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Best direct support specialist certifications

The best certifications for a direct support specialist are Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med), Direct Support Professional- Certified (DSP-C), and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).

Direct support specialist certifications demonstrate your competency as a direct support specialist to employers. However, not all direct support specialist certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best direct support specialist certifications. Obtaining a direct support specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for direct support specialists

4 best direct support specialist certifications

1. Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med)

Certifies minimum performance criteria for personnel maintaining medical gas pipeline systems in hospitals and health care facilities.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
CSA Group

2. Direct Support Professional- Certified (DSP-C)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No

3. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)

4. Certified Peer Specialist (CPS)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying website
Certified Peer Specialist
Certifying organization
Institute for Recovery and...

What is the best certification for a direct support specialist?

The best direct support specialist certification is Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med). The Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med) is awarded by the CSA Group. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this direct support specialist certification:

  • To become a certified Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med), you don't need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every year.
Best certifications

The most common combination of direct support specialist certifications include: Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med), Direct Support Professional- Certified (DSP-C), and Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).

Online courses for direct support specialists to earn certifications

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