5 STEPS TO GET CREDENTIALED
Click the image for each step to reveal more information.
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Eligibility
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Application
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Acceptance
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Exam Day
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Post Exam
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List of Requirements to Sit for the Test |
Forms, Pricing, Payment Options |
Notification to Schedule Test, Testing Partners, Dates, Deadlines |
Exam Overview, Sample Questions, Directions for Test Day, Testing Environment |
Grading Process, Test Results, Passing Standards, Issue of Credentials, Retesting |
Eligibility
Requirements to test for Initial Certification
By meeting the standards below, candidates demonstrate that they have applied the highest level of ethical standards in their practice. The expectation is that these applicants can demonstrate advanced clinical and professional skills. Only applicants who achieve high standards of excellence, display professionalism, are committed to continuous advanced learning, and display clinical skills and characteristics that reflect achievements above and beyond the standard practice are approved to sit for the credentialing exam.
- Candidates must successfully complete an NMES for Dysphagia competency training program or its renewal, accredited through ICE/NCCA within 5 years prior to application. To help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public, ICE created its accrediting body, the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and set the first standards for professional certification programs developed by the industry.
- Candidates must pass competency trainings which include applications on the face and anterior portion of the neck and other placements shown to be effective in the treatment of Dysphagia.
- In order to avoid a conflict of interest, the course may not be provided by a manufacture or distributor of NMES for Dysphagia devices or electrodes.
- In addition, the training must:
- Include a minimum of 10 hours of anatomy/physiology
- Include a minimum of 10 hours of theory, safety, and application
- Include two or more channel electrode placements
- Assess and document competency in application and theory
- Must be an evidence based training to include instruction in current research in the use of NMES for Dysphagia
- Candidates must have 250 hrs. treating w NMES-D within 1 yr prior to the application.
- Candidates must have 5 hrs. continuing education within 1 yr prior to the application, on the topic of dysphagia (by an approved ASHA and/or AOTA provider) (teaching or attending) not including the certificate course.
- Candidates must have 2 hrs. continuing education within 1 yr prior to the application on the topic of NMES for dysphagia (approved by a professional board or provided by an approved provider of a professional board; can be a PT, OT or SLP modalities course) (teaching or attending) not including the certificate course.
- Candidate must have an active license or an international equivalent for 1 yr prior to the application.
- Candidates must be in good standing w professional boards.
- Candidates must agree to abide by practice standards and code of conduct (ASHA, AOTA or similar).
Application
Already eligible? It's time to apply.
Complete the application Online Registration PDF form (e-mail or mail)
Pricing
- $50 Application Fee (non refundable)
- $300 Testing Fee
Payment Options
- Visa/Master Card
- Check
- During the application process, a DU account will be set up that will allow you to track the status of your application.
- Allow up to 5 business days from receipt of your completed application for a response.
- Accepted applicants will receive an Exam Authorization Letter (EAL) with instructions to schedule the exam).
- Applicants who do not meet the requirements yet will receive an e-mail outlining the results of the application assessment.
Acceptance
Candidates can schedule their testing appointment directly with Questionmark AFTER they receive their Exam Authorization Letter (EAL). Instructions to schedule your application will be included in the EAL.
This is a live proctored exam done right on your computer at a location you choose!
The NDC's official testing partner, Questionmark.com, will provide login information to the approved candidate to schedule their exam with a proctor. Approved candidates can schedule an appointment to take the NDC exam online through this service seven days a week.
Exam Day
Test takers are allowed 3 hours to take the exam. Login to the exam 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time you chose; the exam does not start until you or the proctor open the exam.
Thanks to our testing partner Questionmark.com, the test process will be convenient and stress-free. Step by step instructions, as well as live help will make this easy.
- Connect to a proctor
You will connect with a live proctor via your web camera. This proctor will help you through the exam process and is available during the exam if technical difficulties arise. - Connect your screen You will connect your screen to the proctor. This allows the proctor to see your computer screen and enables the proctor to assist with step three so you may begin your exam.
- Authentication The proctor will need to know that you are in fact the right test taker. The proctor will ask you to show a photo ID. The proctor will then snap a photo of you for your profile. Once that is completed, the proctor will ask you to answer a few questions about yourself. These questions are generated from a public information database.
Post Exam
Scores are totaled by our assessment partner, Questionmark and reviewed by Dysphagia-U's Program Director. Results are available within 24 hours of testing and will be visible on the candidate's Dysphagia-U account. Candidates receive email notice when the results are posted.
- PASS! You will receive your official NDC certificate and credentialing letter in the mail and will be added to the database to recognize your advancement in the field. The database will be searchable for physician, recruiters and families looking for credentialed specialists.
- Re-Examination. There is no waiting period to retest, however, NDC strongly encourages NDC candidates who have failed the exam to review their score reports carefully and focus their study efforts before retesting. Candidates ready to retest must meet current eligibility criteria and resubmit an application with the required fee. Candidates may re-take the exam once.