Designed for educators and at-risk youth workers, this certification program validates your expertise in dropout prevention strategies and at-risk youth issues. Build credibility while developing skills that help raise graduation rates in your community.
Receive a discount for registration fee to NDPC’s Annual National Conference (once certified)
Join a national network of certified specialists
Receive recognized certification in dropout prevention expertise
Have their work shared as a resource for other professionals
Build credibility in at-risk youth services
Be employed or actively engaged in the field of education and/or; work in the area of at-risk youth services or in a similar setting.
NDPS participants must:
Complete and submit the NDPS application electronically.
The application and processing fee is $450. This fee is refundable in the event of non-acceptance to the program.
If planning on attending the national conference to receive professional learning requirements, we offer a discounted application fee of $375, and you can apply by Register here
Complete the program’s professional learning requirements.
Complete and submit a field project report, head shot and bio.
Certification Details
Validity: Three years from completion date
Renewal: Complete 4 additional NDPC conference sessions, 4 online courses, or a combination totaling 4 credits
Foundation: Based on NDPC’s research-based effective strategies, known youth risk factors, and field implementation of best practices
The National Dropout Prevention Center offers the NDPS certification program for educators and at-risk youth workers. This certification verifies your knowledge and expertise in at-risk youth issues and proven strategies for raising graduation rates.
To earn your NDPS certification, you must complete the three requirements listed below:
1. Professional Learning (Choose One Option)
Option A:
Attend NDPC’s Annual National Conference
Option B:
Complete 12 credits of NDPC online professional development courses
Note: Professional learning costs including event registration, travel, and online courses are your responsibility.
2. Submit a Field Project:
Document your real-world application of dropout prevention strategies through a field project report. This project demonstrates how you’ve implemented what you’ve learned in your work setting.
Resources to help you:
– Video presentation explaining the field project – CLICK TO WATCH
– Accompanying PowerPoint Guide: Download
– Field Project Template: Download
– Field Project Report Content Guidelines: Dowload
3. Share Your Work:
Your field project will be posted on NDPC’s website as a resource for other professionals working with at-risk youth
Questions about the program? Contact us at certification@dropoutprevention.org
The NDPS professional learning requirement can be met by attending the annual NDPC conference held every October and may self-select from identified event sessions offered that are sufficient to address 10 or more different research-based effective strategies.
Professional learning costs such as event registration, travel, and online professional development courses are the responsibility of the participant.
Upon program admission, participants will receive detailed instructions for professional learning participation, field project completion, and program completion.
Certification is valid for three years and may be renewed by attending 4 additional NDPC conference sessions, completing 4 NDPC online courses, or a combination of both that totals 4 for certification renewal.
Upon completion of the Field Project, NDPS Certification Program participants should submit the Field Project Report to certification@dropoutprevention.org. Receipt of your submission will be acknowledged and your Field Project Report will be sent to the NDPS Field Project Editor for review and further communication regarding the report if needed.
Questions about the program?
Click the CONTACT US button or email: Certification@dropoutprevention.org