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Exam Information
Official specifications published by APSE
Exam Format
180 min
135
82 out of 115 scored items
Entry-level Professional
Registration
$219 USD
Kryterion testing centers across all 50 US states, Online proctored testing (OLP) available, or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Continuing Education; Re-examination
CESP Exam Topics and Domains
CESP is organized into 4 weighted domains.
1
Application of Core Values and Principles to Practice
19.13%
Employment First Principles
Universal Right to WorkEqual Wages and Working ConditionsPerson-Centered Approach
- Apply Employment First principles to all employment support activities
- Demonstrate commitment to competitive integrated employment
- Use person-centered language and practices consistently
Community Integration and Inclusion
Community-Based ServicesCollaborative Employment Process
- Promote full community integration for job seekers
- Facilitate collaborative employment processes
- Distinguish integrated from segregated employment settings
Employment Services Context
History of Employment ServicesLegislation and RegulationsFunding Sources
- Demonstrate knowledge of key employment-related legislation
- Identify and access appropriate funding sources
- Understand historical context of employment services
2
Individualized Employment and Career Planning
26.96%
Rights Counseling and Disclosure
Disability Rights EducationDisclosure Counseling
- Counsel job seekers on disability rights
- Support informed disclosure decisions
- Empower self-advocacy
Transition and Engagement
School-to-Work TransitionRapid EngagementLimitations of Traditional Vocational Evaluation
- Facilitate effective school-to-work transitions
- Implement rapid engagement strategies
- Minimize reliance on traditional vocational evaluations
Discovery and Assessment
Motivational InterviewingJob Seeker Interviews and AssessmentVocational Profile Development
- Conduct effective discovery using motivational interviewing
- Develop comprehensive vocational profiles
- Use discovery findings to guide employment planning
Community-Based Work Assessment
Paid Work Trials and Job TryoutsVolunteering and Job Shadowing
- Implement community-based work assessment strategies
- Utilize paid work trials effectively
- Facilitate job shadowing and informational interviews
Resources and Referrals
Self-Employment ResourcesAgency Referrals and Community ResourcesFunding Scope and Limitations
- Connect job seekers to self-employment resources when appropriate
- Make effective referrals to community resources
- Understand and work within funding limitations
3
Community Research and Job Development
19.13%
Labor Market Analysis
Labor Market InformationJob Market Pattern IdentificationBusiness and Job Location Tracking
- Analyze and utilize labor market information
- Identify job market patterns and opportunities
- Organize and track business relationships
Marketing and Messaging
Marketing Tools and MaterialsService Scope ExplanationTargeted Messaging
- Develop effective marketing materials and tools
- Clearly communicate service scope to employers
- Customize messaging for target audiences
Ability-Focused Communication
Ability-Focused Language and ImagesJob Seeker Portfolios and Visual Resumes
- Use ability-focused language in all employer communications
- Develop effective portfolios and visual resumes
- Present candidates as competent, qualified workers
Business Engagement
Business Informational InterviewsWorkplace Culture Sensitivity
- Conduct effective business informational interviews
- Understand and navigate workplace cultures
- Build lasting employer relationships
Job Matching and Negotiation
Job Matching StrategiesBusiness Communication StrategiesEmployment Proposals and Job Carving
- Create effective job matches based on comprehensive profiles
- Communicate professionally with business contacts
- Develop and negotiate customized employment proposals
Addressing Employer Concerns
Addressing Concerns About AbilitiesAddressing Disability-Related ConcernsBusiness Hiring Incentives
- Address employer concerns about candidate abilities
- Respond to disability-related questions appropriately
- Leverage hiring incentives to facilitate employment
4
Workplace and Related Supports
34.78%
Support Planning and Coordination
Natural and Paid Supports IntegrationTransportation for WorkCross-System Collaboration
- Integrate natural and paid supports effectively
- Solve transportation challenges creatively
- Coordinate employment supports across service systems
Benefits Counseling and Work Incentives
Earned Income Impact on BenefitsBenefits Counseling Resources
- Understand basic earned income impact on benefits
- Refer to appropriate benefits counseling resources
- Support job seekers in making informed work decisions
Job Start and Orientation
Job Expectations and AnalysisFirst Day PreparationJob Analysis Development
- Gather comprehensive job expectations from employers
- Prepare job seekers thoroughly for job start
- Develop detailed job analyses to guide support
Employer and Workplace Integration
Employer Orientation and TrainingCo-worker Introductions and RelationshipsMeeting Employer Expectations
- Orient employers effectively to support process
- Facilitate workplace relationship development
- Support job seekers to meet employer expectations
Training and Skill Development
Training Process and SupportLearning Style AdaptationTask Analysis and Baseline AssessmentEducational Programs and Apprenticeships
- Implement systematic instruction and training techniques
- Adapt training to individual learning styles
- Conduct task analyses and baseline assessments
- Support access to educational and apprenticeship programs
Workplace Culture and Conduct
Policy and Procedure UnderstandingPerformance Feedback
- Ensure understanding of workplace policies and procedures
- Provide and facilitate effective performance feedback
- Support professional conduct in workplace
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Data Collection and MonitoringSupport Fading Strategies
- Collect and utilize performance and support data
- Implement systematic support fading strategies
- Monitor employment stability during and after fading
Accommodations and Accessibility
Reasonable Accommodation RecommendationsUniversal Design Principles
- Facilitate effective reasonable accommodation processes
- Apply universal design principles in workplace
- Support workplace accessibility for all employees
Career Advancement and Retention
Successful Employment CollaborationCareer Advancement Support
- Provide effective long-term employment support
- Support job retention through problem-solving
- Facilitate career advancement opportunities
How do I earn this certification?
Passing CESP earns the CESP™ certification. It sits in the Employment Support Professional track.
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for CESP is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2019-08-01
Updates
- Online Proctored Testing Increased accessibility - candidates can test from home • Release date: Available as of 2021+
- APSE Apply Platform Streamlined application and renewal process • Release date: Implemented 2021+
- Digital Badging via Credly Professional credibility and easy verification • Release date: Available
Who should take this exam?
Education requirement (varies by path)
Work experience in employment support
Agreement to Code of Conduct
- Familiarity with Employment First principles
- Knowledge of supported employment practices
- Understanding of disability legislation (ADA, WIOA, IDEA)