"Don't just meet the minimum state regulations regarding dementia education...exceed them!"

Options to Follow for Certification

Option 1 Fee: $100
Option 2 Fee: $75
Option 3 Fee: $100
Option 4 Fee: $100

There are 4 Options for CDP®. Please read the following options carefully to see which criteria your qualifications meet.

General Standards for Option 1
 College Graduate with a degree from an Accredited College or University. Home Health Aides, Personal Care Assistants, Assistant Administrators, Administrators, Executive Directors. In the case of Home Health Aides, Personal Care Assistants, Executive Directors and Administrators you must submit proof that you completed the state required course for that profession.
 Must have current license or certification in your health care field.
 Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a geriatric health related field.
 Must have completed at minimum, the 7 hour NCCDP Comprehensive Dementia Curriculum taught by an approved NCCDP Certified Instructor.
 The certification is for two years. At which time, you will need to renew your certification. To apply for continued certification, you will need to complete at minimum 10 hours of continuing education in the area of Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Please refer to the Education Criteria. You will receive a notice in the mail ( 2 months prior to the deadline) of your deadline for renewal.

General Standards for Option 2
 GED or High School Diploma.
 Must have current license or certification in your health care field.
 Must have a minimum of 4 years of experience in a geriatric health related field.
 Must have completed at minimum, the 7 hour NCCDP Comprehensive Dementia Curriculum taught by an approved NCCDP Certified Instructor
 The certification is for two years. At which time, you will need to renew your certification. To apply for continued certification, you will need to complete at minimum 10 hours of continuing education in the area of Dementia or Alzheimer’s and provide an additional 5 In-Service’s provided by their place of employment (health care setting). Please refer to the Education Criteria. You will receive a notice in the mail ( 2 months prior to the deadline) of your deadline for renewal.

General Standards for Option 3
 Graduate degree from an accredited College or University.
 Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in a geriatric health related field.
 Must have completed at minimum, the 7 hour NCCDP Comprehensive Dementia Curriculum taught by an approved NCCDP Certified Instructor
 The certification is for two years. At which time, you will need to renew your certification. To apply for continued certification, you will need to complete at minimum 10 hours of continuing education in the area of Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Please refer to the Education Criteria. You will receive a notice in the mail ( 2 months prior to the deadline) of your deadline for renewal.

General Standards for Option 4 (No licenses, certifications, or degrees)

The NCCDP recognizes most accrediting bodies and also recognizes that some state regulations for long term care facilities, adult day care, hospitals and home care agencies do not require certification or license for certain professions.

• This option is only for the following professions: Agency Owners, Admissions Directors, Marketing Directors, Activity & Recreation Professionals, Clergy, Volunteer Coordinators, Social Workers, In-Service Directors, and Long Term Care Consultants. Additionally, Home Care assistants and Personal Care Assistants and Nursing Assistants.
• Must have a minimum of 5 years of experience in geriatric health related field.
• Must have completed at minimum, the 7 hour NCCDP Comprehensive Dementia Curriculum taught by an approved NCCDP Certified Instructor
• *For Nursing Assistants (Aides), Personal Care Assistants (Aides) and Home Health Assistants (Aides). You must have completed a state required course and attach the certificate. If your state does not require a state approved course, than attach a certificate from your company stating you have completed the company training.  
• Must attach to this application a letter from your administrator which states that you are employed by the facility or home care agency and qualified under your state requirements to hold the title and position for which you are employed.
• If your state long term care regulations do not require or indicate a certification or license for your profession/title, please attach a copy of the state regulation that indicates the criteria/qualifications for your profession/title or a letter from your administrator.
• The certification is for two years.  At which time, you will need to renew your certification.  To apply for continued certification, you will need to complete at minimum 10 hours of continuing education in the area of Dementia or Alzheimer’s.  Please refer to the Education Criteria.  You will receive a notice in the mail ( 2 months prior to the deadline) of your deadline for renewal.

Application . Options . Why certification? . Body of Knowledge . How to Appeal