1. National Certification Council for Activity Professionals

2. About Us
Established by National Association of Activity Professionals in 1986
Omnibus Budget and Reconciliation Act (OBRA)
Highest credential for qualification as a Certified Activity Professional
Recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
National, non-profit standards and certification body
Activities and engagement certifications across all care settings
Trained and certified over 150,000 individuals.
As approaches to long-term care evolve, NCCAP is at the forefront creating best practices and the standards of care for:
•Families wishing to age in place or waiting for a place in a long-term care facility
•Veterans in the VA system or at home, and dealing with behavioral health issues like PTSD
•Long-term care companies searching for cost reductions through better trained employees
•Adult Day Centers expanding services and seeking to hire employees with skill sets that include dementia care
•Governments, insurance companies and hospitals trying to reduce the growing cost to care for our aging population
To address this nationwide need, NCCAP provides education, training and certification for improved quality of life in any setting. NCCAP certifications are based on rigorous criteria that ensure they meet the requirements of Federal and State regulations. Having certified Activity Professionals who have helped millions of seniors, NCCAP is uniquely experienced to:
•Set standards that contribute to an improved quality of life
•Provide a trusted credential that ensures an individual has met best-in-class requirements for certification
•Educate Government, Industry, Agencies and families on factors that impact the quality of life of a caregiver and the person in their care
•Affirm that the NCCAP certified individual has received an education that meets the highest standards and that the credential satisfies the regulatory requirements for the position
•Advocate for Federal, State and local policies that advance person-centered care and improves the quality of life of older adults
NCCAP.ORG

3. PETER J. ILLIG, Esq. CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (peter.illig@nccap.org)
Strategic nonprofit management executive and Attorney
Established and managed health-related projects, programs and partnerships in over 20 countries
Attorney admitted to NY Bar, WHO and World Bank Consultant, DC Law Firm, World Scouting, Public-Private Partnerships
Washington, DC, Mexico City, Hong Kong and Geneva, Switzerland
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Mr. Illig previously served as General Counsel and Director of External Relations for World Scouting where he ensured legal compliance and established strategic partnerships with global organizations such as the United Nations and Red Cross. A registered consultant with the World Health Organization, he worked in Washington, DC for the law firm Holland and Knight, LLP and was a adviser to the world Bank, Asian Development Bank and United Nations on health and environmental projects. He served on the environmental health roundtable of the National Academies of Science, Institute of Medicine.
EDUCATION
Mr. Illig holds a Master of Laws in Public International Law from the University of Notre Dame London Law Program, a Juris Doctor from the State University of New York at Buffalo and is admitted to practice law in New York State. He serves on the Transatlantic Council Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America and is an international advisor to the US medical charity Operation Smile.
NCCAP.ORG

4. WHY NCCAP? Leading credential for person-centered care
Consistent quality through MEPAP
Higher regulatory compliance knowledge
Reduced costs from best practices and knowledge sharing
Improved quality of life
All care settings
The education and certification programs of NCCAP provide the foundation for person-centered care. From aging in place at home and along the journey of long-term care and hospice, continuity of care is critical. It includes non-medical skill-sets such as assessment, communication, engagement, planning and delivery of activities. The right techniques can help get someone to bathe, go to therapy or just play a game. Knowing the right techniques for behavioral interventions is essential, can reduce risk of injury and can improve quality of life. NCCAP-credentialed caregivers learn the best techniques tailored to individual cognitive and physical limitations for those in their care.
As approaches to long-term care evolve, NCCAP is at the forefront creating best practices and the standards of care for:
•Families wishing to age in place or waiting for a place in a long-term care facility
•Veterans in the VA system or at home, and dealing with behavioral health issues like PTSD
•Long-term care companies searching for cost reductions through better trained employees
•Adult Day Centers expanding services and seeking to hire employees with skill sets that include dementia care
•Governments, insurance companies and hospitals trying to reduce the growing cost to care for our aging population
To address this nationwide need, NCCAP provides education, training and certification for improved quality of life in any setting. NCCAP certifications are based on rigorous criteria that ensure they meet the requirements of Federal and State regulations. Having certified Activity Professionals who have helped millions of seniors, NCCAP is uniquely experienced to:
•Set standards that contribute to an improved quality of life
•Provide a trusted credential that ensures an individual has met best-in-class requirements for certification
•Educate Government, Industry, Agencies and families on factors that impact the quality of life of a caregiver and the person in their care
•Affirm that the NCCAP certified individual has received an education that meets the highest standards and that the credential satisfies the regulatory requirements for the position
•Advocate for Federal, State and local policies that advance person-centered care and improves the quality of life of older adults
Based on the proven social model of care, NCCAP strives to improve the quality of life in all care settings. We continuously update our standards based upon the latest research, regulatory guidance and survey information that ensures to the highest degree possible compliance with applicable requirements.
NCCAP.ORG

5. Benefits of Certification
Continuity and Quality of Care
Benefits of Home Care Certification
Benefits of Certification for Long-Term Care Communities and Day Centers
Benefits of NCCAP Certification for Government and Nonprofit Agencies
Benefits of NCCAP Certification for Activity Professionals
Continuity and Quality of Care
The educational components of all NCCAP Certifications are modular building blocks. Each module is based on the foundation of person-centered care through activities and engagement. Each NCCAP Certification is based on over 30 years of training and education from across multiple long-term care settings. Our standards ensure continuity of care and approach. This improves quality of life for all involved and reduces the cost of care incurred by families, agencies and governments.
Home Care Certification
For Families
NCCAP Home Care Certification provides peace of mind to families that their caregiver has met rigorous educational standards to become NCCAP Certified. A Home Care Certified caregiver can offer family members insights on communicating and engaging with loved ones living with dementia.
For Employers - staff retention, reduced recruitment and administrative costs, higher client retention
The educational requirement of Home Care Certification establishes a baseline of knowledge for the caregiver and improves their skill sets. This can lead to less job stress, an increase in the quality of the work atmosphere and satisfaction with their position. This can lead to greater employee retention rates, stability in your workforce and reduced costs. Further, a strong educational foundation can improve the daily quality of life of the client while decreasing opportunities for accidents and potentially dangerous situations.
For State and Federal Agencies - Reduced cost of care and reduced re-admittance to hospitals
The cost of caring for an individual aging or rehabbing in place is significantly less than the cost of aging or rehabbing in a skilled nursing facility. A Home Care Certified caregiver has the educational foundation to communicate and engage an older adult individual aging in place. Proper communication is a preventative tool the caregiver can use to identify issues affecting the individual and potentially prevent or limit medical interventions.
Addressing the Growing Dementia Crisis
Best practices for engaging a person with dementia are a part of the NCCAP educational curriculum. An individual with a HCC or other NCCAP Certification can earn a Specialization in Memory Care with additional courses from the approved NCCAP Body of Knowledge. The Memory Care Specialization strengthens the educational foundation to meet the needs of the growing numbers of those aging in place with dementia.
Benefits of Certification for Long-Term Care Communities and Day Centers
From meeting Federal or State requirements to staff Continuing Education (CE) needs, the standards, certifications and educational content provided by NCCAP offer multiple benefits to Long-Term Care Facilities:
•Federal Law, OBRA, states that an activity department must be directed by a “qualified professional.” Since 1986, NCCAP Certification has been accepted as meeting this requirement.
•NCCAP certification is recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as an organization that certifies activity professionals who work specifically with the older adult.
•NCCAP certification assures administrators and surveyors that you have met professional standards required for Certification and can assist the community in meeting specified requirements while also improving quality of life for residents and other staff members.
•NCCAP Certified Professionals can offer fellow staff insights and best practices on how to communicate, engage and intervene with those living with dementia.
•NCCAP Certification offers individuals the opportunity for increased wages and can be a gateway to professional advancement within your organization.
•NCCAP Certification can provide peace of mind to families that the caregivers has met rigorous educational standards that offer a higher quality of life based on person-centered care.
Benefits of NCCAP Certification for Government and Nonprofit Agencies
Federal, State and Local Governments, along with Nonprofit Agencies can realize the benefits and added value provided by NCCAP Certification through higher employee retention rate, lower staff turnover, reduced recruitment and administrative costs, reduced costs for the delivery of care, and lower admission rates for hospitalization, skilled nursing facilities and re-admittances.
Benefits of NCCAP Certification for Activity Professionals
Activities are the foundation of care. Activity Professionals are the pillars of this foundation and our Organization. Recognized since 1986 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), NCCAP has trained and certified over 150,000 individuals. NCCAP's person-centered activity and engagement programs based on the social model of care set the Gold Standard for long-term care and quality of life. Here are just a few of the benefits to becoming NCCAP Certified:
•Federal Law (OBRA) states that an Activity Department must be directed by a “qualified professional.” Since 1986, NCCAP has been accepted as meeting this requirement.
•NCCAP certification assures administrators and surveyors that you have met proven criteria and professional standards to become certified.
•Many administrators will only hire Activity Professionals who are certified.
•Some administrators offer a higher salary to a certified Activity Professional
NCCAP.ORG

