Developed in Association with The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)
NADD-DDS: Dual Diagnosis Specialist Certification
The NADD-DDS is a competency-based certification designed to recognize professionals who deliver, manage, supervise, or train others in services for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health needs (MI).
This certification helps improve the quality and effectiveness of care by setting clear professional standards and promoting ongoing development in the field.
Who Should Apply?
The NADD Specialist Certification is ideal for professionals who work directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and co-occurring mental health needs in non-clinical roles. This includes:
- Case managers
- Behavioral health specialists
- Special education staff
- Program coordinators
What Certification Means
The NADD Specialist Certification recognizes professionals who provide behavioral health, case management, educational, or support services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
Earning this certification confirms that you have the knowledge and skills to support people with dual diagnoses using best practices. It demonstrates your professional competency, strengthens your credibility with colleagues and employers, and reinforces your commitment to high-quality, person-centered care.
In-Person Staff Training
We highly recommend in-person training for staff pursuing this certification, as it provides a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning and team-based development.
To learn more or schedule live training for your staff, contact our Director of Training & Consultations, Elaine Ward at eward@thenadd.org.
Online Training Modules
Specialist LMS training modules are available to support your certification preparation. These self-paced modules are designed to deepen your understanding of best practices for serving individuals with IDD and co-occurring mental health needs.
We recommend using the LMS modules for the most up-to-date and structured training experience.
The training package is available for $75 and can be accessed by logging in and selecting “Purchase Trainings” at:
Sign Up Now
Established Members Skip to Next Step
Establish NADD Membership
NADD Membership is a requirement for certification.
Employees of organizations with a NADD Organizational Membership receive benefits through their employer.
Complete Your Certification Application
Log in to your member portal Select “Certifications”, then Choose Specialist Certification
NADD developed the NADD Competency-Based IDD/MI Dual Diagnosis Direct Support Professional Certification Program to certify the competency of DSPs who support people with dual diagnosis.
DSP certification validates and provides assurance to individuals served, colleagues, and employers that a direct support professional has met the standards established by NADD for providing services to individuals with IDD/MI.
DSPs who receive NADD certification will be entitled to use “NADD-DSP” as a credential.
In general, DSPs spend more time with the person with IDD/MI than any other professional. The competence of the DSP can make a big difference in the quality of life for people. DSPs are often the ones charged with supporting skill building. They help the person engage in recommended therapies on a day-to-day basis. This work requires an advanced level of skill and knowledge to do well.
Costs:
- DSP Certification Application Fee $75
- If Employed by a NADD Accredited Agency $50
- DSP Recertification Application Fee $40
The NADD-DSP is a competency-based certification and is intended to validate an individual’s understanding of a set of standards (or competencies) for providing services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
In-depth information regarding required competencies is available at the following link: https://thenadd.org/dsp-certification-competency-areas/
NADD has developed a comprehensive series of trainings that focus on the Core Competency areas identified in each of our Certification Programs and is pleased to tailor live in-person or virtual trainings to the needs of a particular group or organization.
Previous recorded webinars and sessions concerning Clinical, Specialist, and Direct Support Professional Certification competencies are also offered as digital downloads. These trainings are useful to anyone interested in learning more about a particular topic, and to individuals who are preparing to apply for a NADD Certification. For more information, CLICK HERE
Resources
📧 Questions?
Email specialistcerts@thenadd.org
👥 Certifying Multiple Staff?
Contact us: info@thenadd.org
Sign Up Now
- Establish NADD Membership
If you’re already a NADD member, skip to Step 2.
If not, NADD Membership is a requirement for certification, and all employees of organizations with a NADD Organizational Membership receive member benefits through their employer.
Click Here to Join! - Complete your Certification Application
Click here to login to your member portal.
Select “Certifications”
Select the DSP Certification option.
- Recertification
Renewing your NADD Certification is done within the member portal
Questions: dspcerts@thenadd.org
Program Overview
Executive Summary
Program Manual
Competency areas
Learn More about DSP Certification:
Organizations with multiple staff to certify: info@thenadd.org
NADD developed the NADD Competency-Based IDD/MI Dual Diagnosis Specialist Certification Program to improve the quality and effectiveness of services provided to individuals with a dual diagnosis through the development of competency-based professional standards and through promoting ongoing professional development.
Specialist certification through NADD validates and provides assurance to people receiving services, professional colleagues, employers, and third-party payers that a specialist has met the standards established by NADD for providing services to individuals with IDD/MI. Certification attests to the specialist’s competency in providing these services.
Specialists who receive NADD certification will be entitled to use “NADD-DDS” as a credential.
A Specialist in the field of dual diagnosis is defined as an individual who delivers, manages, trains and/or supervises services for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health needs. Staff working in units of county, state or provincial government, QIDPs, program directors, program supervisors, case/care managers, program specialists, supports coordinators, peer specialists, trainers and others are examples of roles that can apply for the Specialist certification.
Sign Up Now
- Establish NADD Membership
If you’re already a NADD member, skip to Step 2.
If not, NADD Membership is a requirement for certification, and all employees of organizations with a NADD Organizational Membership receive member benefits through their employer.
Click Here to Join! - Complete your Certification Application
Click here to login to your member portal.
Select “Certifications”
Select the Specialist Certification option. - Recertification
Renewing your NADD Certification is done within the member portal.
Resources
Questions: specialistcerts@thenadd.org
Program Overview
Executive Summary
Program Manual
Competency areas
Organizations with multiple staff to certify: info@thenadd.org
