Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Careers in Direct Support Services

Direct support is a high-demand field, offering long-term career opportunities across New York State. DSP career pathways include roles in community agencies and in state employment supporting people with disabilities.

The current starting salary for DSAs in New York State is $52,225 per year, according to the NYS Office for People With Developmental Disabilities.

After completing the Direct Support Professional program and obtaining the DSP‑I and DSP‑II credentials, you may qualify for advancement in your human services career. 

What You'll Learn

• Apply professional ethics to direct support work in line with NADSP expectations.
• Learn about community integration, health and safety, and supporting personal choice.
• Recognize and report abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm, and follow required procedures.
• Protect confidentiality and privacy in real-world client scenarios.
• Build a foundation in contemporary human services, including ethics and legal considerations.
• Study case management concepts, including assessment, documentation, service planning, and referral.

Program Costs

There is no cost to enroll in our Direct Support Professional program if you meet the eligibility requirements. A grant covers in-state tuition, fees, books, course materials, and National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) badges. The grant does not cover out-of-state tuition.

The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) incentive program awards $750 upon completion of each of the three certification levels. You can earn up to $2,250 for completing all three NADSP certification levels.

Workforce program costs are subject to change. Prices reflect 2026 rates. Confirm your eligibility for funding to determine your final cost.

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Eligibility Requirements

To participate in this program, you must:

• Submit a certificate of residence to verify your New York State residency (every 12 months).
• Be currently working as a DPS for at least six months.

This program was developed in partnership with the New York State OPWDD and the State University of New York (SUNY).

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DSP Certification Levels

The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) manages the certification process for DSPs through an e-badge system with three levels: DSP-I, DSP-II, DSP-III. Each level of certification requires a certain number of e-badges, earned through completing modules on their website.

DSP-I Certification Requirements

• 50 hours of instruction (HUS-102, HUS-103)
• 15 total e-badges

This is the first level of DSP certification, which direct support professionals can pursue after earning the Code of Ethics Commitment E-Badge.

DSP-II Certification Requirements

• DSP-I certification
• 50 additional hours of instruction (HUS-150, HUS-204)
• 15 additional e-badges (30 total)

The second level of certification, DSP-II, builds on DSP-I and adds requirements for Core Competency and Accredited Education E-Badges. 

DSP-III Certification Requirements

• DSP-I and DSP-II certifications
• 20 additional e-badges (50 total)

DSP-III Certification is the highest credential that direct support professionals can achieve through FLCC and shows their strong commitment to the people they support. You can find information about the frontline supervisor certification on the NADSP website.

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