National Certification for Educational Diagnosticians

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

Why NCED?

  • Up to I million in professional liability coverage included with eligible NCED Professional Certificate Holder Fees 

  • Optional enhanced coverage available for $35/year for qualifying paid part-time educational work

  • 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

Dear Texas NCED Certificate Holder, We have some exciting news for our certificate holders living in Texas!  The Board of the Texas Professional Educational Diagnosticians (TPED) association is offering our Texas NCED certificate holders the opportunity to become...

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Upcoming NCED Examinations

Upcoming NCED Examinations

Registration is now open for the MARCH 23, 2024 IRVING, TEXAS and the April 4, 2024 WHIPPANY, NEW JERSEY administration of the NCED exam.

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Seeking TPED Members

Seeking TPED Members

The NCED Board of Directors has formed an Exam Committee which is working to revise the current NCED examination. We are seeking individuals who have shown proficiency in multiple areas of competencies as determined by their State Board of Education and/or...

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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.