Direct Support Professionals University (DSPU) is a new, voluntary, competency-based training and certification program for DSPs. DSPU will ultimately have three different tiers of enhanced training to help DSP’s provide person-centered, culturally and linguistically sensitive services that improve outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. DSPU offers FREE trainings. Please note: DSPU is different than the required DSP 1 and 2 Trainings.

Eligibility and How to Participate

Eligible DSPU participants are DSP’s who meet all of the criteria below:

  • Provide direct support & supervision to children and/or adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
  • Spend at least 50% of their hours doing direct support tasks.
  • Assist individuals with IDD with learning new skills, guidance, and personal assistance.
  • Help with maintaining a person’s health & safety and the upkeep of their home.
  • Are funded by the regional center.

People who are not eligible to participate in DSPU include:

  • Staff (except Intermediate Care Facilities staff) paid through a source other than the reigonal center, like health insurance or a school district.
  • Behavioral specialists, behavioral technicians, or behavioral clinicians (RBTs, BCBAs).
  • Clinically licensed or certified staff (CNAs, nurses, therapists, social workers).
  • Those who only provide transportation, home modification, and/or meal delivery services.
  • Staff who are hired through a temporary personnel agency.
  • Contract or 1099 workers.
  • On-call or PRN workers.
  • Administrative or supervisory staff, unless they spend 50% or more of their time doing direct support work.

FAQ and Additional Information

Guidance to Regional Centers
  • Regional Center guidance can be found on the DDS Directives page & will be added here as it becomes available.


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Last modified: May 5, 2026