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Certification Procedures-Explanation and Revised Forms
by Kathy Hopkins, Ed.D., NILD Executive Director

cer-ti-fy 1. to declare a thing true, accurate, etc. by formal statement 2. to guarantee; vouch for 3. to issue a certificate to

This is how Webster's New World Dictionary would describe what NILD does when recognizing educational therapists who have reached a significant level of professional development. We will use these definitions in examining the certification process.

1. When granting certification, NILD is declaring that an educational therapist's training has been accurate and true to the program's distinctives. Each NILD instructor is held to high standards of continuing education. Their effectiveness as an instructor is evaluated each year by course participants, the instructor's peers, and the NILD executive staff. The goal is an exceptional learning experience based upon sound theory, practical advice and ongoing professional support. The courses conclude with an extensive evaluation of each participant's competency, and these evaluations become the first entry in an educational therapist's professional file in the NILD offices.

2. Educational therapists applying for certification must successfully complete all three levels of NILD training. They must hold current NILD membership. They must have at least three years of educational therapy experience with a minimum of 400 student contact hours. They must exhibit an ongoing commitment to professional development by attending at least two regional conferences in the three years prior to application.

3. Upon successful completion of all application requirements, the NILD Board, Executive Director and Instructors award the educational therapist a certificate of achievement as a professionally certified educational therapist. (PCET) Certificates are mailed as soon as they are issued, and certifications are announced at NILD regional conferences. Certification runs for one five year period from date of approved certification. Training for NILD Certification will take three years minimum, six years maximum.

• Year 1 - Level I
• Year 2,3 or 4 - Level II
• Year 3, 4, 5 or 6 - Level III

Certification requirements are stringent; thus certification is recognized and respected by educational therapists, administrators and parents alike. In a real sense, educational therapists who earn NILD certification demonstrate our core values of integrity, innovation and synergy. They show integrity by maintaining high professional standards and commitment to the student. They choose to be innovative by being part of an organization that knows mere compensation for learning disabilities will never do justice to a struggling student. And they exhibit synergy, the combined, cooperative action which proves that much more can be accomplished as we work together.

We invite all educational therapists to work toward achieving and maintaining certification. It is a fitting and meaningful way to recognize your professionalism and commitment to excellence.