NCTS Exam Preparation
The Nationally Certified Transition Specialist (NCTS) credential is the marker of a committed transition professional who has demonstrated the essential competencies and components that guide professional practice of secondary special education transition specialists and teachers in supporting successful and equitable transitions for students and youth with disabilities and their families.
Those wishing to sit for the NCTS exam can follow the instructions below:
Education and Experience Required
In order to sit for the NCTS exam you must have a master’s degree and three years of providing transition services in a school, vocational rehabilitation, or community provider. Individuals who have successfully completed a DCDT approved transition specialist preparation program (see a list of approved programs HERE) can apply for a Provisional or Professional Certification automatically here.
Transition Competencies
The CEC/DCDT Transition Competencies include seven broad competency areas: (a) transition content knowledge; (b) transition assessment; (c) transition programs, services, and equitable outcomes; (d) transition research and adequacy; (e) transition leadership and policy; (f) transition professional and ethical practice; and (g) collaboration. Together, these seven broad competency areas provide a comprehensive framework for equitable, inclusive, and effective secondary transition programs, services, and practices that empower students and youth with disabilities to achieve meaningful postschool success in the areas of education, employment/training, and community engagement.
Exam Delivery
The NCTS exam is a pencil-and-paper test with answers delivered on a scantron. The test window is two hours to complete the 120 questions. No information or devices may be brought to the testing room (more information provided prior to exam day).
Exam Fees
Members of CEC’s Division for Career Development and Transition received a reduce exam fee for the NCTS exam:
- Initial Exam Fee: $249 (Members), $329 (Non-Members)
- Renewal Fee: $129 (Members), $209 (Non-Members)
Register for the Exam
The NCTS exam is administered in person at least three times per year. Check below for upcoming testing sites and locations. Registration opens approximately 90 days before the test.
| Date | Time | Location | Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 21, 2026 | 2 – 4 pm | Gainesville, Florida (at the Visions Conference) | Register |
| October 14, 2026 | TBD | New Orleans, Louisiana (at the DCDT Conference) | Link TBD |
| March 10, 2027 | TBD | Columbus, Ohio (at the CEC Conference) | Link TBD |
Exam Make-up
The test is roughly 120 single-answer multiple questions (varies based on pilot questions) and is spread roughly across the domain competencies as follows:
- Transition Content Knowledge: 21%
- Transition Assessment: 18%
- Transition Programs, Services, & Equitable Outcomes: 16%
- Transition Research & Inquiry: 11%
- Transition Leadership & Policy: 16%
- Transition Professional & Ethical Practice: 12%
- Collaboration: 7%
Exam Results
You will receive notice of your official score results from CEC once the testing window has closed and scores are certified and validated. Official results will be emailed four to six weeks after the exam.
The Council for Exceptional Children is committed to providing reasonable testing accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities or health-related needs. Please submit your questions, requests for accommodations and any relevant certifications of eligibility to [email protected]. Please submit your request as early as possible; if additional documentation or review is required, this will add additional timing to arrange for accommodations. Requests submitted less than two weeks before a testing date may not be granted.