CALA Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CALA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 CALA Exam Format at a Glance

75
Questions
90 min
Time Limit
75.00%
Passing Score

📚 CALA Topics to Study (22)

✍️ Sample CALA Questions & Answers

1. What is a 'preadmission screening' in the context of assisted living admissions?
An evaluation to determine whether the prospective resident's needs fall within the facility's scope of care

Preadmission screening evaluates a prospective resident's physical, cognitive, and functional status to ensure the facility can safely and appropriately meet their care needs before admission.

2. Which of the following contributes to resident quality of life in assisted living?
Providing engaging social and recreational activities

Activities and social engagement promote mental and emotional well-being, enhancing residents’ overall quality of life.

3. In assisted living financial management, what does 'census' refer to?
Number of occupied resident beds

Census refers to the number of occupied resident beds or units at a given time, directly impacting revenue calculations.

4. What is the purpose of a 'go-bag' or emergency kit maintained for each resident in an assisted living facility?
To hold essential documents, medications, and supplies needed if the resident must evacuate quickly

A go-bag contains essential items a resident would need during rapid evacuation, including medications, medical records summaries, identification, and comfort items.

5. Under the Controlled Substances Act, which DEA schedule includes medications with the highest accepted medical use but also high potential for abuse, such as hydrocodone combinations?
Schedule III

Hydrocodone combination products are classified as Schedule III substances, which have accepted medical use and moderate-to-low potential for physical dependence.

6. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), what is an employer required to provide to a qualified employee with a disability?
Reasonable accommodation unless it causes undue hardship

The ADA requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities, unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the organization.

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Your CALA Study Path
1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation