CLTC® Certified Long-Term Care
Short Summary
CLTC – Certified in Long-Term Care
The CLTC – Certified in Long-Term Care designation is a specialized credential awarded by the Certification for Long-Term Care Institute, designed for professionals who advise clients on the financial, emotional, and logistical consequences of extended care needs. It equips insurance agents, financial advisors, attorneys, and accountants with the skills to guide families through long-term care planning, including funding strategies, care preferences, and risk mitigation. CLTC holders are recognized for their ability to frame sensitive conversations and develop proactive care plans.
Candidates may complete the designation via a two-day live Master Class or the self-paced eCLTC program, which includes 24 online modules. Topics span Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, LTC insurance, self-funding, and the impact of chronic illness on family systems. The certification exam includes 100 multiple-choice questions and must be passed within 120 days of registration. Continuing education is required every two years to maintain the designation, along with an annual renewal fee.
Earning the CLTC signals deep understanding of long-term care planning and its intersection with retirement, estate, and insurance strategies. Designees are often employed in advisory roles where they help clients protect loved ones from the financial and emotional strain of care events. The CLTC complements broader credentials such as CFP®, ChFC®, and CEBS, and is supported by organizations like NAIFA, NAHU, and major insurance carriers.
Issued by the Certification for Long-Term Care Institute , an independent organization dedicated to educating professionals on extended care planning.Life & Health
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Course Description
The Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designation is designed to equip professionals with the expertise needed to help clients plan for long-term care needs, including Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, self-funding, and long-term care insurance options. It focuses on extended care planning, ensuring individuals and families are financially, emotionally, and physically prepared for long-term care situations.
Purpose of the CLTC® Designation
- Comprehensive Long-Term Care Planning – Helps professionals guide clients in funding and structuring long-term care plans.
- Financial & Legal Expertise – Covers insurance policies, government benefits, and estate planning.
- Client-Centered Approach – Focuses on advising families rather than selling products, ensuring holistic care solutions.
Topics Covered in the CLTC® Course
The CLTC® program includes training on:
- Understanding Long-Term Care Needs – Covers care options, costs, and funding strategies.
- Government Programs & Private Insurance – Explores Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance.
- Legal & Financial Considerations – Discusses estate planning, tax implications, and financial protection.
- Family & Emotional Impact – Helps professionals address the personal and emotional aspects of long-term care decisions.
Specialization Options
The CLTC® designation does not have formal specialization tracks, but professionals can enhance their expertise by pursuing related certifications in:
- Elder Law & Estate Planning – Focuses on legal aspects of long-term care.
- Retirement & Wealth Management – Strengthens knowledge of financial planning for extended care.
- Healthcare Consulting – Provides insights into care services, funding, and regulatory compliance.
The CLTC® designation is recognized by major insurance carriers, financial institutions, and professional associations such as NAIFA, NABIP, and the CFP Board.
Cost
The Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designation has costs associated with course enrollment, exam fees, and study materials, but a detailed breakdown isn’t readily available online. However, here are the typical expenses for professional designations:
Potential Cost Components
- Application Fees – Some programs require an initial registration fee.
- Course Fees – The CLTC® program includes a two-day class or online course.
- Books & Study Materials – Additional resources may be required.
- Exam Fees – The final exam is online and closed-book.
- Other Fees – Possible administrative or certification fees.
Since pricing can vary based on membership status, employer sponsorship, and regional availability, check the official CLTC® page for the most up-to-date cost details here.
Prerequisites
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Renewal Requirements
The Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designation requires annual renewal to maintain active status. Here are the key renewal requirements:
Renewal Requirements
- Annual Renewal Fee – Designees must pay a yearly fee to keep their CLTC® designation active.
- Continuing Education (CE) Requirement – Every two years, designees must complete one continuing education course. This can be either:
- The CLTC Renewal Course (provided by CLTC®).
- Their state-mandated long-term care training program (if applicable).
These requirements ensure that professionals stay updated on long-term care planning, industry trends, and regulatory changes. You can find more details on the official CLTC® renewal page here
Average Time to Complete Course
The Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designation typically takes two days to complete if taken as a live class, or it can be completed at a self-paced rate through the online course option. The flexibility allows professionals to finish the program based on their availability and learning style.
Exams
The Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designation requires candidates to complete one online, closed-book exam. Here are the key details:
Exam Format & Structure
- Number of Exams – One final exam.
- Format – Online, multiple-choice, closed-book.
- Duration – The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed in one sitting.
- Testing Window – Candidates have 120 days from the second day of class to complete the exam.
- Proctoring Requirement – The exam must be proctored, meaning a professional, independent third party must verify the candidate’s identity and monitor the exam.
Since CLTC updates its exam policies periodically, you can find the latest details on their official page here.
Certifying Body
The Certified Long-Term Care (CLTC®) designation is certified by the CLTC Board of Standards, Inc.. This organization oversees the training, certification, and professional standards for individuals specializing in long-term care planning. The CLTC designation is recognized by major insurance carriers, financial institutions, and professional associations such as NAIFA and The American College
