Direct Support Professional Training

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Training Program and Challenge Testing for Year-1 and Year-2

DSP Training and Testing is open to Direct Support Professionals and administrators currently working in licensed community care facilities. Each individual is required to provide a vendor code and formal photo identification at the time of registration. DSP Year-1 and Year-2 certification is a requirement of employment.

DSP training covers the following: Developmental Disabilities; Communication; Wellness; Teaching Strategies; Training Strategies; Positive Behavioral Support; Daily Living; Individual Rights; Laws and Regulations; and Recreation and Leisure. Day and evening training programs are available on a monthly basis.

DSP Challenge Testing is available to Direct Support Professionals and administrators who prefer not to complete the training program. Morning and afternoon testing is available on a monthly basis. The Department of Developmental Services requires the training class if the Challenge Tests are not passed on the first attempt.

Registration

Only direct support staff, including supervisors and administrators who provide direct care, currently employed in Community Care Facilities (CCFs) vendored by the regional center are eligible to take the Direct Support Professional Training (DSPT). DSPs must create their own account to register for a class using the eDSPT online registration and certification system.

Register for a DSP Training Program or Challenge Test

To register go to www.dsptrain.org

Have the following information available when you register:

• Personal email address
• Phone number
• Social Security number
• Facility Vendor number where employed
• Facility or Administrator email address where employed

For assistance with registration, view the Frequently Asked Questions, call the eDSPT Help Desk at 800-910-4604, or email dspthelpdesk@fcoe.org.

Results Notification

Only the DSP can access certification notices online at www.dsptrain.org. Paper certificates and/or email notifications will no longer be issued.

DSPT Attendance Policy

Training class attendance is mandatory. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are expected to attend all scheduled training sessions, actively participate, and successfully complete the required 70 hours of training for DSPT 1 (35 hours) and DSPT 2 (35 hours), as required under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act and applicable licensing requirements for their place of employment.

Failure to meet the attendance and participation requirements will result in the DSP being automatically dropped from the training class. The DSP will then be required to restart and complete the entire year of training to meet the required training standards and maintain compliance. 

Service Hub Regional Center Catchment Area and Contact Information

Riverside County Office of Education
Mirna Pierce
(951) 826-6802
mpierce@rcoe.us

Serving:

• Inland Regional Center
• San Diego County Regional Center
• San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center

Announcements

Regional Center advisory meetings are held annually in the fall. Please contact Mirna Pierce at 951-826-6802, or email dspriverside@rcoe.us, to join the advisory group. Regional Advisory presentations are posted here.

Direct Support Professional Training Team Advisory Committee Presentation (PDF), November 19, 2025

Provided for the following locations:

• Inland Regional Center
• San Gabriel Pomona Regional Center
• San Diego Regional Center

Resources

For more information about DSPT, go to the Department of Developmental Services website or email ccfdsp@dds.ca.gov.

For questions regarding DSPT registration or Results Notification, contact the eDSPT Help Desk at dspthelpdesk@fcoe.org or call 1 (800) 910-4604.

For DSPT implementation concerns, contact the California Department of Education (CDE), (916) 445-5568.