For DSP trainers and training leads
Is there online training aligned with the NADSP Code of Ethics and competencies for DSPs?
Short answer: Yes. The surest way to find it is the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) list of accredited education: NADSP accredits whole training curricula for alignment with its competency areas and with the professional values in the NADSP Code of Ethics. Online programs on that list include DirectCourse (the College of Direct Support and three other colleges), Relias and Open Future Learning, and NADSP considers its own trainings, webinars and curricula accredited. NADSP released a revised Code of Ethics on June 9, 2026, so ask any provider whether its ethics lessons use the 2026 Code. To bring the revised Code into your own onboarding, Special Learning’s free NADSP Code of Ethics onboarding guide turns each of the nine tenets into everyday practices and a 15-minute scenario.
Special Learning · Published November 12, 2026 · Sources read November 12, 2026
Four facts from NADSP’s own page.
What NADSP accreditation means
- NADSP accredits curricula “specifically designed for direct support professionals (DSPs) or the frontline supervisors (FLSs) of DSPs,” looking at “a whole curriculum for alignment with validated competency areas” and with the Code of Ethics (NADSP, “NADSP Accredited Education”).
- It accredits whole programs, “rather than individual presenters, conference sessions, or webinars,” and only the owner of the material can apply.
- Accredited programs “can be used by DSPs and supervisors in meeting the accredited education requirements for certification through the NADSP E-Badge Academy.”
- “Any NADSP training, curricula, webinar, or conference is inherently considered to be accredited by NADSP.”
Online programs on the list on November 12, 2026 include DirectCourse (College of Direct Support, College of Personal Assistance and Care, College of Recovery and Community Inclusion, College of Employment Services), Relias, Open Future Learning and STAR Services, along with state and regional programs. Check NADSP’s page for the current list.
Each has skill statements describing what a competent DSP knows and does.
The 15 NADSP competency areas
- Participant Empowerment
- Communication
- Assessment
- Community and Service Networking
- Facilitation of Services
- Community Living Skills & Supports
- Education, Training & Self-Development
- Advocacy
- Vocational, Educational & Career Support
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention
- Organizational Participation
- Documentation
- Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships
- Provide Person Centered Supports
- Supporting Health and Wellness
Names as listed by NADSP, which says each area has “corresponding skill statements” that “describe the knowledge and skills DSPs must have to demonstrate competency” (NADSP, “The NADSP Competency Areas”).
Nine tenets, released June 9, 2026.
The 2026 NADSP Code of Ethics
NADSP developed the revision with the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration, starting in 2025, with subject matter experts, people with lived disability experience, DSPs and frontline supervisors (NADSP). NADSP also says it will integrate the revised Code into its E-Badge Academy. The tenets are:
- Advocacy
- Confidentiality and Privacy
- Justice, Fairness, Equity, and Inclusion
- Person-Centered Supports
- Physical and Emotional Well-Being
- Professionalism, Accountability and Growth
- Relationships and Social Roles
- Respect
- Self-Determination and Choice
The Code is NADSP’s copyrighted text; download it free from NADSP’s Code of Ethics page. Our free onboarding guide names each tenet and turns it into practices and a short scenario for new staff; it is an independent guide that NADSP has not reviewed or endorsed.
Recognition for learning and on-the-job competence.
How the E-Badge Academy fits
NADSP says the E-Badge Academy “is not itself a training, education, or curriculum program.” DSPs and frontline supervisors submit a testimonial or a training transcript to earn e-badges in two categories, NADSP Accredited Education and the CMS Core Competency Areas, and a NADSP reviewer assesses each one. Users start with the Code of Ethics Commitment e-badge and apply e-badges toward nationally recognized NADSP Certification. Organizations enroll their staff (NADSP).
Frequently asked
Questions training leads ask.
What are the NADSP competency areas?
NADSP lists fifteen: Participant Empowerment; Communication; Assessment; Community and Service Networking; Facilitation of Services; Community Living Skills & Supports; Education, Training & Self-Development; Advocacy; Vocational, Educational & Career Support; Crisis Prevention and Intervention; Organizational Participation; Documentation; Building and Maintaining Friendships and Relationships; Provide Person Centered Supports; and Supporting Health and Wellness.
Is the NADSP E-Badge Academy a training program?
No. NADSP says it is not itself a training, education or curriculum program. DSPs and frontline supervisors submit a testimonial or training transcript, a NADSP reviewer assesses it, and accepted e-badges count toward NADSP Certification.
Can a single webinar or course be NADSP-accredited?
NADSP accredits whole training programs rather than individual presenters, conference sessions or webinars, and only the owner of the material can apply. NADSP lists a $5,000 application fee and an annual form to reaffirm conformance with its standards.
What are the tenets of the 2026 NADSP Code of Ethics?
The revised Code, released June 9, 2026, has nine tenets: Advocacy; Confidentiality and Privacy; Justice, Fairness, Equity, and Inclusion; Person-Centered Supports; Physical and Emotional Well-Being; Professionalism, Accountability and Growth; Relationships and Social Roles; Respect; and Self-Determination and Choice.
Sources
Each source was read on November 12, 2026. Providers and states change their pages and rules, so check the current version before you rely on it.
- NADSP, “NADSP Accredited Education”, https://nadsp.org/services/accredited-education/
- NADSP, “The NADSP Competency Areas”, https://nadsp.org/resources/competency-areas/
- NADSP, “NADSP Releases Revised Code of Ethics,” June 9, 2026, https://nadsp.org/nadsp-releases-revised-code-of-ethics/
- NADSP, “The NADSP Code of Ethics”, https://nadsp.org/resources/the-nadsp-code-of-ethics/
- NADSP, “E-Badge Academy”, https://nadsp.org/services/the-nadsp-e-badge-academy/
