The CESP™ Is Far More Than Certificate of Completion
The Credentialed Employment Support Professional™ (CESP) program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a sufficient level of knowledge and skill to provide integrated employment services to a variety of populations.
CESP™ Across the Country
There are currently 2,100+ CESPs working accros the United States to advance opportunities for competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities.
Interested in becoming a CESP™?
Earn your Credential
Eligibility requirements for test takers include Education, Work Experience, and Ethics, and Examination prerequisites to ensure that individuals credentialed by the ESPCC have an acceptable level of knowledge and skill needed to provide employment support services at an entry-level of competency.
Complete your application on APSE Apply and submit payment of $219 (application and exam* fee). Your application will then be reviewed for eligibility. Approved applicants receive follow up information on how to schedule the exam online or at a testing site.
*The exam fee is refundable in the event that the applicant is found ineligible to sit for the exam.
Need examination accommodations? Request one as you apply.
The exam is available year round! Apply today!
The CESP™ program is the first in the nation to create national guidelines to validate and support the training currently provided in the field of Employment Support Professionals.
The credential program falls under the oversight of the Employment Support Professional Credentialing Council (ESPCC), established by the APSE Board of Directors.
The ESPCC developed the CESP™ for employment support professionals (ESPs) who provide employment services to individuals with significant disabilities by assisting individuals to obtain and maintain competitive employment in integrated community workplaces.
The CESP™ is accredited through the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accreditation for professional or personnel certification programs provides impartial, third-party validation that the program has met recognized national and international credentialing industry standards for the development, implementation, and maintenance of certification programs. The CESP™’s content validity is demonstrated through a comprehensive job analysis conducted and analyzed by experts, with data gathered from stakeholders in the occupation or industry.
The Credentialied Employment Support Professional™ Program
The CESP™ credential is designed for job coaches, job developers, transition employment specialists, job placement personnel, and employment specialists/ consultants who serve a wide variety of target audiences including individuals with intellectual/ developmental disabilities, mental health diagnoses, sensory impairments, physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorders.
What People Say about the Credentialed Employment Support Professional™ program
"I feel the credential adds a level of professionalism for all staff. It shows a higher level of understanding and education for customers and employers. It lets them know employment staff have a general broad knowledge needed to be successful in this field."
David King, Ohio
"The CESP™ is an important step in building the professional recognition of the work being done in the employment services field, and the amazing skill set that is required to do it successfully. Having a path to obtain a recognized credential, and progress in their professional development, is important to staff and the retention of individuals working in our field. As an agency, we also think it is a valuable tool to show that we believe in the importance of the work that our staff are doing, and that we support their continued career path in the field of employment services- we want to encourage our staff to continue to grow and advance professionally."
Kate Travis, Connecticut
“In a field without the backing of a Standard Occupational Code, the CESP™ not only validates my skill set but also serves as a strong reminder in the business community of the importance of economic opportunity for all including people with significant disabilities. The CESP™ encourages me to continue to grow in the profession while supporting others in training.”
Theresia Kody, Pennsylvania
Resources
- Access the Most Recent Candidate Handbook
- Go to APSE Apply - where you can access all applications related to the CESP™
- Download a Template Employer Support Letter
- CESP™ Continuing Education Directory
- https://apse.org/cesp_employer_request_exam_template-12-2021/Read about the annual reports of the credential
Maintain Your Credential
Credential renewal is required every 3 years. It's $219 to renew by taking the exam again or $125 to submit documented completion of 36 Continuing Education (CE) hours. We encourage you to use this to develop skills and interests as your career develops!
Get Involved with the credential and earn CE credits. Volunteer on a Committee, write or review question items, or share the credential with others.
With APSE membership, CESPs have access to up to 30+ pre-approved webinars and communities of practice per year. Attendance can be tracked and managed for you with the CESP Add-On option. Contact us at cesp@apse.org to learn more!
