The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) and its Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) are devoted to promoting quality transition education services and programs for all students with disabilities. CEC and DCDT maintain the fields’ leading standards and competencies for preparing and credentialing professionals working in the transition field. CEC and DCDT have partnered together to offer the National Certification in Transition Services. The Legacy Pathway (Option 1) is offered to individuals who have successfully completed a DCDT approved transition specialist preparation program (see a list of approved programs HERE). 

*CEC and DCDT offer an NCTS exam process (NCTS Option 2) for professionals who did not complete a preparation program at a DCDT accredited institution. Please visit our exam preparation page here for information about exam registration, exam dates, and locations.

NCTS Professional Certification (Legacy Pathway)

For applicants who have recently completed a DCDT approved transition preparation program. 

To obtain your certification please submit the Transition Certification Application available HERE.

1. Complete a DCDT approved transition program. List of approved programs HERE.
2. Submit the National Certificate in Transition Services application HERE.
3. Complete and submit the Employment Verification Form. If you are not yet employed as a transition specialist, you may still earn your NCTS but will need to verify employment prior to receiving your five-year renewal.

A professional certificate is valid for 5 years after issuance. For renewal, document completion of 50 hours of professional development and complete the renewal application prior to the expiration of your NCTS (noted on your certificate).

Professional Certification Renewal

When it is time to renew your certification, complete the NCTS renewal application if you meet the following conditions.

1. Have held NCTS for five years.
2. Completed a minimum of three years of experience providing transition services after completion of a DCDT approved program or before passing the NCTS exam.
3. Completed a minimum of 50 hours of transition related professional development.
4. Submit the NCTS Renewal Application available HERE.

Legacy Pathway (Option 1) NCTS Application Fees

*To receive the CEC/DCDT member rate, the applicant must be both a CEC member and Division of Career Development and Transition (DCDT) member.