Welcome to the Virginia Guardian Training!
The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation in 2024 requiring all Virginia guardians to complete training developed by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS) on the following topics: the responsibilities and duties of guardians, how to complete annual guardianship reports, how to involve and encourage participation of incapacitated adults in decisions made by such guardians, medical advocacy, and decision-making on behalf of other persons. In addition, any skilled professional hired to assist the guardian with their responsibilities must complete the training.
When do I need to complete the training?
The deadline for completing the training will depend on when the guardian was appointed:
| Appointment Date | Training Completion Deadline |
|---|---|
| Prior to July 1, 2025 | January 1, 2027 |
| July 1, 2025 or after | Within 120 days after the date of qualification |
| A guardian who is appointed to serve more than one individual does not need to repeat the training more often than once every 36 months. | |
How do I complete the training?
Please complete the registration form below to access the training. You will be redirected to the online training once you complete the registration form. The registration form must be completed each time you wish to access the training. The training will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. If you exit out of the training before you finish, your progress may not be saved.
The graphic above is a preview to the opening of the training module.
What happens after I complete the training?
A certificate will be available for you to print or save electronically at the end of the training. Please save the certificate for your records.
The “Report of Guardian for an Incapacitated Person” form, often referred to as the annual report, was updated on July 1, 2025 to include a statement as to whether the guardian or any skilled professional has completed the training. You will indicate whether you have completed the training when the initial or annual report is due. An updated version of the form can be found on the Resource page.
Are there other helpful resources available for guardians?
Yes! DARS created several resources that have been made available to all guardians and skilled professionals. The resources can be access at any time, and they are not required as part of the Virginia Guardian Training.
What if I have questions or need assistance with the Virginia Guardian Training?
Please contact Ellie Rest, Guardian Training Program Coordinator, by calling 757-634-2918 or emailing ellie.rest@dars.virginia.gov.
Attorneys Seeking MCLE credit
This course has been approved by the Virginia Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Board for 1.0 hours of credit, of which 0.0 hours will also apply in the area of legal ethics or professionalism.
Attorneys seeking MCLE credit must select one of the two attorney options when indicating their relationship to the incapacitated adult on the training registration form. Upon successful completion of the course, attorneys must send a copy of their certificate of completion to guardianship@dars.virginia.gov. A Certification of Attendance form will be emailed in return within (5) business days.