What is a direct support professional certification?

A direct support professional certification is a license that allows an individual to work with others who have developmental hurdles. Direct support professionals must undergo a state-mandated course and test to receive their certification. This certification is necessary to ensure the individual has the appropriate knowledge and practices to care for their clients.

Most state certifications are only 70 hours long, though there are a few that are more intensive and can require more than 100 hours of dedicated certification time. This certification requires DSPs to have documented and verified continuing education credits, or CEUs, of at least eight hours every two years to maintain their license.