Portfolio-Based DSP Specialist Certification (DSP-III)
Click on each title below for more information:
- DSP-Specialist Inclusion (DSP-S-I)
- DSP-Specialist Health Support (DSP-S-HS)
- DSP-Specialist Employment Supports (DSP-S-ES)
- DSP-Specialist Positive Behavior Support (DSP-S-PBS)
- DSP-Specialist Aging Supports (DSP-S-AS)
DSP Specialist (DSP-III) Guidebook
The focus of the guidebook is on the DSP-III, or DSP Specialist Certification. The guidebook lays out the various eligibility requirements, application components, certification expectations, and more. It also explains what DSPs already certified at the DSP-II level need to do to obtain the DSP-III specialist certification, and provide information and strategies that DSPs and employers can use to help DSPs to achieve the DSP Specialist (DSP-III) Certification.
Get Started
You can begin the process towards achieving NADSP Certification by downloading, completing and submitting the application form. After you have filled out the application, you can send it to Desiree Loucks Baer, NADSP’s Assistant Executive Director: dloucksbaer@nadsp.org
What happens after I apply?
Your DSP-Specialist application packet will be reviewed by NADSP within 90 days of receipt. If your application meets the criteria for advanced credentialing you will receive your DSP-Specialist recognition package. The package includes an embossed certificate that personally identifies you as a DSP-Specialist in your particular specialty area, a lapel pin that reinforces the achievement of the DSP-Specialist credential, and a personal letter from NADSP congratulating you on your achievement.
DSP-Specialist Inclusion (DSP-S-I)
Required elements:
- Must be a DSP-Certified II;
- Approved continuing education in inclusion (40 hours);
- Portfolio work sample that demonstrates competence in inclusion;
- Proof of one year continuous work providing inclusion opportunities for people who use community human services;
- Letter from employer in support of competence and professional integrity in the area of inclusion

Recognized award:
- Officially embossed certificate that identifies them personally as a DSP- Specialist in Inclusion;
- Lapel pin that says “Direct Support Professional – Specialist,”
- Personalized letter from NADSP congratulating them on their achievement.
Fee: $200 (Please note the price change effective 1/2/19)
Re-certification:
In order to maintain DSP-Specialist in Inclusion status the DSP must be re-certified every two years. The re-certification process requires:
- Re-certification of the DSP-Certified credential;
- Proof of completion of 5 hours of continuing education in Inclusion;
- Re-affirmation of commitment to the NADSP Code of Ethics
Fee: $50
DSP Specialist Health Support (DSP-S-HS)
Required elements:
- Must be a DSP-Certified II;
- Approved continuing education in health support (40 hours);
- Portfolio work sample that demonstrates competence in health support;
- Proof of one year continuous work providing support to people with special health care needs; and
- Letter from employer in support of competence and professional integrity in the area of health support.

Recognized award:
- Officially embossed certificate that identifies them personally as a DSP- Specialist in Health Support;
- Lapel pin that says “Direct Support Professional – Specialist;” and
- Personalized letter from NADSP congratulating them on their achievement.
Fee: $200 (Please note the price change effective 1/2/19)
Re-certification:
In order to maintain DSP-Specialist in Health Support status the DSP must be re-certified every two years. The re-certification process requires:
- Re-certification of the DSP-Certified credential;
- Proof of completion of 5 hours of continuing education in Health Support;
- Re-affirmation of commitment to the NADSP Code of Ethics
Fee: $50
DSP-Specialist Employment Supports (DSP-S-ES)
Required elements:
- Must have been awarded the DSP- II credential;
- Training/education of 40 hours in Employment Support that must be approved by an employer representative (such as a supervisor, trainer, HR administrator), completed during the 2 years prior to the DSP-III-Specialist application, and none of the required 40 hours can duplicate the training/education hours used for the 200 hours required for the combined DSP I and DSP II credentials;
- Three Portfolio work samples – each demonstrating competence in 3 different and essential components of employment support;
- Letter from the employer that verifies the applicant has one year of continuously providing employment support opportunities for people who use community human services, and supports the applicant’s competence and professional integrity in the area of employment support.

Recognized award:
- Officially embossed certificate that identifies them personally as a DSP- Specialist in Employment Supports;
- Lapel pin that says “Direct Support Professional – Specialist;” and
- Personalized letter from NADSP congratulating them on their achievement.
Fee: $200 (Please note the price change effective 1/2/19)
Re-certification:
In order to maintain DSP-Specialist in Employment Supports status the DSP must be re-certified every two years. The re-certification process requires:
- Re-certification of the DSP-Certified credential;
- Proof of completion of 5 hours of continuing education in Employment Supports; and
- Re-affirmation of commitment to the NADSP Code of Ethics
Fee: $50
DSP-Specialist Positive Behavioral Support (DSP-S-PBS)
Required elements:
- Must be a DSP-Certified II;
- Approved continuing education in positive behavior support (40 hours);
- Portfolio work sample that demonstrates competence in behavior support;
- Proof of one year continuous work with an individual who displays challenging behavior; and
- Letter from employer in support of competence and professional integrity in the area of positive behavior support.

Recognized award:
- Officially embossed certificate that identifies them personally as a DSP- Specialist in Positive Behavior Support;
- Lapel pin that says “Direct Support Professional – Specialist;” and
- Personalized letter from NADSP congratulating them on their achievement.
Fee: $200 (Please note the price change effective 1/2/19)
Re-certification:
In order to maintain DSP-Specialist in Positive Behavior Support status the DSP must be re-certified every two years. The re-certification process requires:
- Re-certification of the DSP-Certified credential;
- Proof of completion of 5 hours of continuing education in positive behavior support;
- Re-affirmation of commitment to the NADSP Code of Ethics
Fee: $50
DSP-Specialist Aging Supports (DSP-S-AS)
Required elements:
- Must be a DSP-Certified II;
- Approved continuing education in aging support (40 hours);
- Portfolio work sample that demonstrates competence in aging support;
- Proof of one year continuous work with an aging individual; and
- Letter from employer in support of competence and professional integrity in the area of aging support.

Recognized award:
- Officially embossed certificate that identifies them personally as a DSP- Specialist in Aging Support;
- Lapel pin that says “Direct Support Professional – Specialist;” and
- Personalized letter from NADSP congratulating them on their achievement.
Fee: $200 (Please note the price change effective 1/2/19)
Re-certification:
In order to maintain DSP-Specialist in Aging Support status the DSP must be re-certified every two years. The re-certification process requires:
- Re-certification of the DSP-Certified credential;
- Proof of completion of 5 hours of continuing education in aging support;
- Re-affirmation of commitment to the NADSP Code of Ethics