NIDE Dementia Certificate
Routes & Levels
The National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE) offers a national, four-level certificate pathway designed to support family members, caregivers, allied professionals, and educators who are committed to improving dementia care, education, and awareness.
Updated Standards as of June 15, 2026
Certificate Levels
Level 1: Dementia Advocate – NIDE Certificate (DA-NC)
Who It’s For:
Family members, community allies, and advocates supporting individuals living with dementia.
Requirements:
- 6 education units of NIDE-approved dementia training
- 1+ year of direct or personal experience supporting someone living with dementia
- Ongoing advocacy activities, such as presentations, fundraising, or awareness efforts
- Pass a NIDE-approved examination
- Complete 6 CEs or 12 hours of NIDE-approved dementia education every 2 years
- Renew every 2 years
- Renewal may require an assessment and/or interview with the SOE Council
Pricing:
- Initial Training & Certificate: $99 (includes $50 application fee)
- Third-party training applicants: $100 application-only fee when training is completed through an approved third-party trainer using SOE Council-reviewed and approved curriculum
- Renewal Fee: $50
Level 2: Dementia Technician – NIDE Certificate (DT-NC)
Who It's For:
Family caregivers and paid care staff with direct dementia care responsibilities.
Requirements:
- 14 education units of NIDE-approved dementia training
- Educational material review required before training, with acknowledgment sign-off at the time of coursework
- 2+ years of hands-on experience supporting ADLs and daily care
- 4 weeks of approved mentorship
- Pass a NIDE-approved examination
- Complete 10 CEs or 12 hours of NIDE-approved dementia education every 2 years
- Renew every 2 years
- Exceptions and accommodations may be considered upon written request and consultation with an SOE Council member
Pricing:
- Initial Training & Certificate: $299
- Third-party training applicants: $100 application-only fee
- Renewal Fee: $100
Level 3: Dementia Professional – NIDE Certificate (DP-NC)
Who It's For:
Professionals working in planning, clinical, or supervisory dementia care roles, such as nurses, social workers, and activity directors.
Requirements:
- 18 education unit hours of NIDE-approved dementia training
- Educational material review required before training, with acknowledgment sign-off at the time of coursework
- 2+ years of experience in the dementia field
- 12 weeks of approved mentorship
- 1+ year in a leadership, planning, or supervisory role
- Experience in care planning or in-service training
- Pass a NIDE-approved examination
- Complete 15 CEs or 18 hours of NIDE-approved dementia education every 2 years
- Exceptions and accommodations may be considered upon written request and consultation with an SOE Council member
- Renew every 2 years
Pricing:
- Initial Training & Certificate: $499
- Third-party training applicants: $100 application-only fee
- Renewal Fee: $100
Level 4: NIDE Board Certificate in Dementia Education (BC-DEd)
The NIDE Standards of Excellence (SOE) Council serves as the oversight and credentialing body for Level 4 Certificate.
Who It's For:
Highly experienced professionals who wish to teach or use NIDE materials.
Requirements:
- 30 education units of NIDE-approved dementia training
- 6 education units in adult education/training or a degree in education
- 2+ years of experience in dementia care
- 2+ years in a supervisory role
- Experience in care planning and training
- Pass the NIDE Board Certificate Examination
- Complete an interview with selected SOE Council member(s)
- Complete 15 CEs or 18 hours of NIDE-approved dementia education every 2 years
- Renew every 2 years
Pricing:
- Initial Training & Certificate: $2,500 (includes training, examination, and certificate)
- Renewal Fee: $175
Continuing Education & State-Approved Training
Select NIDE trainings offer continuing education (CE) opportunities for Nursing, Social Work, and Dementia Education.
NIDE’s 3-Hour and 4-Hour Assisted Living Facility ADRD curricula have been reviewed and approved by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs.
For organizations outside Florida, state requirements vary. NIDE can work with organizations to identify applicable requirements and assist with state review or submission when appropriate.
An APA 7th edition bibliography of research and professional resources used in the development of NIDE certificate levels is available upon request.
Last bibliography update: April 10, 2026.
Email info@nid.education for current CE-approved sessions, state-specific training information, or bibliography requests.
Certificate Disclaimer
A certificate from NIDE demonstrates competency in dementia care and advocacy. However, A NIDE certificate does not authorize or license any individual to practice in roles regulated by state, municipal, or federal law. Always consult relevant local regulations for licensure requirements.
NIDE certificate holders may be subject to review, audit, assessment, or verification to confirm continued compliance with certificate standards. Misrepresentation or misuse of a NIDE certificate may result in review, suspension, or revocation.
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Whether you're an advocate, caregiver, or dementia care leader, A NIDE Certificate helps you
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