Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator® CDSGF®
CDSGF Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator certification is open to health care professionals and clergy who facilitate support groups in assisted living communities, nursing homes, home care agencies, hospice agencies, CCRC’s, adult day care, independent living communities. This is a 3-hour online course “Revitalizing Your Support Group” PowerPoint presentation, handouts, and test. This certification requires that you complete the ADDC seminar.
Where do I start?
CDSGF® Certification Requirements
There are four steps to obtaining your CDSGF® Certification
Step 1
Complete the Application
If you do not have any other certifications with NCCDP, click here to complete your application.
If you already have another certification at NCCDP, log in to your account and click on the APPLY FOR ANOTHER CERTIFICATION button.
Complete the online CDSGF application and submit a payment of $160.00. Wait for approval. Upon approval, an email will be sent to you to continue on in the education process.
Once approved to move forward with the education component, you will have 30 days to complete both the ADDC seminar live in person or live online.
After 30 days you will need to reapply for the CDSGF certification.
Step 2
Register and attend the 8 hour Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care seminar in person.
Register and complete the Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia Care live 8-hour seminar either in person on live online training.
Generally, the seminar is $195.00 but each trainer sets the payment.
If you have already taken the ADDC course you do not have to take it again.
Step 3
Complete the Revitalizing Your Support Group PowerPoint, Handout & test.
Complete the online PowerPoint presentation called Revitalizing Your Support Group.
Download read a handout.
Complete and pass the test.
There is no fee associated with this portion of the education component.
Step 4
Enter your Trainer Name, CADDCT Number, and Seminar Date for the Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care (ADDC) Seminar into your CDSGF account page.
ADD TRAINER NAME, TRAINER #, and SEMINAR DATE in the VERIFICATION OF DEMENTIA TRAINING fields and click on the submit button.
You will receive an email with a link to the evaluation form. Complete the evaluation and your certification will be emailed to you.
IMPORTANT: Please note that once your CDSGF application has been approved, you will have 30 days to review the PowerPoint presentation, take the online test, take the online or live ADDC seminar, and submit your certificate of completion for the ADDC seminar.
Renewal Process
Renew Certification
Login to your account and if eligible to renew, a renewal button will be visible on your account page. The renewal button will show up 60 days prior to the expiration date.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to Your CDSGF® Credential Questions
Click through the drop-down list to find the details you need about training, requirements, costs, and the steps to certification.
Who should apply for CDSGF®?
CDSGF Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator certification is open to health care professionals and clergy who facilitate support groups in assisted living communities, nursing homes, home care agencies, hospice agencies, CCRC’s, adult day care, independent living communities.
What do I need to apply?
One full year of experience as a support group facilitator.
What are the fees associated with this certification?
$160 Application fee
Approximately $195 ADDC seminar (if you have not already taken it)
Renewal Requirements
Renewal is every two years. The renewal fee is $160. You will need to login and complete your renewal application, with payment.
What does CDSGF stand for?
CDSGF stands for Certified Dementia Support Group Facilitator, a credential for individuals trained to lead and manage dementia support groups. It focuses on guiding group discussions, providing emotional support, and helping participants and caregivers navigate the challenges of dementia.
What is the role of a support group facilitator?
A support group facilitator leads and manages group sessions, creating a safe, structured space for participants to share experiences and receive support.
The role includes guiding discussions, providing education, encouraging participation, and ensuring a respectful, supportive environment for individuals and caregivers.
What qualifications do I need to be a group facilitator?
To be a group facilitator, you typically need experience in caregiving, healthcare, counseling, or a related field, along with training in group facilitation and dementia care.
Certifications and structured education help build skills in communication, leadership, and creating a supportive, well-managed group environment.
How long does it take to become a facilitator?
It can typically take a few days to a few weeks to become a facilitator, depending on the training program and your background. Many facilitator certifications are completed through short, structured courses, while additional time may be needed to gain relevant experience and complete application requirements.
