NIDE Dementia Certification

Level 1: Dementia Advocate – NIDE Certified (DA-NC)

Who It's For:

Family members, community allies, and advocates supporting individuals with dementia.

Requirements:

• 4 hours of NIDE-approved dementia training
• 1+ year of direct or personal experience with someone living with dementia
• Ongoing advocacy (e.g., presentations, fundraising, awareness efforts)
• Pass NIDE-approved examination
• 6 CEs or 12 hours of NIDE-approved dementia education every 2 years
• Annual renewal required

Pricing:

• Initial Certification: $99 (includes $50 application fee)
• Annual Renewal: $25

If you completed a third-party NIDE-approved training elsewhere, you may be eligible to apply directly.

Level 2: Dementia Caregiver – NIDE Certified (DC-NC)

Who It's For:

Family caregivers and paid care staff with direct dementia care responsibilities.

Requirements:

• 8 hours of NIDE-approved dementia training
• 1+ year hands-on experience supporting ADLs and daily care
• Pass NIDE-approved examination
• 10 CEs or 12 hours of NIDE-approved dementia education every 2 years
• Annual renewal required

Pricing:

• Initial Certification: $299
• Third-party training applicants: $100 application-only fee
• Annual Renewal: $65

Level 3: Dementia Professional – NIDE Certified (DP-NC)

Who It's For:

Professionals working in planning, clinical, or supervisory dementia care roles (e.g., Nurses, Social Workers, Activity Directors).

Requirements:

• 8 hours of NIDE-approved dementia training
• 2+ years in the dementia field
• 1+ year in a leadership, planning, or supervisory role
• Experience in care planning or in-service training
• Pass NIDE-approved examination
• 15 CEs or 18 hours of NIDE-approved dementia education every 2 years
• Annual renewal required

Pricing:

• Initial Certification: $499
• Third-party training applicants: $150 application-only fee
• Annual Renewal: $85

Level 4: Board Certified – Dementia Educator (BC-DEd)

Who It's For:

Highly experienced professionals who wish to teach, proctor exams, certify others, and represent NIDE's Standards of Excellence.

Requirements:

• 12 hours of NIDE-approved dementia training
• 6 hours of education training or a degree in education
• 2+ years in dementia care
• 1+ year in a supervisory role
• Care planning and training experience
• Pass Board Certification Exam
• Interview with a member of the SOE Council
• 15 CEs or 18 hours of NIDE-approved dementia education every 2 years
• Annual renewal required

Pricing:

• Initial Certification: $2,500 (includes training, exam, certification)
• Annual Renewal: $105