Dementia Care Certifications
NCCDP’s dementia care certifications are designed for professionals across the geriatric healthcare field who support people living with dementia.
From nurses and CNAs to activity professionals, social workers, and care community administrators, each can earn credentials that reflect their expertise and commitment to person-centered care.
Other Certifications
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 dementia care education?
Dementia care education teaches care professionals how to support people living with dementia. It typically covers communication, behavior support, safety, and person-centered care to improve quality of life and ensure compassionate, effective support.
What is a dementia practitioner?
A dementia practitioner is a professional, such as a nurse, social worker, or care team member, who has developed specialized expertise in dementia care through education and hands-on experience. They work directly with people living with dementia and their families, applying person-centered care approaches to daily care, communication, and support.
What are the core responsibilities of a dementia specialist?
A dementia specialist’s core responsibilities include monitoring changes in a person’s condition, reducing distress through thoughtful communication, and supporting families and care teams. Their work centers on preserving dignity and quality of life for people living with dementia.
Why is ongoing dementia education important?
Dementia care education helps professionals understand behavior as a form of communication, often expressing an unmet need or feeling. This understanding leads to more compassionate interactions, reduces stress for care partners, and supports better outcomes for people living with dementia.
How to become a certified dementia practitioner?
Becoming a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) involves two steps: completing the Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care (ADDC) Seminar, and submitting a CDP application, which requires at least one year of paid, direct experience in geriatric healthcare. Approval of the application is required to earn certification.
How long does it take to become a certified dementia practitioner?
The ADDC Seminar itself takes 8 hours to complete in a single session. However, the overall certification timeline depends on how quickly you meet eligibility requirements and when you submit your CDP application for review and approval.
How to renew certified dementia practitioner certification through online services?
To renew your Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) certification online, log into your account through the member portal, select the renewal option, and complete the renewal application with payment. You’ll also need to maintain at least 10 continuing education hours from any healthcare-related topic every two years, which can include online courses, webinars, seminars, or staff in-services.
What should I know about CDP certification costs?
CDP certification involves two separate fees: the ADDC Seminar (priced independently by each NCCDP-certified trainer) and the CDP application fee of $185, subject to change.
From there, check whether you qualify for a discount: the association rate is $85 for those with a qualifying discount form, and the corporate group rate is $68 per person for groups of 10 or more.
Are there bundled certification and continuing education options for dementia practitioners?
Outside of NCCDP, some organizations offer bundled options that combine continuing education with certification support, such as CEU course packages or e-learning access to help meet renewal requirements.
At NCCDP, continuing education is handled separately from certification. CDP Certification requires 10 CEUs every two years, which can come from any healthcare-related topic, rather than a bundled package.
Does NCCDP offer accreditation for specialized dementia care communities?
NCCDP does not formally “accredit” specialized dementia care communities in the same way as regulatory bodies, but it does offer recognition for organizations that meet high standards in dementia care. Through initiatives like the Memory Care Excellence Network (MCEN) and recognitions such as a Memory Care Seal of Excellence, care communities can be acknowledged for excellence in staff education, person-centered care, and quality practices.
These recognitions support and highlight excellence in dementia care environments rather than serving as a formal licensing or
accreditation system.
Renewal Process
Renew Certification
Log in to your account. If you are eligible to renew, a renewal button will appear on your account page 60 days before your expiration date.
About NCCDP’s Dementia Care Certifications
NCCDP offers certification in dementia care tailored to distinct professional roles and care environments. Each certification is built around one foundation: practical, dementia-specific knowledge that translates directly into better support for people living with dementia.
Who Can Get Certified
NCCDP certifications are open to professionals across healthcare and related fields who meet certification eligibility requirements, including at least one full year of paid, direct experience working with people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Eligible roles may include:
- Nurses, social workers, and activity directors
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapists
- Educators and legal consultants working directly in dementia care
- Senior advisory staff and geriatric healthcare professionals
- Executive directors and care community administrators
- First responders and correctional personnel working directly with individuals with dementia
Certification in dementia care is available across a wide range of care settings, from residential and community-based care to healthcare and emergency
service environments.
Agency Recognition
NCCDP recognizes nursing homes, assisted living memory care neighborhoods, home care agencies, and hospice agencies that:
- Meet state regulations
- Exceed state or federal regulations
- Have met all applicable survey requirements
These recognitions highlight agencies committed to the highest standard of dementia care.
Discounts & Group Options
Organizations investing in staff certification can take advantage of group and association pricing:
- Corporate Group Discount – Available for companies certifying 10 or more staff members.
- Association Member Discount – Available when an association hosts an ADDC Seminar with a certified trainer.
Certification serves to enhance and uphold quality standards. It does not grant a license, confer specific rights or privileges, or otherwise establish an individual’s qualifications within the healthcare field.
