The Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC) is a designation administered by the Certification for Long-Term Care Institute, an independent third-party administrator unaffiliated with any insurance carriers. The designation accredits professionals in various fields with the proper skill set to discuss the consequences of long-term care with their clients.
CLTC accredited professionals work closely with families to help mitigate the physical, emotional and financial consequences of long-term care, including care provided by nursing homes, personal caregiver agencies, home health agencies, hospitals, and more. Since CLTC designation holders are not associated with any specific insurance agency, their main service is providing advice to their clients, not selling specific products or care plans.
What Is the Certification in Long-Term Care (CLTC) Designation?
The CLTC designation was created in 1999 by the trademark holder Certification for Long-Term Care. The company exists to deliver educational, certification, and testing material for financial guidance professionals to expand their skill set to offer long-term care advice. This covers all topics related to the impacts of extended care, longevity, and end-of-life planning on clients’ families and finances. The CLTC is recognized by major insurance carriers and the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) as a credible designation.
The designation demonstrates that an individual has completed a rigorous training program that covers all aspects of long-term care planning, from insurance policies to government benefits. Thus, with a detailed understanding of the long-term care industry, these professionals are better equipped to see the big picture regarding long-term care services and understand the challenges associated with this type of care. In addition, CLTC professionals must adhere to a strict code of ethics, which helps to ensure that they always put their client’s best interests first.
The main service a CLTC holder provides is advice for individuals and their families on what they can do to mitigate the short-term and long-term consequences when faced with the prospect of age-related issues. It is a very sensitive subject, and those with CLTC designation are recognized for their ability to guide clients through these issues in a competent yet empathetic manner.
CLTC holders can belong to any profession, but most have a background in insurance, financial advisory, law, accounting, or another advice and guidance-based profession.
CLTC professionals are usually engaged in long-term planning for clients, providing plan changes and adjustments as required over several years. They can be hired exclusively for their long-term care planning services or for more holistic advice when combined with their other professional designations.
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Should You Hire a Professional With a CLTC Designation?
As the population ages, more and more people are finding themselves in need of long-term care services. However, long-term care can be expensive, and many individuals are unsure how to pay for it. If you or a loved one is considering long-term care, you may want to hire a professional with the CLTC designation.
Here are some specific scenarios in which you may want to hire a CLTC-designated professional:
- You have difficulty with two or more activities of daily living, which include bathing, dressing, transferring from a bed to a chair, toileting, continence, and eating.
- You have cognitive impairment and have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
- You need constant supervision during the day or frequent reminders to perform activities of daily living.
- You are at risk of falling.
- You exhibit wandering behavior.
- Your primary caregiver is overwhelmed or needs a break.
If any of these situations apply to you, you should consider speaking with a professional who has earned a CLTC designation. Aside from helping you understand the level of support you need in your day-to-day life, your budget is another essential factor they will work with you on. Long-term care can be expensive, so you’ll want to ensure you can afford the long-term care plan. Speak to a professional to see how they can help you maintain your quality of life.
What Does It Take To Earn and Maintain the CLTC Designation?
A prospective CLTC designation holder must complete the learning program and pass an online certification exam within 120 days from registration.
CLTC offers enrollees the option to select between two types of programs to prepare for the exam.
- Live Master Class – This comprehensive classroom-style program provides training for core competencies in long-term care services, Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, self-funding, and LTC insurance. Prospective CLTC designation holders will acquire the proper skill set to confidently discuss long-term care and craft funding solutions.
You can register for in-person or virtual Master Classes using the course calendar. Virtual Master Classes are delivered over four days with 4 hours of instruction daily.
- eCLTC – Candidates also have the option to opt for pre-recorded online learning. eCLTC is an alternative to the live Master Class and includes 24 online learning modules. With instructor-led videos and other learning material, eCLTC helps prospective CLTC designation holders build the same skill set they would in the Master Class.
The CLTC proctored exam is a closed-book test with 100 multiple choice questions. Candidates must take and pass the exam within 120 days of registration.
To maintain the designation, CLTC designation holders must complete an ongoing continuing education course every two years, which includes up-to-date information about the long-term care industry and practices. In addition, all CLTC designation holders must pay an annual renewal fee.
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About the Author
Ash & Pri
Ash & Pri are the founders of AshandPri.com, where they empower readers to make smart money decisions across all aspects of life.
After achieving their FIRE goals in their 30s, they launched their blogging business in late 2021 and scaled it up quickly to generate a consistent income within a few months.
You can find their expert financial advice & tips featured on sites like Forbes, GoBankingRates, Apartment Therapy, MSN, and more.