Are you passionate about improving the quality of care in long term and post-acute settings? The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program is inviting dedicated professionals to apply as Silver and Gold Examiners for the 2026 cycle—and we want you to be part of this transformative journey.
Why Become an Examiner?
As an Examiner, you’ll play a critical role in evaluating applications from care centers across the country that are committed to performance excellence. Using scoring calibration guidelines grounded in the Baldrige Performance Excellence criteria, you’ll help ensure that each review is consistent, fair, and impactful.
Your feedback will directly influence how organizations improve their systems, processes, and outcomes—making a real difference in the lives of residents and staff.
What You’ll Gain
- Professional Growth: Develop a marketable skillset in quality improvement, strategic analysis, and team collaboration.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and experts who share your commitment to excellence.
- Personal Fulfillment: Contribute to a national movement that’s elevating care standards across the continuum.
Who Should Apply?
- Silver Examiners: Ideal for those new to the Baldrige Framework, or those that are applying to the Bronze or Silver Quality Award.
- Gold Examiners: Best suited for individuals with prior Examiner experience or deep knowledge of performance excellence frameworks.
Whether you're a seasoned leader or a rising professional, there’s a place for you in this program.
Time Commitment & Support
- Training: Virtual, self-paced modules (10–12 hours) for all Examiners; in-person training for Team Leaders (travel expenses covered).
- Review Period: Weekly team calls and application evaluations from late February through early June (40–60 hours total).
- Resources: AHCA/NCAL provides comprehensive support to all Examiners in their learning journey, including travel reimbursement for required training.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join a community of professionals who are driving quality improvement in long term care. Your expertise and dedication can help shape a better future for thousands of residents and caregivers nationwide.
We welcome you to join a new Examiner recruitment webinar, taking place on October 8 from 1-2pm ET for Silver, and October 16 from 4-5pm ET for Gold, to hear from current Examiners about their experiences. Dial in details can be found
here.
The Examiner application is open from October 6 through November 6, 2025. The 2026 timeline, role description and more information can be found here:
ahcancal.org/examiners