Join the Nation’s Most Qualified Special Educators
Get Board Certified in Special Education and Elevate Your Impact
ENROLL NOWExpert Special Educators Inspire Lasting Change
In every school, in every district, there are students whose unique needs require exceptional support. Impactful educators are equipped with specialized training, deep understanding, and a clear commitment to the field of special education.
When you are Board Certified in Special Education, you don’t just serve students—you lead, advocate, and inspire lasting change.
But Qualifications Alone Aren’t Always Enough
State licensure sets minimum standards. But families, administrators, and colleagues often seek more than the basics. They want assurance that you bring not only experience, but also advanced preparation, deep dedication, and recognized expertise.
Without additional credentials, it can be hard to stand out—even when you go above and beyond every day.
Enter the Board Certification in Special Education
âś… Gain Advanced Skills and Knowledge
Through 58 targeted units across 7 comprehensive modules, you’ll study legal foundations, instructional strategies, behavior support, transition planning, and more.
âś… Demonstrate Dedication and Expertise
Your certification signifies your commitment to excellence and sets you apart in the field of special education.
âś… Strengthen Your Professional Identity
BCSE enhances your credibility, visibility, and respect among parents, colleagues, and employers.
âś… Join a Community of Elite Professionals
This certification places you among a nationally recognized group of specialists who meet rigorous professional standards.
âś… Gain a Competitive Career Edge
The BCSE designation enhances your resume, increases marketability, and can open new professional doors.
Is This Certification for Me?
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Are you a current special educator who wants to be recognized for advanced qualifications?
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Are you pursuing leadership, advocacy, or policy roles in special education?
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Are you new to the field and looking to build your resume with a nationally respected certification?
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Are you a related service provider, administrator, or specialist committed to inclusive education?
 Then this course is for YOU.
Whether you’re seeking personal growth, professional advancement, or new credibility in your work, this program helps you gain and showcase the skills that matter most.
  Become a Board Certified Special Educator
Enroll now and raise the bar in special education...
What's in the Course?
Board Certification in Special Education (BCSE)
Offered by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) and the American Academy of Special Education Professionals (AASEP)
The BCSE is a self-paced, online certification comprised of 58 comprehensive units across 7 detailed modules. It provides educators with expert-level training in law, instruction, behavior, and leadership within the field of special education.
Module 1: Overview of Legal Issues in Special Education
Build foundational legal knowledge to navigate the complexities of special education law, student rights, and compliance.
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What is Special Education?
Understand definitions, legal mandates, and prevalence. -
History of Special Education Law
Trace the development of IDEA and other key legislation. -
FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education)
Explore what makes education "free" and "appropriate." -
Related Services
Identify critical supports like OT, PT, and speech services. -
IEPs
Master the purpose, structure, and legal requirements of Individualized Education Programs. -
LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) & ESY (Extended School Year)
Learn placement principles and planning considerations.
Includes: Video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, supplemental readings and videos.
Module 2: Assessment in Special Education
Understand the tools and frameworks for evaluating student needs, eligibility, and progress.
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Assessment Methods
Gain insights into observations, portfolios, and tests. -
Statistics
Learn key statistical concepts used in interpreting assessments. -
Referral & Evaluation
Master Child Find, MDTs, and eligibility meetings. -
Scoring Terminology
Get fluent in percentiles, standard scores, and more.
Includes: Visual presentations, readings, real-world assessment samples.
Module 3: Response to Intervention (RTI)
A readings-based module covering foundational and advanced RTI practices.
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RTI Tiers I–III
Examine multi-tiered interventions and progress monitoring. -
Screening & Identification
Learn how at-risk students are flagged early. -
Parent Involvement & Fidelity
Explore how families and systems ensure success.
Module 4: Understanding Students with Exceptionalities
Gain deep understanding of disabilities, learning styles, and effective support strategies.
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Categories of Exceptionality
From intellectual disabilities to giftedness. -
Disability-Specific Strategies
Learn best practices for ADHD, autism, LD, ED, and more. -
Trauma & Brain Injury
Understand impact and intervention for students with TBI or emotional needs.
Includes: Expert-led lectures, readings, and classroom strategy videos.
Module 5: Special Education Eligibility
A comprehensive reading module detailing the 13 IDEA classifications and eligibility procedures.
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Learn eligibility criteria for:
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Autism
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Intellectual Disabilities
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Emotional Disturbance
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Orthopedic Impairments
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Specific Learning Disabilities
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And more...
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Module 6: Critical Concepts in Special Education (Part 1)
Learn essential topics educators must master to support students and advocate effectively.
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Discipline of Students with Disabilities
Explore due process and manifestation determination. -
Mediation & Due Process Hearings
Understand resolution strategies. -
Inclusive Education
Learn inclusion models, co-teaching strategies. -
Classroom Management
Techniques tailored for special education classrooms.
Module 7: Critical Concepts in Special Education (Part 2)
Advanced behavioral, instructional, and transitional topics to deepen your professional practice.
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Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA)
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Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP)
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Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
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Assistive Technology
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Transition Services for Adolescents with Disabilities
Includes: Case examples, instructional guides, and practical tools.
How the Program Works
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7 modules released in sequence
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Each unit includes a video lecture, presentation slides, readings, and supplemental media
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Complete a multiple-choice exam (80% to pass) at the end of each module
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Receive a NASET/AASEP certificate of completion for each module
BCSE equips educators with the tools to lead, advocate, and elevate special education practices in every setting.
What Does a Board-Certified Special Educator Actually Do?
Board Certified Special Educators bring advanced insight and professionalism to their roles. As a BCSE-certified professional, you:
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Implement evidence-based practices for diverse learners
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Navigate special education law and compliance with confidence
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Develop IEPs, behavior plans, and transition goals aligned with best practices
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Support inclusive education in collaboration with general educators and service providers
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Advocate for students, families, and systemic improvements
You also demonstrate leadership and integrity in your work, often serving as a mentor, trainer, or role model in your school community.
Board Certification in Special Education is more than a credential—it’s a statement of who you are as a professional.
How BCSE Stands Apart
Most Special Education training programs lack oversight or consistent standards.
BCSEÂ is different.
With NASET’s Board Certification in Special Education, you earn a nationally recognized credential and join the nation’s leading professionals in special education.
Who is NASET?
The National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) is the leading professional organization dedicated exclusively to supporting special education teachers across the United States.
Committed to advancing excellence in the field, NASET promotes high professional standards, ongoing development, and advocacy to ensure that children with special needs receive the best education possible.
Founded by and for educators, NASET provides a trusted platform for research, resources, and recognition in special education.