6. Levels of Certification
Activity Professional Certification:
Activity Assistant, Activity Director, Activity Consultant
Setting Specific Certifications:
Home Care, Adult Day Services
Engagement Certification:
Montessori Dementia Engagement, more…
We have expanded our certifications to meet the needs of the professionals who are engaging other in activities under the social model of care . Peter illig ‘s goal was to streamline the certification process to make it as user friendly not only to the professional seeking national certification but also to the business owners, regulators and government officials and we are happy to announce that we will release our updated standards on January 1, 2018
So lets talk about our certifications
NCCAP Regulatory Compliance Certification. Each level has a few ways or tracks to follow to meet the requirements for certification . Tracks are driven by the educational level of the applicant and from there the years of experience requirements matching those levels. We have streamlined and condensed a couple tracks for Activity Director Certification and are very proud to announce a new professional pathway track for those individuals whoa re currently Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist who desire to obtain NCCAP Certification .
Specific Setting Certification
Watch the video on .
Engagement Certification Open to all Allied health professionals NOT JUST staff who work in ACTIVTIES
This is a new level of certification that have been develop to assist a facility in meeting the new Regulations . Throughout the over 52 federal regulations that reference activity and engagement services the reoccurring theme is facility involvement . If we just take a minute to discuss FTAG 679 it states The facility must provide, based on the comprehensive assessment and care plan and the preferences of each resident, an ongoing program to support residents in their choice of activities, both facility-sponsored group and individual activities and independent activities, designed to meet the interests of and support the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident, encouraging both independence and interaction in
the community.
INTENT §483.24(c)
To ensure that facilities implement an ongoing resident centered activities program that incorporates the resident’s interests, hobbies and cultural preferences which is integral to maintaining and/or improving a resident’s physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being and independence. To create opportunities for each resident to have a meaningful life by supporting his/her domains of wellness (security, autonomy, growth, connectedness, identity, joy and
meaning).
CMS recognizes that Research findings and the observations of positive resident outcomes confirm that activities are an integral component of residents’ lives. Residents have indicated that daily life and involvement should be meaningful. It is becoming a re-occurrent issue that facilities are receiving tags under activities for lack of meaningful engagement . The times that are being sited are outside the traditional structured group . It is evident that the focus is truly moving to a facility responsibility therefor Our newest Certification for engagement is Montessori Certification is open to other healthcare workers beyond the activity professional. Now a nurse , nursing assignment , a universal worker can become educated and now certified in the therapeutic techniques of Montessori . NCCAP is excited to announce a formal partnership with Brush Development Company to create NCCAP Certifications to meet the needs of persons living with dementia. With over 25 years of experience, founder Jennifer Brush is a Speech-Language Pathologist and internationally recognized Montessori for dementia expert. She is the only Certified Montessori for Aging and Dementia Educator in the U.S. teaching the Montessori dementia care workshops. Our new programs are scheduled to launch in early 2018.
NCCAP.ORG

7. Certification Qualifying Components
Academic Education
Activity Experience
Continuing Education
Required Curriculum
National Exam (ADC or ACC certification)
Consulting Experience (ACC Certification)
Academic Education –High school diploma, GED, College Level curriculum
Activity Experience – Activity Work experience within the 5 years from when you apply for certification with older population
Continuing Education – (CE’s) Current Continuing Education within the 5 years from when you apply for certification with older population .
Required Curriculum -
Regulatory Compliance Certification –
Activity Assistant Certified – MEPAP Part 1
Activity Director Certified – MEPAP Part 1 and MEPAP Part 2
Activity Consultant Certified –MEPAP Part 1, MEPAP Part 2 , The Professional Activity Manager and Consultant Book
Specific Settings Certification
Home Care Certified – Activities 101
Adult Day Service Certified –MEPAP Part 1
Engagement Certification
Montessori Engagement Certification – From Can’t to Can Do – Using The Montessori Approach
Other Qualifying Components-
National Exam Activity Director and Consultant Levels only . A proctored exam taken at a third party testing site with successful score
NCCAP.ORG

