Developed in Association with The National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)
NADD-DSP Certification Overview
The NADD Direct Support Professional (DSP) Certification is a competency-based credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health conditions.
This certification demonstrates that the DSP has met standards across critical service areas essential for delivering high-quality, person-centered support.
Training to Support Certification
To help individuals and organizations meet these competency standards, NADD offers a variety of training options:
Who Should Apply?
The NADD-DSP certification is designed for direct support professionals who work with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and mental health needs. Candidates typically want to:
- Validate their skills in providing compassionate, competent support
- Enhance their professional credibility and career opportunities
- Demonstrate their commitment to best practices in dual diagnosis care
- Earn the NADD-DSP credential as a mark of excellence in their field
What Certification Means
Earning the NADD-DSP certification demonstrates your competency in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and co-occurring mental health needs. It provides reassurance to individuals receiving services, families, employers, and care teams that you are committed to best practices in dual diagnosis support. This certification recognizes your professional skills and dedication — and entitles you to use the credential: NADD-DSP.
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 training@thenadd.rg
Online Training Modules
We strongly encourage DSP candidates to complete the LMS training modules, which offer the most up-to-date and comprehensive preparation for certification. These self-paced modules are designed specifically for direct support professionals working with individuals with IDD and mental health needs.
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 DSP 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
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
