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NADSP Credential Program
The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) offers the only opportunity nationally for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to earn a national credential as part of a nationally recognized career path. This program affords DSPs the opportunity to commit to the profession of direct support by completing a multi-level credentialing program that consists of three tiers.
The College of Direct Support is accredited and approved by the NADSP as meeting its curriculum standards for DSPs to study and earn the credentials
The three tiers are:
- Direct Support Professional - Registered level. At this level DSPs commit to the profession, the NADSP Code of Ethics and demonstrate six months of continuous employment as a DSP with the same employer.
- DSP- Certified. At this level DSPs are required to complete an accredited education or training program and to submit a portfolio of work samples that demonstrate their competence in 8/15 competency areas provided by the NADSP.
- DSP - Specialist. At this level DSPs are required to complete specialized training and to develop a work sample in their area of specialization. The four specialization areas are: health support, positive behavior support, supervision and mentoring and inclusion.
The NADSP is a coalition of organizations and individuals committed to strengthening the quality of human service support by strengthening the direct support workforce. The group has representatives from the fields of mental health, developmental disabilities, child welfare, education, and many others in the human services community. The Alliance has developed a national agenda to address conditions chronicled for 25 years that are harmful to people who rely on human services
The NADSP believes that service participants and DSPs are partners in the move towards a self-determined life, and in complimenting and facilitating growth of natural supports.
To learn more about the NADSP credentialing program and the organization and its Code of Ethics, visit their website at www.nadsp.org
