Renewing Your NCTS Credential
Your Nationally Certified Transition Specialist (NCTS) credential is valid for five years. You must renew it before the expiration date shown on your NCTS certificate and in the NCTS Database. Renewal requires 50 hours of professional development completed during your current credential period.
Step 1: Track your professional development
You can begin counting hours as soon as your current NCTS is issued. Record each activity on the NCTS Professional Development Documentation Form as you complete it, and keep your evidence (for example, certificates of completion or transcripts).
Qualifying activities include:
- Completing graduate courses in transition
- Teaching graduate courses in transition
- Completing transition-related in-service training
- Attending Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) or Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) conference sessions
- Participating in CEC virtual professional development
Download the NCTS PD Documentation Form
Step 2: Submit your renewal application
When you have completed your 50 hours, submit the renewal application. You will upload your completed documentation form and evidence for each activity.
Start the NCTS Renewal Application
Step 3: Pay the renewal fee
Pay your renewal fee when you submit your application. Your application will be reviewed, and your new credential issued, only after your fee is paid.
- CEC and DCDT Members: $129
- Nonmembers: $209
Pay Renewal Application Fee (Coming Soon)
Need an invoice? Email certification@exceptionalchildren.org with the subject line “NCTS Renewal Invoice Request.” Include the name and email address of the person who should receive the invoice.
Questions? Contact certification@exceptionalchildren.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
In-service training, conference sessions, and virtual professional development are counted in clock hours. Graduate courses, whether completed or taught, count as 12 clock hours per credit or unit hour. For example, a 3-credit course equals 36 hours.
No. You can earn your hours from any combination of activities, as long as your total is at least 50 hours.
The renewal application lists the required evidence for each activity:
| Activity | Required Evidence |
|---|---|
| Graduate course completed | Transcript showing credits/units and a passing grade |
| Graduate course taught | Letter from an administrator |
| In-service training | Letter from a supervisor or administrator listing each session’s title, date, and hours |
| CEC/DCDT professional development | Listed on your NCTS PD Documentation Form; no additional evidence needed |
Pay the fee when you submit your renewal application. Applications are not processed until the fee is paid.
You should receive confirmation of your renewal and your new NCTS certificate within 30 days of submitting your completed application and paying the fee.
The member rate ($129) is available to individuals who are active, paid members of both CEC and DCDT. All others pay the nonmember rate ($209).
Email certification@exceptionalchildren.org with your name, CEC member number, NCTS expiration date, and an explanation of your request to renew after your credential lapsed.