- What is CERI certification?
- Why do educators seek CERI certification?
- How do educators become CERI certified?
- What are the different levels of CERI certification that are available?
- How do I obtain the Structured Literacy Teacher (SLT / SLCT), the Certified Dyslexia Practitioner (CDP / SLDI) or the Certified Dyslexia Therapist (CDT / SLDS) certifications?
- Is CERI certification recognized nationally or internationally?
- How does CERI certification differ from certifications offered by Structured Literacy oriented organizations such as the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA), Wilson Reading Systems (WRS), the Lindamood Bell Academy, etc.?
- Does obtaining a particular level of CERI certification permit me to diagnose dyslexia or other learning difficulties in my students?
- How do I apply for CERI certification?
- How do I apply for certification if I have already taken and passed the KPEERI exam?
- How does an alternate route application differ from a standard application?
- How long is my certification valid?
- How do I properly indicate my status as a CERI Certified Professional?
- How do I obtain a copy of my current certificate if I have lost it?
- How do I upgrade to a higher level of certification?
- When do I have to renew my certification?
- What documentation is required for a certification renewal application?
- How do I obtain acceptable documentation for my certification renewal application?
- What do I do if my certification has expired?
- How do I obtain Certificates of Attendance (COAs) for completing the International Dyslexia Association’s online webinars provided through IDA TV?
- What is the CERI Online Provider Directory?
- Where is the CERI Online Provider Directory?
- How do I log into my CERI User Profile?
- Why am I not listed in the CERI Online Provider Directory?
- How can I update my name, address, contact information or other data contained in my Provider Directory listing?
- Why is my profile in the Provider Directory not marked as “Verified”?
- What is the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI)?
- How do I enroll in the CERI training program / take courses?
- Where can I find resources for helping someone I know who experiences dyslexia or other reading difficulties?
- What is my CERI ID number?
- I keep receiving an error while I am attempting to submit an online application form. What can I do to fix this?
- I cannot access links to purchase a Digital Badge from the CERI Online Store or download a Digital Badge that I had previously purchased. What should I do?
- How can I resize my purchased Digital Badge for use in my emails?
- How do I scan and upload documents required for online applications?
- What do I do if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
Frequently Asked Questions
Initial Certification
Q: What is CERI certification?
A: Certification through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) is used to demonstrate an educator’s mastery of the principles of Structured Literacy education. Structured Literacy education is based primarily on the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS) which were developed by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). More information related to CERI certification can be found here.
Q: Why do educators seek CERI certification?
A: Many teachers who seek CERI certification have completed teacher preparation programs and have been awarded a teaching license. However, teacher preparation programs often do not provide prospective teachers with the evidence-based knowledge and skills they need to teach reading effectively, particularly to students who struggle in learning to read and write, and licensure tests often do not test this content.
CERI certification is a way for teachers to demonstrate and be recognized for their evidence-based knowledge and skills. Teachers, including those in private practice, may want to provide school and district administrators, parents, and clients validation of their knowledge and skills for providing effective instruction, assessment, and intervention.
The evidence-based content important to effective reading instruction is outlined in IDA’s Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS).
Q: How do educators become CERI certified?
A: Educators may obtain CERI certification through several pathways including completion of:
- An IDA-accredited teacher preparation program based on the KPS competencies;
- An IDA-accredited independent teacher training program based on the KPS competencies;
- An alternate route designed for educators who did not attend an IDA-accredited program, but who have had appropriate professional development involving KPS competencies, and who can document their skills for teaching struggling readers effectively using Structured Literacy methods. Further information about the alternate route can be found below as well as HERE and HERE.
Q: What are the different levels of CERI certification that are available?
A: Certification is divided into three separate levels. These are the Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate (SLCT), the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) and the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS). The Classroom Teacher certificate is typically for those who teach in general education classrooms while the Dyslexia Interventionist and Dyslexia Specialist certifications are primarily obtained by those who provide interventions to individuals and small groups in either a public school or a private practice environment. In regards to qualifications the primary difference between the different levels of certification is the duration and level of involvement regarding a Structured Literacy based Practicum experience. An individual can only hold one level of CERI certification at a time, and specific qualifications for the varying degrees of certification can be found in the links provided.
Q: How do I obtain the Structured Literacy Teacher (SLT / SLCT), the Certified Dyslexia Practitioner (CDP / SLDI) or the Certified Dyslexia Therapist (CDT / SLDS) certifications?
A: The SLT, CDP and CDT are older names for the same levels of certification we currently offer.
- The Structured Literacy Teacher (SLT) is now known as the Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher (SLCT) Knowledge Certificate
- The Certified Dyslexia Practitioner (CDP) is now known as the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI)
- The Certified Dyslexia Therapist (CDT) is now known as the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS)
The new designations are equivalent to the older ones and no additional steps are required to receive the new designation. All future certificates will be issued with the new designations when an individual submits an application for either initial certification, upgrade or renewal. For information on how to obtain a copy of your current certificate please see here.
Q: Is CERI certification recognized nationally or internationally?
A: CERI exists as a subsidiary of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) which has a network of Global Partners, and therefore, CERI certification is recognized throughout the United States and elsewhere.
As noted above, many educators pursuing CERI certification do so as an addition to certifications they already hold to meet state licensure requirements (e.g., K-6 elementary certification or comprehensive special education certification). If you are seeking certification in order to obtain a K-12 teaching position, please keep in mind that teacher licensure is the purview of individual states, and state certification requirements vary widely. To find out about those requirements, contact the state department of education in the state in which you plan to teach.
Application for CERI certification and access to take the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) is available to anyone who meets the required criteria regardless of geographical location. However, please note that CERI does not provide training or professional development courses.
