National council of certified Dementia Practitioners
Making a difference through dementia care certification.
For over 20 years, NCCDP has equipped care professionals with the knowledge and credentials to deliver skilled, person-centered dementia care. Our certifications are built around one belief: that every person living with dementia deserves support from someone who truly knows how to help.
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Explore Our Dementia
Care Certifications
NCCDP offers dementia care certifications for care professionals across the geriatric healthcare field, each earning credentials that reflect their expertise and commitment to person-centered care.
Get Certified
In addition to CADDCT™ , NCCDP offers other certifications. They include Certified Dementia Practitioner® , Certified Dementia Care Manager®, Certified First Responder Dementia Trainer®, and more.
Seminars
NCCDP and trainers provide seminars in Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care throughout the United States, NCCDP also provides online continuing education opportunities for its members.
Instructors
Become a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer™! Train others and prepare the front-line staff and health care professionals to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner(CDP).
About US
NCCDP History
Lynn Biot Gordon and Sandra Stimson, two dementia care professionals, founded the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners in 2003 after seeing a gap between what care partners needed to know and what existing training provided.
They built NCCDP to set a standard of excellence in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease continuing education for every care professional, regardless of role or setting.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to Your Certification Questions
Click through the drop-down list to find the details you need about training, requirements, costs, and the steps to certification.
What is a recognized dementia care certification?
A recognized dementia care certification is a professional credential that verifies specialized knowledge in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, awarded after completing approved education and an application or review process. It typically reflects person-centered care principles and relevant hands-on experience. The Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) certification from NCCDP is one such credential, requiring completion of the ADDC Seminar and an approved application to demonstrate this commitment to quality care.
How long does dementia care training typically take?
Timeframes vary depending on the type of training or continuing education pursued. At NCCDP, the ADDC Seminar (taught by NCCDP-certified trainers) takes 8 hours to complete, followed by a CDP application for review and approval.Â
What are the requirements to become a certified dementia practitioner?
To become a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), you must complete an approved Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care seminar, have at least one year of paid, direct experience in geriatric healthcare, and submit an application with the required fee. These requirements ensure a strong foundation in person-centered dementia care and professional competency.
How much does it cost to become a certified dementia practitioner?
The cost to become a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) typically includes two parts: the required ADDC Seminar and the CDP application fee. The CDP application fee is $185, subject to change, while ADDC seminar pricing is set independently by each certified trainer. Group or association discounts may reduce the application fee, so total costs can vary based on how certification is pursued.
What does a certified dementia practitioner do?
A Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) provides person-centered care to individuals living with dementia, focusing on communication, behavior support, safety, and daily care needs. The role involves applying dementia-specific knowledge and skills to improve quality of life, reduce distress, and support both the individual and their family or care team.
How to become a professional in dementia care?
Becoming a dementia care professional typically starts with gaining experience in healthcare, geriatric care, or senior services, then completing approved dementia-specific education.
Earning a certification like the Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) helps build specialized knowledge in person-centered care and strengthens professional credentials.
What discounts are available for CDP certification?
Discounted CDP application rates are available: $85 for applicants with an Association Discount Form received at an ADDC Seminar, and $68 per person for corporate group applications of 10 or more.
Is NCCDP an accredited organization for dementia practitioners?
Yes, NCCDP is recognized as a provider of continuing education (CEUs), and its certifications are nationally recognized in dementia care.
NCCDP certifications, such as the Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), are widely accepted across healthcare and senior care settings and are considered a standard of professional competency.
How to become a certified Alzheimer's and dementia care trainer?
To become a Certified Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT), you must hold a qualifying professional background and complete the CADDCT certification process. You’ll also need to demonstrate the ability to teach the ADDC Seminar and submit an application with the required fee.Â
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