8. Required Curriculum Activity Profession Certification (AAC, ADC, ACC)
Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP)
Part 1 (Core Content 1-11) and Part 2 (Core Content 12-20)
Specific Settings Certification
Home Care: Activities 101
Adult Day Services: MEPAP Part 1
Engagement Certification
“From Can’t to Can Do”
Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP) is a two-part program involving a total of
180 hours of educational learning and 180 hours of experiential learning that includes practicum work.
Each part consists of 90 hours of coursework and 90 hours of practicum assignments.
- MEPAP Part 1: Core Content 1-11 prepares students for the essential functions and duties of an
Activity Professional: to design, deliver and evaluate activity services for older adults across the
continuum of care.
- MEPAP Part 2: Core Content prepares students to apply principles of management in their role
as an Activity Professional: to provide service through leadership, advocacy, using principles of
planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling.
Activities 101 Course establishes a baseline knowledge for Home Care care partners involving the skills
needed to improve the daily quality of life of a client by engaging a client in discussions and activities,
potentially decreasing incidents of accidents and dangerous situations, preventing boredom,
depression, and disengagement, and avoiding relocation from home to a long term care facility.
Certified Activity Professionals working to become Consultants must complete an independent study
with the guidance of a NCCAP instructor.
From Can’t to Can Do!: Using the Montessori Approach - This course provides an introduction to using
Montessori with older adults and people living with dementia. The curriculum focuses on engaging
individuals in person centered activities that have meaning and purpose for an improved quality of life.
NCCAP.ORG

9. Activity Assistant Certified - AAC
Qualifying Components
Track 1
Track 2
Academic Education
High School Diploma/GED, plus 6 college credits, including English Writing/Composition
High School Diploma/GED
Activity Experiences
2,000 hours within past 5 years
4,000 hours within the last 5 years
Continuing Education
20 clock hours from NCCAP Body of Knowledge within the past 5 years
Required Curriculum
MEPAP Part 1: Core Content 1-11
Activity Assistant Certified Provisional (AACP)
NCCAP offers a provisional certification for those who have a High School Diploma/GED, or are currently working towards receiving a High School Diploma/GED, and are working towards meeting the requirements of the above NCCAP standards for AAC certification. Standards and requirements to qualify for AACP include:
1. Academic Education: High School Diploma/GED or currently enrolled in high school or preparing for the GED exam 2. Activity Experience: 50 volunteer hours (can be practical or other service) within the past two years 3. Continuing Education: 20 clock hours (can be Honors/Advanced Placement) within the past 2 years 4. Required Curriculum: MEPAP Part 1: Core Content 1-11
AACP Certification is valid for 4 years, must be renewed after 2 years with 20 CEs. AACP certification is nonrenewable after that time. By the end of 4 years, AACP recipients must meet all of the requirements, including 20 additional CEs, of AAC Track 1 or 2
NCCAP.ORG

10. Activity Director Certified - ADC
Qualifying Components
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Academic
Education
Bachelor’s or higher, including English Comp
Associate’s Degree, including English Comp
12+ college credits, including English Comp
2. Activity
Experience
2,000 hours within the past 5 years
3,000 hours within that past 5 years
6,000 hours within the past 5 years
3. Continuing
Educational
30 clock hours from NCCAP Body of Knowledge within past 5 years
4. Required
Curriculum
MEPAP 1 & 2: Core Content 1-20
MEPAP 1 & 2:
Core Content 1-20
5. National Exam
Required
NCCAP.ORG

