Direct Support Professional II

The Direct Support Professional - Level II microcredential is designed for employed Direct Support Professionals who are interested in further developing their competencies for the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) - Level II certification. The microcredential consists of two, 3-credit Psychology courses that provide students with a broad understanding of psychology and human services, along with a portfolio based on completion of 15 NADSP E-Badges. Note: The DSP-II microcredential stacks on top of the DSP-I microcredential, so the DSP-I microcredential is a prerequisite for the DSP-II microcredential.

Admission requirements for application:

• Successful completion of the DSP-I Microcredential
• Currently employed by a Human Services Organization
• Completion of the Microcredential Application on Etrieve

Requirements to earn the microcredential:

• To achieve the DSP-II microcredential, students will complete PSY 240: Health Psychology and PSY 241: Introduction to Case Management.
• Students must also complete a noncredit DSP-II Portfolio. Guided by the instructor, students focus on professional writing and reflection skills and prepare a portfolio that documents DSP Level II knowledge and skills gained through field-based practice. The portfolio will consist of students' responses to writing prompts that are required for NADSP E-Badges.
• Students must also complete 15 additional NADSP E-Badges for a total of 30 E-Badges (E-Badges are embedded as assignments in the Health Psychology and Introduction to Case Management courses).

Stackable to:

• Applied Psychology B.S.
• Liberal Arts and Sciences A.A.

Time to complete

1 semester

Cost to attend:

Standard tuition rates apply. Visit for tuition and student consumer information.

Students meeting eligibility requirements may be eligible for Part-Time TAP for Non-Degree Credentials up to 11 credits per semester at SUNY. Visit Non-degree Part-Time Tuition Assistance Program for more information.

Effective Spring 2025: Grant funding may be available for the DSP-II microcredential to those who are currently working at a participating Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)-affiliated employer looking to meet new academic and career goals. This grant funding will cover the cost of tuition, books, course materials and National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) credentialing for students and educational supports. In addition, the program offers an incentive to eligible students who successfully complete a microcredential and earn NADSP certification. For more information, contact dsp@farmingdale.edu