effectively managing resources to ensure maximum performance and impact; integrating skills needed for daily management of the facility; and implementing systems and nurturing relationships to ensure success in a complex and dynamic industry.
  

According to NAB, 20 core skills are applicable across all five domains: conducting effective meetings; leading the change process; analyzing and interpreting data; informed decision making; creating and communicating a vision; developing and implementing a strategic plan; delegating; inspiring and motivating; prioritizing; negotiating; problem solving; time management; conflict resolution and mediation; oral and written communications; cultivating effective relationships; leading organizational behavior; team building; consensus building; active listening; and coaching, teaching, and mentoring.