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

New Board Updates

NCED Certificate Holders, Welcome back to school! I am sure most of you are already in the hustle and bustle of the new academic year. I wanted to take a moment to introduce your 2025-2026 Board of Directors and to share a quick update about professional growth, exams...

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New PD Opportunities

PD Opportunities - Free for all NCED members Beyond the Score Spring 2025 offerings are now available for registration.  C-SEP is once again offering free Beyond the Score webinars. For full information and to view the website, open the link to take you to the C-SEP...

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Board of Directors Application

The end of this fiscal year is quickly approaching and three (3) NCED Board of Directors members will be rotating off at the end of June. We will be seeking new Directors to fill a three-year term which will begin July 1, 2025 and end June 30, 2028. Directors must be...

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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.