Professional Transition Pathway to ADC

 

A new track to NCCAP certification for experienced professionals

Climb the Ladder to NCCAP Certification!

FEE:  $680
Payment plans available at the time of registration

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • ONLINE COURSE ACCESS
  • 2 YEARS OF NAAP MEMBERSHIP 
  • 2 YEARS OF INITIAL ADC CERTIFICATION 
  • NATIONAL ADC INITIAL EXAM ACCESS
  • THE ART OF LIFE ENRICHMENT RESOURCE BOOK

 

IS THIS PATHWAY RIGHT FOR YOU?

 This pathway is designed for professionals who:

✔ Completed a training certificate program that meets or exceeds their state’s minimum required training hours
✔ Have at least 1 year of experience in the field
✔ Are ready to earn NCCAP Certification (ADC)

 

WHAT IS THE PROFESSIONAL TRANSITION PATHWAY?

The Professional Transition Pathway to ADC is a certification option created for experienced activity professionals who have already completed a training certificate program and gained practical experience in the field.

This pathway recognizes your prior education and experience and provides a structured route to achieving nationally recognized NCCAP certification.

Whether your training was completed through a state-approved program or another training provider, this pathway allows you to transition into NCCAP certification while maintaining high professional standards.

 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To apply for the Professional Transition Pathway, applicants must meet the following requirements:
✔ Training Requirement

  • Completion of an activity director training certificate program

  • Program must meet or exceed state-required training hours 

✔ Experience Requirement

  • Minimum of 1 year of work experience in an activity professional role

✔ Documentation Required

  • Certificate of program completion
  • Verification of employment/experience
  • Any additional documentation requested during review

 All training and documentation are subject to NCCAP review and approval.

 

STEPS TO CERTIFICATION

Getting certified through this pathway is simple:

  1. Submit your survey with required documentation
  2. Complete any additional requirements if asked by NCCAP
  3. Wait for review of survey and email with further instructions 
  4. Once survey has been reviewed and email has been receive, follow steps in email to apply for and pass the National ADC Exam
  5. Earn your NCCAP Certification 

 

 WHY NCCAP CERTIFICATION?

 NCCAP certification is the national standard for activity professionals.

 With NCCAP certification, you will:

✔ Gain a nationally recognized credential
✔ Strengthen your professional credibility
✔ Enhance career advancement opportunities
✔ Demonstrate commitment to person-centered engagement
✔ Align with industry and regulatory expectations

 

FLEXIBLE FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS

This pathway is designed to work with your schedule:

  • Apply at any time
  • Self-paced process
  • Designed for working professionals

 

 

 NOT SURE IF YOU QUALIFY?

 We’re here to help.

If you’re unsure whether your training or experience meets requirements, contact us—we’re happy to review your information.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR CAREER

Ready to move forward?

Take me to the survey!

Contact NCCAP

FAQ 

Do I need to complete MEPAP?

Not necessarily. This pathway recognizes prior training that meets state-required hours, subject to NCCAP review.

Will my previous training qualify?

If your certificate program meets or exceeds your state’s minimum required training hours, it may qualify. All training is reviewed by NCCAP.

What if I completed training through another organization?

 Applicants from various training backgrounds are considered. Documentation will be reviewed to ensure standards are met.

How Long Does the Process Take?

The course is designed to be flexible and self-paced, allowing students to complete it on their own schedule.

This program is modeled after a 60-hour live course, adapted into an asynchronous online learning format.

  • Some students complete the course in as little as 2 months
  • Others take advantage of the full timeframe and complete it over several months

Students have six (6) months from the date of enrollment to:

  • Complete the course
  • Take the National ADC Exam

Once a student successfully passes the National ADC Exam:

  • A certificate of completion will automatically populate
  • The NCCAP office will process and issue the Activity Director Certified (ADC) credential within three (3) business days

If a student does not pass the National ADC Exam:

  • The NCCAP office will contact the student with instructions for submitting a reattempt request
  • Each exam attempt requires a $95 fee

Students are allowed up to three (3) attempts.

If the exam is not passed after three attempts:

  • A six (6) month waiting period is required before another attempt may be requested
    OR
  • The student may choose to pursue the Activity Professional Certified (APC) and later request a level change to ADC, which would include retaking the National ADC Exam.