Turn Knowledge into Action
The Trauma-Skilled™ Specialist (TSS) Certification verifies an educator’s knowledge of the Trauma-Skilled™ Schools Model and their ability to apply trauma-responsive practices that improve school climate, strengthen instructional practices, and support student success.
Designed for educators, counselors, administrators, social workers, school psychologists, and youth-serving professionals, the certification provides a structured pathway for developing expertise in trauma-skilled practices and implementing meaningful change within schools and organizations.
To earn Trauma-Skilled™ Specialist Certification, participants must successfully complete:
Complete the enrollment process and provide the information needed to establish your certification record with the National Dropout Prevention Center.
Explore the impact of trauma and chronic stress on student learning, behavior, engagement, and overall school success.
Learn strategies for creating safe, supportive environments that foster resilience and strengthen relationships across the school community.
Examine instructional and organizational practices that help schools respond effectively to the needs of trauma-impacted students.
Apply the Trauma-Skilled™ Schools Model within your professional setting and document the results through reflection, implementation, and a final multimedia artifact.
Complete your Trauma-Skilled™ Specialist Certification through online learning, approved professional learning experiences, or organizational enrollment options that fit your schedule and professional responsibilities.
The complete certification pathway is available through NDPC's online learning platform and may be completed at your own pace.
Participants seeking certification should enroll in the complete Trauma-Skilled™ Specialist Certification Program.
Individual modules may also be purchased separately for professional learning and continuing education purposes. Please note that completing individual modules alone does not result in certification.
Participants may satisfy professional learning requirements through the online certification program or by attending approved National Dropout Prevention Center professional learning opportunities.
Attendees of the National Dropout Prevention Conference may apply qualifying conference participation toward certification requirements. Participants who plan to use conference attendance toward certification are eligible for a discounted certification application fee of $375.
Individuals may enroll directly in the certification program online.
Schools, districts, educational agencies, nonprofits, and other organizations may purchase multiple participant licenses for staff members. Organizations requiring purchase orders or alternative payment arrangements may request organizational enrollment assistance through the certification platform.
Upon completion of the certification program, participants will be able to:
Understand the impact of trauma and chronic stress on learning and behavior.
Apply the Trauma-Skilled™ Schools Model within their professional setting.
Implement practices that support resilience, engagement, and student success.
Strengthen school climate and instructional effectiveness.
Lead trauma-skilled initiatives within their school, district, or organization.
Begin your certification journey by enrolling in the Trauma-Skilled™ Specialist Certification Program.
Questions about certification requirements, organizational enrollment, or purchase orders? Contact NDPC at certification@dropoutprevention.org.