National Certification for Educational Diagnosticians

The premier national credential for special education assessment professionals who hold high standards of practice

Why NCED?

  • Enhances professional credibility and visibility
  • Represents highly qualified status as an assessment professional
  • Permits use of “NCED” after name in reports and correspondence
  • Allows inclusion and recognition in the online NCED Registry
  • Provides a vehicle for potential salary supplement in the future (per state/district regulations)
  • Assures parents/school officials of rigorous standards for practice
  • Offers structured opportunities for ongoing professional development
  • Connects the practitioner with current trends/issues in the field of assessment

NCED’s Growing National Presence

The National Certification for Educational Diagnosticians (NCED) is proud to recognize Professional Certificate Holders who exemplify excellence in educational diagnostics. Earning the NCED credential reflects a commitment to the highest professional standards through demonstrated knowledge, successful completion of a rigorous national certification examination, and ongoing participation in continuing professional development.

Today, NCED Professional Certificate Holders are represented in 19 states, demonstrating the growing recognition and value of national certification throughout the profession. Each newly certified professional strengthens our national presence and reinforces our commitment to advancing excellence, promoting lifelong learning, and supporting high standards of practice for educational diagnosticians across the United States.

As our national network continues to expand, we look forward to welcoming Professional Certificate Holders from every state, further strengthening our nationwide community of certified educational diagnosticians and the profession we proudly serve.

News & Information

NCED’s Growing National Presence

NCED's Growing National Presence The National Certification for Educational Diagnosticians (NCED) is proud to recognize Professional Certificate Holders who exemplify excellence in educational diagnostics. Earning the NCED credential reflects a commitment to the...

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It’s Time to Renew!

It’s Time to Renew!

  Hello Certificate Holders, We wanted to send out a friendly reminder that our membership year ends on 6/30/2026. The new membership year runs from July 1, 2026- June 30, 2027. If you are on autopayment, your credit card will be charged $70 for one year, or $195...

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Introducing the new 2026 – 2027 NCED Board

Meet your new 2026 - 2027 NCED Board (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027) Cindy Simpson, President Donald Fontenot, Treasurer Jennifer Vasquez, Secretary Michelle Boughton, Exam Chair Danielle Frith, Professional Growth Chair Michelle Norwood, Certificate Holder Chair...

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Examination Test Sites

10/17/2026, Morristown, NJ

8:30 AM-11:30 AM

Morris County Public Library 

30 E. Hanover Avenue

Whippany, New Jersey 07981

 

10/19/2026, Baton Rouge, LA

L’Auberge Casino Hotel

 777 L’Auberge Ave.

Baton Rouge, LA 70820

 

11/5/2026, Spring (Houston Area), TX

9 AM- Noon

Holiday Inn Spring- The Woodlands 

24888 I-45N

Spring, Texas 77386

 

5/4/2027, Round Rock (Austin Area), TX

9 AM – Noon 

Kalahari Hotel and Resort

3001 Kalahari Blvd

Round Rock, TX 78665

Apparel and Gifts

                                      Board of Directors

Cindy Simpson, Ph.D.

President

Michelle Norwood, M.Ed.

Certificate Holder Chair

Donald Fontenot, M.Ed.

Treasurer

Jennifer Vasquez, M.Ed.

Secretary

Michelle Boughton, M.Ed.

Exam Chair

Suzanne Detraz, M.Ed.

Publicity Chair

Danielle Frith, Ph.D.

Professional Growth Chair

Amber Birchmier, M.Ed.

Professional Development Audit Chair

Advisors

Becky Dieckmann, M.Ed.

 Georgene Moon, M.Ed.

Ed Schultz, Ph.D. 

Joe Sutton, PhD.