Direct Support Professionals University (DSPU) is a new, voluntary, competency-based training and certification program for DSPs launched on May 6, 2026. 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 through our new online Learning Management System, EDGE. Please note: DSPU is different than the required DSP 1 and 2 Trainings.

Who is Eligible for DSPU?

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.

Enroll in EDGE

EDGE is the learning management system that hosts DSP University trainings. This means you have to create an EDGE account to take DSPU Trainings. There are five easy STEPS for DSP’s to get started on the EDGE system:

  1. Access the online EDGE enrollment form.
  2. Complete the form, providing your personal information and your employer information.
  3. One you submit your form, you will receive an email with your EDGE username & a temporary password to login
  4. Change your temporary password to a password you want to keep for your EDGE Account
  5. Congratulations!  You can now access DSPU Trainings

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