Become a Certified Advocate for Special Education

Advocacy is defined as any action that speaks in favor of, recommends, argues for a cause, supports or defends, or pleads on behalf of others. Advocacy is the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal; the act or process of advocating something. “Educational Advocacy” is a vague term. ... The primary responsibility of a Special Education Advocate is to represent the best interests of students in seeking Special Education supports and services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 2004 (IDEA 2004). Special education advocates assist parents with understanding and participating in the special education process

Special education advocates are different from attorneys. Attorneys (also known as lawyers) have college degrees and have graduated from law school. Attorneys have specific training in advocacy skills and must be licensed, meet continuing education requirements, and follow ethical guidelines. Attorneys can practice law, meaning they can provide legal advice, draft legal documents, and represent clients in court proceedings. Special education advocates are not mandated to have specific educational credentials and are not licensed specifically as special education advocates. While there are advocate training programs, which are hosted by a range of organizations, from law schools, to educational agencies, to private individuals and companies, there is no governing body that ensures that advocates are trained.

Advocates are often former teachers, administrators, special education professionals or education specialists. They may have expertise in areas like: Teaching methods; Specific learning and attention issues, or other disabilities; Behavior strategies; Evaluations; Assistive technology; Mediating disputes; Knowledge of programs in different private and public schools; and Special education law. And, many parents without expertise in the field of education (often those who have had children with special needs) will become special education advocates, as well.

A Special Education Advocate assists families of children with any learning concerns. Some students have needs that are already identified, whereas other parents will seek advocacy support in helping them identify issues that may be affecting their child's learning. Parents might consider working with an advocate when (1) They feel overwhelmed with the amount and type of information they are receiving; (2) They need assistance in correspondence or locating additional supports, and/or (3) They need help with problem solving when issues are challenging and it becomes hard to maintain emotions while attending meetings. Clearly, an advocate can become an invaluable asset to a family and a child with a disability.

With the increasing demands on the special education community, the goal for children to receive a free appropriate public education has often become lost in the ever changing political, monetary and regulatory environment. Therefore, the need for special education advocacy to ensure that children and their parents are protected under the law has never been more important. Advocates in special education can help parents get important services for their children with disabilities. Most people use them when schools or other service providers deny services, treatments, or equipment a child needs. While many advocates try to educate themselves, the reality is that most lack the knowledge, skills and abilities to be qualified as a special education advocate. Special education advocates must deal with a highly complex interdisciplinary approach since the special education process presents an intricate maze to navigate.

Surprisingly, special education advocates are not mandated to have specific educational credentials and are not licensed specifically as special education advocates. While there are advocate training programs, which are hosted by a range of organizations, from law schools, to educational agencies, to private individuals and companies, there is no governing body that ensures that advocates are trained. Because there are no federal or state legislative or regulatory guidelines for the educational or credentialing requirements for special education advocacy, it is essential that the highest level of knowledge of the special education process, the professionals who work with children with disabilities, and the laws regulating the process be integral to the certification process. NASET and AASEP have recognized the need for qualified special education advocates and have created a comprehensive special education advocacy program whereby upon completion, you become a Board Certified Advocate in Special Education (BCASE).

That would depend upon many factors. Primary amongst them is the credit requirements for acceptance of by your school, district or governmental agency. All Modules have been rated by NASET/AASEP in study hours. The number of study hours is indicated on each Module certificate which also contain your name, the Module title, and the date of completion. 

*Please Note: Each National Association of Special Education Teachers' (NASET) course entitle you to CE Study Hours. Each NASET CE Study Hour is based on the requirements of each course which are rated in hour(s) for reading, comprehension and the completion of an exam at the end of the course. Please be aware that NASET CE Study Hours are not a guarantee of acceptance of evidence of professional development by school districts, since every state and/or school district may have its own standards or requirements.  To verify whether a NASET CE Study Hour is accepted by your school district or state, please contact your local or state education department.

You can purchase the full course (all 6 modules) for $1,100. Or you may purchase modules individually for $225 each. 

No. Although NASET or AASEP membership does provide a discount, we do not require you to be a member of NASET or AASEP to apply.

No. There is no application fee to apply for the BCASE program.

Since the modules and examinations are available online 24/7, the time it takes is totally up to you. The only limitations are that you complete the 6 Modules within 2 years of your application acceptance. If you start with the NASET member’s discounted fees, your membership must remain active throughout the period, during which you are completing the requirements.

Once you have completed the Module requirements, your credentials are presented to the Board for approval. The time from program completion to attaining BCASE certification documentation is approximately 10 business days.

Yes. All candidates who complete the Board Certified program must renew their certification annually with the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET). The annual BCASE certification renewal fee for NASET Members is $125.00. Non-members renewal fee is $165.00.

No. Our Units, Modules and examinations are all online. There is no need to travel to access anything. The entire program, from start to finish, can be done in the comfort of your home, office or wherever you choose.

No, you can begin to start a Module whenever you choose. You work and study at your own pace. As soon as you are notified of your access via email, your access has been “turned on” so that you may begin at your convenience.

That is also completely up to you. You work and study for an examination at your own pace. There is no specific examination date. You set the pace of the program based on your availability.

Yes. You are allowed 3 attempts to complete each of the 6 Module examinations.

Once you receive a score of 80% or higher on a Module Examination, the next module will be automatically available to you. 

You will see it within your course portal. 

Contact the NASET Career Center at [email protected] or call us at 800-754-4421 ext 102