Seventy-six additional senior living professionals have earned the certified director of assisted living, or CDAL, credential, the Senior Living Certification Commission announced Monday.

They join the 257 professionals in the inaugural class who earned the credential in February (originally, 252 were announced, but five additional people were part of February’s class, according to Argentum). The commission said that 333 people now can use the initials CDAL after their names to indicate the accomplishment.

“The commitment demonstrated by these individuals to achieve this high-standard industry credential makes a powerful statement about their drive for professional growth and their increasing abilities to provide the most capable leadership within the industry,” said Tim Buchanan, SLCC chairman and CEO of Legend Senior Living. “I applaud all of our professionals who have earned the certified director of assisted living credential and also encourage other eligible assisted living professionals to apply for the opportunity to earn this credential.”

The voluntary certification program was developed after subject matter experts performed a job analysis to determine the unique knowledge and skills required by executive directors. The exam tests judgment, the application of knowledge and problem-solving abilities related to the principles and philosophy of assisted living, resident care and services, customer experience, leadership, operations management, regulatory compliance, sales and marketing, and financial management.

Employees from 22 companies participated in the most recent testing, including Atria Senior Living, Autumn Leaves, Belmont Village Senior Living, Benchmark Senior Living, Brandywine Living, Bridgestone Living, Brightview Senior Living, Brookdale Senior Living, Civitas Senior Living, Danbury Senior Living, Elmcroft Senior Living, Five Star Senior Living, Harbor Retirement Associates, Juniper Communities, Legend Senior Living, Maxwell Group, Merrill Gardens, New Perspective Senior Living, Silverado, The Arbor Co., Thrive Senior Living and Westmont Living. To date, candidates employed by 60 senior living provider companies have participated.

Nov. 1 is the registration deadline for the next testing period, taking place Sept. 15 through Dec. 15.