Bridge to ADC Course starts July 9, 2025
Activity Director Certification Course starts August 18, 2025
Activity Director Certification Course starts Nov. 18, 2025
(The ADC Course which starts on November 18th takes place on Tuesdays & Thursdays with a Thanksgiving & Christmas Break)
The Activity Director Certification Course combines the APC and Bridge ADC programs in a continuous format without breaks.
NCCAP Certification
For over 30 years, NCCAP certification has been accepted for meeting the highest standard of CMS F680 and is the only certification accepted by NAAP for meeting the Professional Standards of Practice to be an Activity Professional.
The standardized curriculum is infused with the person-centered principles of the Pioneer Network as well as the Alzheimer’s Association Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. It is reviewed and updated regularly by an independent Clinical and Curriculum Advisory Board of geriatric experts and long-term care practitioners.
Like all Allied Healthcare credentials, NCCAP certification is based on a formal course of study, the standardized curriculum, and an independent final exam. NCCAP certification ensures you are competent to deliver person-centered care and life-enriching activity programs to enhance physical, cognitive and psychosocial well-being.
Standardized Curriculum
Bridge for Activities Director Certification Course
This is a live virtual 36 hour course on Wednesdays, & Fridays 9am-12noon EASTERN TIME. Classes start July 9, 2025. Schedule is subject to change with notice.
Prior to the start of the course, each student must select a Practicum Supervisor. The practicum can be completed at the student’s current facility.
The course includes homework, practicum assignments, and a final exam. To receive a certificate of completion and be eligible to apply for the National Exam through the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals, students are required to attend all sessions and complete the practicum. Upon passing the National Exam, students will be awarded Activity Director Certification.
Course fee is $500 and includes the digital course book, National Exam and 2 years certification. NCCAP offers a few payment plan options for an additional $30.00 administrative fee that will be added to your first payment.
Bridge for ADC Outline & Summary
Module One: Activity Manager Leader
This module introduces the essential skills and knowledge needed to be an effective activity manager and leader. Students will learn about the balance between the art and science of management, key characteristics of leadership, and how to build strong relationships between leaders and their teams. Additionally, it covers the core responsibilities of a manager, including planning, organizing, staffing, and evaluating, while also providing insights on how to maximize leadership power.
Module Two: Planning and Organizing
In this module, the learner will explore the importance of planning and organizing within management. They will learn how to assess programming and staffing needs, create effective schedules, and manage time efficiently. The course also covers different types of planning—strategic, operational, and project-based—and introduces the basics of budgeting for a department. A focus is placed on organizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and ensuring team success.
Module Three: Staffing and Staff Development
This module focuses on building a strong team through effective staffing and staff development strategies. Students will learn how to assess staffing needs, interview candidates objectively, and identify skills and competencies through behavioral interview techniques. The module also covers legal hiring practices, training new staff, and incorporating volunteers into the department. By the end of this module, students will be prepared to manage staff costs and develop a cohesive, productive team.
Module Four: Staff Engagement
Staff engagement and motivation are the primary focus of this module. Students will learn how to apply Maslow’s theory of motivation to meet employee needs and drive engagement. This module also covers leadership techniques that inspire staff, how to coach employees for professional development, and how to address poor performance. Conflict resolution and the proper steps for applying progressive discipline are also discussed to ensure a motivated and well-functioning team.
Module Five: Program and Staff Evaluation
Students will learn how to evaluate both programs and staff performance effectively. This module introduces the principles of management control, auditing processes, and standards of practice based on regulations and professional organizations. Students will develop the skills to appraise staff performance objectively and solve problems using structured solutions and action plans to improve departmental success.
Module Six: Strategy to Execution
This final module focuses on the vital role of the Activity Director in ensuring regulatory compliance across all care settings. Participants will learn how to prepare their department and facility for State and Federal surveys, identify compliance risks, and implement plans to address them. The module also emphasizes designing person-centered activity programs that help residents achieve their goals, while aligning documentation, programming, environment, and community involvement with regulatory standards.
Standardized Curriculum
Activities Director Certification Course
This is a live virtual 90 hour course based on the Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP) curriculum. Schedule is Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays, 9am-12pm EASTERN TIME. Class starts August 18, 2025.
Each student will need to select a Practicum Supervisor prior to the start of the class and can complete this practicum at their facility.
This course contains homework assignments and a final exam. The Student must attend all sessions and complete the practicum to receive a certificate of completion to be eligible to take the NCCAP NATIONAL EXAM.
Activity Director Certification will be awarded by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals after successfully passing the exam.
ADC Course Outline and Summary
Module 1: Therapeutic Activity Concepts
This module introduces the fundamental aspects of the activity profession, including its definition, philosophy, and standards of practice. It covers the historical evolution of the field, person-centered care principles, and the roles and responsibilities of activity professionals across various health care settings.
Module 2: Introduction to Standards, Regulations and Survey Process
Learners will differentiate between standards, regulations, and policies, while understanding how to meet regulatory requirements related to activity programs and resident dignity. This module emphasizes the application of regulations, infection control, and effective interaction during surveys.
Module 3: Communication Strategies for the Activity Professional
This module focuses on mastering communication techniques essential for activity professionals, including active listening, non-verbal cues, and professional behavior. It also covers ethical standards for using technology and social media, as well as strategies for interviewing and maintaining confidentiality.
Module 4: Understanding Aging
Explore the impact of cultural and individual factors on aging, including physical, psychosocial, and spiritual aspects. This module addresses age-related changes, common disorders, and the role of activity professionals in supporting end-of-life care and adapting to aging-related needs.
Module 5: Cognitive and Behavioral Health
This module covers cognitive functions, and the characteristics of dementia and delirium. It includes techniques for effective communication with individuals experiencing cognitive impairments and the development of nonpharmacological interventions for enhancing their quality of life.
Module 6: Documentation Skills for the Activity Professional
This is an exploration of accurate and ethical documentation, assessment, and care planning skills. Learners will practice identifying resident needs through structured tools and interviews. Emphasis is placed on the MDS and the importance of individualized, interdisciplinary care plans.
Module 7: Management, Leadership, and Program Design
Learners explore foundational management and leadership principles, with practical applications to running a successful activity department. The module blends administrative functions (budgeting, scheduling) with leadership approaches to inspire and engage both staff and residents.
Module 8: Staff Development and Volunteer Coordination
This module centers on building and sustaining a capable, motivated team. Students learn how to recruit, train, and retain staff and volunteers while adhering to legal and ethical hiring standards. The module encourages development of structured onboarding and continuing education practices.
Module 9: Motivation, Coaching, and Conflict Resolution
Learners will explore strategies to foster workplace engagement and manage team challenges. It includes coaching practices, progressive discipline, and tools to address conflict constructively, all aimed at building a cohesive and productive team environment.
Module 10: Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement
The final module prepares learners to assess their programs and staff using structured evaluation tools. It covers QAPI, audits, and performance appraisals. Students also learn how to lead and adapt through organizational change to enhance quality and innovation.
The Bridge for Activity Director Certification (ADC) is offered for those who have already taken the APC Course or Mepap Part One. You will need to successfully complete the Bridge for ADC, in order to apply for your ADC (Activity Director Certification)
The cost of the Standardized ADC Course is $999.00. This course fee includes the coursebook, National Exam, and 2 years certification, and 1 yr of NAAP Membership. NCCAP offers a few payment plan options for an additional administrative fee that will be added to your first payment.