Specialist Certification

Developed in association with
The National Association of State
Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services (NASDDDS)

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

  1. 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!
  2. Complete your Certification Application
    Click here to login to your member portal.
    Select “Certifications”
    Select the Specialist Certification option.
  3. 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