Certified Direct Care Worker (CDCW) Credential
The first industry-recognized credential for direct care workers
The Certified Direct Care Worker (CDCW) program is a new Michigan credential that shows a direct care worker has key knowledge and skills to provide safe, high‑quality support to older adults and people with disabilities in homes and community settings. It is led by IMPART Alliance at Michigan State University with support from state partners who are working to strengthen and professionalize the direct care workforce.
Why the CDCW credential matters
Michigan has a serious shortage of trained direct care workers. These workers provide critical support to people who need help with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, cooking, and getting to appointments.
The CDCW credential helps close this gap by recognizing workers’ skills, supporting better care, and giving employers a clearer way to see who is well prepared for the job.
Benefits for direct care workers and employers
Earning CDCW certification helps workers:
- Show current and future employers that they have demonstrated essential knowledge and skills recognized by experts.
- Gain a clear pathway for professional development and advancement in direct care, even without a high level of formal education.
For employers and the broader system, the CDCW program:
- Sets a consistent baseline for what Michigan direct care workers should know and be able to do.
- Supports better recruitment, retention, and quality by standardizing training and expectations across settings.
How the CDCW credential is structured
The CDCW program is Michigan’s first statewide, industry‑recognized credential just for direct care workers. It is made up of four stackable credentials, each linked to real direct care tasks and Michigan’s professional competency guidelines:
- Direct Care Worker Fundamentals
- Direct Care Worker Advanced Fundamentals
- Home and Direct Care Specialist
- Personal Direct Care Specialist
A person earns the full “Certified Direct Care Worker” title by successfully completing all four exams.
Eligibility requirements
IMPART Alliance offers free training to help direct care workers prepare for the credential. No high school diploma or GED is required, and participants must be at least 16, able to work in the U.S., and have internet and computer access to complete the training.
Completing the free training provided by IMPART Alliance is not required for the credential.
The following typical experience levels were considered when designing each credential:
- Direct Care Worker Fundamentals: No required experience; recommended for those with some prior training or exposure to direct care
- Direct Care Worker Advanced Fundamentals: Recommended 3+ months of on-the-job experience or training
- Home & Direct Care Specialist (IADLs): Recommended 1+ year of experience or related training
- Personal Direct Care Specialist (ADLs): Recommended 1+ year of experience or related training
How the CDCW credential was created
Developed starting in mid-2024, the CDCW program is based on a statewide study of direct care worker jobs and advice from direct care experts. The exams are designed around real daily tasks that direct care workers do and follow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Professional Direct Care Work Competency Requirements and Guidelines.
Pilot testing of the four CDCW exams is scheduled to begin in December 2025, an important step toward making this a standing credential and long‑term resource for Michigan’s direct care workforce and their employers.
Questions?
For questions about the CDCW credentialing process, pilot testing, or exam policies, please contact the IMPART Alliance CDCW Program Management Office at impart@msu.edu.
