Eligibility & Code of Ethics

Who is Eligible?

Any Direct Care Workers, Health Care Professionals, or persons who are 18 and older who do or would like to work with individuals diagnosed with a Mental Illness and/or Substance Use Disorder.

Course Requirements

• Must register online at Deer Path Academy
• Must complete all courses, knowledge checks, and testing provided in each course
• Must complete all coursework within 30 days of registration
• Must view all additional resources provided in each course 
• Must complete the certification application within 10 days of completing training

Certification Requirements

• Must successfully complete the Behavior Support Professional training program in its entirety within 30 days of registration.
• Must successfully complete the Final Exam (75 questions), which includes case studies.
• Must submit valid identification to meet the minimum age requirement.
• Must continue employment or secure employment in a home and community-based services (HCBS) provider/agency within six months of receiving their C-BSP designation.
• Must share information and allow information sharing with Deer Path Academy and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) for purposes of grant funding requirements.
• Must keep contact information up to date with Deer Path Academy.
• Must not be on the caregiver misconduct registry or have criminal charges (previous or pending) that would bar the individual from working in assisted living

Certification Steps

• Complete the online certification application.
• Successfully complete the certification exam, case study, and video recording.
• Submit proof of age (driver’s license or identification card) via email.
• Provide detailed course feedback.

Results for your exam materials will be released within 3 weeks of completion. Allow 6-8 weeks to receive your Certified Behavioral Support Professional designation.

Continuing Education

As a participant, you maintain your designation by complying with the renewal requirements outlined in the certification standards. Continuing education must meet Deer Path Academy's guidelines and receive approval.

• Complete a total of 16 hours of continuing education every three years**
• Complete the online renewal form 
• Maintain employment as a C-BSP and/or for an HCBS facility/agency
• Submit $50 renewal fee

Re-certification training hours must have been taken since you were certified or last renewed. 

Renewals are calculated from the date that your certification was issued. Your certification must be renewed by submitting all required documentation and payment by your renewal date.

Upon expiration or revocation of a credential, the usage of any Deer Path Academy credential or digital badge will be immediately terminated. A final decision will be the revocation of a credential from Deer Path Academy. No refund will be provided, in whole or in part, upon revocation.

Continuing education must include the following topics and hours:

• 4 hours of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
• 2 hours of Recovery-Oriented coursework
• 2 hours of Trauma-Related coursework
• 3 hours of Psychotropic medications
• 1 hour of Cultural considerations
• 2 hours of Ethics
• 1 hour of documentation-related coursework
• 1 hour of staff wellness, self-care, burnout, etc.

Code of Ethics

Deer Path Academy has developed the Code of Ethics to ensure the highest professional responsibility and care for all residents. All graduates of the Deer Path Academy Behavior Support Professional program (herein referred to as participants) must represent themselves appropriately and abide by the Deer Path Academy Code of Ethics. Violation of the Code of Ethics may result in the revocation of your certification. Participants must not have been ethically or professionally denied application to or renewal of any professional membership in local, state, or national associations to which they are qualified. Participants must not have had any professional privileges restricted, revoked, or revised in any formal institutional setting.

Professional Responsibility, Competence, and Integrity

Participants will accept personal and professional responsibility for all actions. Participants recognize the extent of their professional competence and training. Participants understand that the credential permits practice only within the scope of the certification granted by Deer Path Academy. As a participant, you acknowledge that Deer Path Academy is not liable for your actions or the results of your actions at any level, and you accept full responsibility for acquiring and maintaining the necessary training to complete your job successfully. 

Participants will only use the provided credentials when they remain current and in good standing. As a participant, you agree to take full responsibility for all your actions and decisions and in no way hold Deer Path Academy or any of its affiliates responsible for the outcomes thereof. Participants will maintain current records with Deer Path Academy and notify, in writing, of any changes to their professional status, name, or contact information within 15 days of the change.

Participants will represent themselves honestly and straightforwardly. Deer Path Academy certifications do not tolerate fraudulent, deceitful, or misrepresentative behavior and may constitute grounds for revocation of certification. Any behavior or actions of yourself or others (including coworkers and individuals you serve) that would go against the Deer Path Academy Code of Ethics should be immediately reported to us.

Possessing a Deer Path Academy credential does not insinuate in any way that you are an employee of Deer Path Academy or have special clearance or authority beyond what is granted to you by your certification. Participants may use the appropriate designation (C-BSP) following their name only when the credentials are valid and current.

*Program Policies and Requirements are subject to change as the newly created program evolves.