11. Activity Director Certified - ADC
Qualifying Components
Track 4
Track 5
Academic
Education
High School Diploma/GED
Professional Equivalency Path
Individuals with related allied certifications:
NCTRC
CBMT
ACTCB
OTR
NAAPCC (no Bachelor’s required)
Bachelor’s Degree
2. Activity
Experience
12,000 hours within the past 5 years
10,000 hours within the past 5 years
3. Continuing
Educational
40 clock hours from
NCCAP Body of Knowledge within the past 5 years, 8 of which specifically address activity documentation of MDS, Care Planning
4. Required
Curriculum
MEPAP 1 & 2:
Core Content 1-20
No Requirement
5. National Exam
Required
Activity Director Certified Provisional (ADCP)
NCCAP offers a provisional certification for those who are currently working towards meeting all 5 qualification components of NCCAP standards for ADC certification.
Standards and requirements to qualify for ADCP include: - Academic Education: High School Diploma/GED or higher - Required Curriculum: MEPAP 1 Core Content 1-11 And meeting 1 of the following 3 additional requirements: - Activity Experience: # hours for Academic Education level per ADC Tracks 1, 2, 3, or 4 - Continuing Education: # of clock hours for Academic Education level per ADC Tracks 1, 2, 3, or 4 - Required Curriculum: MEPAP Part 2 Core Content 12-20
The ADCP certification is valid for 6 years, must be renewed every 2 years with 30 CEs. ADCP is nonrenewable after that time.
NCCAP.ORG

12. Activity Consultant Certified - ACC
Qualifying Components
Track 1
Track 2
1. Academic Education
Master’s Degree, including English Writing/Composition
Bachelor’s Degree, including English Writing/Composition
2. Activity Experience
2,000 hours within past 5 years
4,000 hours within past 5 years
3. Continuing Education
40 clock hours from NCCAP Body of Knowledge within the past 5 years
4. Required Curriculum
MEPAP Parts 1 & 2: Core Content If previously completed for AAC or ADC certification level, must submit certificates of completion
5. National Exam
Required unless fulfilled for ADC
6. Consulting Experience
200 hours of activity consulting experience within the past 3 years OR completion of independent study with the guidance of a NCCAP Instructor
NCCAP.ORG

13. Activity Consultant Certified - ACC
Qualifying Components
Track 3
1. Academic Education
Associates Degree or higher, including English Writing/Composition
2. Activity Experience
6,000 hours within past 5 years
3. Continuing Education
40 clock hours from NCCAP Body of Knowledge within the past 5 years
4. Required Curriculum
MEPAP Parts 1 & 2: Core Content If previously completed for AAC or ADC certification level, must submit certificates of completion
5. National Exam
Required unless fulfilled for ADC level
6. Consulting Experience
200 hours of activity consulting experience within the past 3 years AND completion of independent study with the guidance of a NCCAP Instructor
NCCAP.ORG

14. Specific Settings Certification
Qualifying Components
Home Care Certified
Adult Day Services Certified
1. Academic Education
High school diploma/GED
2. Activity Experience
1,000 hours of Home Care experience within past 5 yrs
4,000 hours of Adult Day experience within past 5 yrs
3. Continuing Education
20 clock hours from NCCAP Body of Knowledge within the past 5 years
4. Required Curriculum
Activities 101
MEPAP Part 1: Core Content 1-11
5. Renewal Schedule
Annually
Biennially
NCCAP.ORG

15. Engagement Certification
Qualifying Components
Montessori Dementia Engagement Certification MDEC
1. Academic Education
High school diploma, GED or higher
2. Activity Experience
4,000 hours of experience of working with people living with dementia within past 5 yrs
3. Continuing Education
20 clock hours of related topics from NCCAP Body of Knowledge within the past 5 years
4. Required Curriculum
From Can’t to Can Do!: Using the Montessori Approach
5. Renewal Schedule
Annually
This is open to ALL allied health care professional Nursing assistant s, nurses , social workers, rehab techs and therapist
NCCAP.ORG

16. NCCAP News
New interactive website: Apply, Renew, Update and Pay Online
Updated MEPAP Instructor requirements for quality and support
Students: Online profile to begin certification journey with Instructor
Allied Professionals: If credentialed you can become NCCAP certified
New: for assistance.
Home Care Certification featured on Lifetime TV’s The Balancing Act
New Engagement Certifications
Click on website
NCCAP.ORG

17. More Information
Thank you!
NCCAP.ORG