The National Association for the Dually
Diagnosed is an organization for persons with intellectual disabilities and
mental health needs. NADD’s mission is to promote leadership in the expansion
of knowledge, training, policy, and advocacy for mental health practices that
promote a quality life for individuals with dual diagnosis (IDD/MI) in their
communities. Founded in 1983 NADD has become a respected authority in the field.
The NADD DSP certification was developed for DSPs to demonstrate competence in the area of supporting people with both intellectual disabilities and mental health needs.
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is a person whose primary role is to provide day-to-day support to people with disabilities in their homes, at work, at school, or in their communities. They may be known by titles such as family member, support staff, direct care staff, psych tech, personal care attendant, job coach, or para-educator.
What are the application requirements?
-DSP Employment History*
*1,000 hours of work with individual(s) with IDD or MI (paid or unpaid).
*Must have worked as a DSP for at least one full calendar year.
-One Letter of Recommendation from current or most recent supervisor.
-One Letter of Recommendation from a person served, or that person’s family or Representative.
-Review and sign the Code of Ethics as part of the application and be an employee in good standing at their organization.
-Upload 2 Letters of Recommendation in pdf, jpeg, or Word format
-Name
-Email Address
-Total Months Working as a Direct Support Professional
-Total Hours Working as a Direct Support Professional
-Employment History; for each employer, please include employer start/end dates, address, phone number, supervisor name, and position
-Primary diagnosis of individuals supported: MI/IDD/OTHER
-Educational History – for each institution include: Type (High school/College/GED), Name, Years Attended, Address, Course of Study (degree & major, Degree Granted?
Applications are valid for 12 months.
The level of education does not matter. NADD is interested in learning about the background of certified DSPs but does not have educational requirements. NADD recognizes that expertise is not always linked to formal coursework.
-The cost of the certification requires NADD membership and an application fee.
-If your organization has a membership, you do not need to purchase an individual membership.
-More details can be found on the following pages:
Membership: https://thenadd.org/dsp-cert-home-2/
DSP Certification: https://thenadd.org/dsp-cert-home-2/
The NADD DSP credential is based on five critical areas of support. A DSP should be very familiar with each of these areas and how to apply them in practice.
- Assessment and Observation
- Health and Wellness
- Behavior Support
- Community Collaboration and Teamwork
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
In-depth information regarding the five core competencies is available at the following link: https://thenadd.org/dsp-certification-competency-areas/
We also recommend that you take your time reviewing the NADD Code of Ethics.
The Code of Ethics should guide the DSP decision-making process when answering exam questions and while at work; and help with making good choices when faced with competing demands and expectations. https://thenadd.org/code-of-ethics/
Knowledge of both developmental disability and mental health is needed to pass the test.
Your employer may offer training or support you by providing a mentor, identifying resources, or helping with educational fees. NADD offers in-person and virtual training for NADD Member Organizations.
NADD offers additional downloadable recorded training materials Here https://thenadd.org/all-digital-content/
Yes. Please email NADD at dspcerts@thenadd.org to discuss accommodations.
When you pass the Core Competencies Exam, you will be a Certified NADD-DSP! This designation can go on your resume, and you may include a copy in your professional portfolio or as an attachment to a job application. Your NADD DSP Certification can be viewed and downloaded from the online portal.
If you don’t pass, you can retake the test after 30 days. Use this time to study.
If you feel that you are ready before 30 days is over, you can submit a written request from yourself as well as a written request from your supervisor to have that waiting period waived. Please send these requests to dspcerts@thenadd.org
You can take the test a total of three times.
NADD DSP Recertification application requirements:
-NADD Membership
-Complete & Submit the NADD DSP Recertification Application form
-Submit documentation showing 8 hours of continuing education related to mental health and wellness for persons with IDD
-Review and sign the Code of Ethics as part of the application
-Be employees in good standing at their organization
Other Professionals who have clinical licenses and/or other job roles
may wish to apply for NADD Clinical or Specialist NADD competency-based certification.
Specialist: https://thenadd.org/specialist-certification-2/
