Nationally Certified Transition Specialist
The Nationally Certified Transition Specialist (NCTS) credential is the marker of a committed transition professional who has demonstrated the essential competencies and components that guide professional practice of secondary special education transition specialists in supporting successful and equitable transitions for students and youth with disabilities and their families
Routes to Your NCTS
Option 1 – Individuals who have successfully completed a DCDT approved transition specialist preparation program (see a list of approved programs HERE) can apply for a Provisional or Professional Certification.
Option 2 – Individuals who have not successfully completed a DCDT approved transition specialist preparation program can sit for an exam to demonstrate the essential competencies or components.
NCTS Competencies
The CEC/DCDT Transition Competencies include seven broad competency areas: (a) transition content knowledge; (b) transition assessment; (c) transition programs, services, and equitable outcomes; (d) transition research and adequacy; (e) transition leadership and policy; (f) transition professional and ethical practice; and (g) collaboration. Together, these seven broad competency areas provide a comprehensive framework for equitable, inclusive, and effective secondary transition programs, services, and practices that empower students and youth with disabilities to achieve meaningful postschool success in the areas of education, employment/training, and community engagement.
Celebrate Your Accomplishment
Get Recognized
Following notification that you have received the NCTS (within 4-6 weeks from application or exam completion), you will receive a frameable certificate. In addition, each year CEC and DCDT recognize new recipients of the NCTS at the annual DCDT Convention where you will receive your official NCTS pin.
Digital Recognition
Once you have received notification that you have received your NCTS, the first step is to put the initials in your email and on your social media. The social media toolkit below has sample posts and images for you to use.
Request a Letter
The Nationally Certified Transition Specialist (NCTS) credential is the marker of a committed transition professional. In order to help you get the recognition you deserve, we have developed the NCTS letter of support program to help you share your accomplishment with your peers and colleagues.
Any NCTS may request to have a letter sent on their behalf by completing this letter request form. Please note that only requests from current NCTS will be honored.
Renewal
The initial certification is valid for five years. After five years, individuals wishing to maintain their NCTS must renew and document completion of 50 hours of continuing education / professional development and pay a renewal fee.
More information to be provided.
NCTS Database
The link below is a list of current NCTS in good standing in alphabetical order by last name.