Q: How does CERI certification differ from certifications offered by Structured Literacy oriented organizations such as the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA), Wilson Reading Systems (WRS), the Lindamood Bell Academy, etc.?
A: CERI certification is focused on documenting candidates’ abilities to apply Structured Literacy approaches to literacy instruction and intervention which are particularly effective for at-risk readers and those with disabilities such as dyslexia. The content of the instruction and intervention are outlined in the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS).
Structured Literacy is an umbrella term for a variety of explicit teaching programs and approaches (such as Wilson Reading Systems, the Orton-Gillingham Academy (OGA), the Lindamood Bell Academy, etc.) that all share certain instructional features, including highly explicit, systematic teaching; prompt, targeted affirmative and corrective feedback; attention to prerequisite skills; and ongoing data-based decision-making. These individual programs and approaches differ from each other in certain details of assessment and intervention; however, they share the key features of Structured Literacy.
Specific programs such as those mentioned above often have their own certification procedures, and CERI certification does not confer certification in these specific programs. Which certification is best to pursue is up to the candidate and will depend on the candidate’s professional goals as well as individual circumstances such as geographic location, feasibility, cost, and other issues.
Q: Does obtaining a particular level of CERI certification permit me to diagnose dyslexia or other learning difficulties in my students?
A: Diagnosis of dyslexia is not the purview of any one professional group, and CERI certification does not grant any type of medical knowledge or authority. However, because dyslexia unfolds in an educational context, information about that context, including about the type of instruction and intervention a student has received, is essential to appropriate identification practices. In an educational setting, decisions about eligibility for services in the category of dyslexia, or related categories such as specific learning disabilities, would be made by an educational team, e.g., a Planning and Placement Team (PPT), that includes teachers and other support providers with knowledge of the student. Possessing CERI certification, especially at an advanced level, supports the credibility of its holder to provide input on effective reading interventions as well as the eligibility of a particular student in the context of a PPT.
Q: How do I apply for CERI certification?
A: The method by which you should apply for certification through CERI depends on both your educational background as well as your experience teaching students with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. To apply for certification using a standard application you must first have completed either an accredited University Program or an accredited Independent Teacher Training Program that qualifies its graduates for that level of certification during a year that it was accredited for that level. If you wish to apply for either the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) or the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS) certifications but have not completed an accredited program then you may apply for them using an alternate route application instead. In addition to the application process all those applying for certification are also required to take and pass the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) before certification can be conferred.
Q: How do I apply for certification if I have already taken and passed the KPEERI exam?
A: If you have previously passed the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) or CEERI exam, you should have received a CEERI or KPEERI Score Report upon completion. When submitting an Initial Certification application, Alternate Route application, or Certification Upgrade application for any level, the KPEERI exam will be automatically included as a part of the application process. By selecting the option indicating that you have previously taken the KPEERI exam on the application form and by uploading a copy of your Score Report, the exam fees will be removed and you will not be required to take the exam again. If you need to obtain a new copy of your Score Report, please see here for further information.
Q: How does an alternate route application differ from a standard application?
A: Alternate Route applications are for individuals who wish to apply for CERI certification but have not completed an accredited University program or an accredited Independent Teacher Training Program that qualifies its graduates for a particular level of certification. Alternate Route applications are only accepted between July 1st and September 30th of each year. An alternate route application is different from a standard application in that it requires more rigorous documentation of an applicant’s teaching experience using Structured Literacy based methods. This documentation must be assembled and submitted as a portfolio along with an alternate route application and includes such items as a personal statement, a copy of a resume or curriculum vitae (C.V.), letters of support from colleagues and parents, case studies of students and other such documents. The specific requirements for a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) Alternate Route application can be found HERE and the requirements for a Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS) Alternate Route application can be found HERE.
Q: How long is my certification valid?
A: The Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate (SLCT) is initially valid for three years from the time it is first issued. Both the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) and the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS) certifications are initially valid for one year from the time they are first issued. As opposed to initial certification, renewals can be for either one or three years; see “Certification Renewal,” below.
Q: How do I properly indicate my status as a CERI Certified Professional?
A: You can designate your current level of CERI certification on a personal website, in a professional listing, or in other correspondence with the acronym C-SLCT for the Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher Knowledge Certificate, C-SLDI for the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist certification, or C-SLDS for the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist certification. Additionally, you may purchase a copy of one of the Digital Badges from our Online Shop. Please note that claims of holding CERI certification or display / use of a CERI Digital Badge by an individual who is not certified at the designated level (or whose certification is currently expired) constitutes a violation of the CERI Ethics Statement.
Q: How do I obtain a copy of my current certificate if I have lost it?
A: You will receive a copy of your new certificate via email after an application for initial certification or certification renewal is approved and processed. You may download a copy of your current certificate by logging into your CERI user profile, clicking on the “Open CERI Verification Fields” section and clicking on “View Current Certificate PDF” under the “Dyslexia Provider Info” section. If this option is not available please contact us and we will email you a copy of your current certificate. Physical, hard copy (“live”) certificates are not automatically provided when an application for certification or renewal is processed. However, you can purchase a physical copy of your current certificate to be mailed to you via the United States Postal Service for a fee via our online store. Please allow up to four to six weeks for delivery of your live certificate.
Q: How do I upgrade to a higher level of certification?
A: If you currently hold a valid Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher (SLCT) or Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) certification it is possible for you to upgrade to a higher level. If you have completed an accredited University Program or Independent Teacher Training Program eligible for a higher level of certification during one of the years it was accredited since your original application you can apply for an upgrade by submitting a Certification Upgrade Application. You will have to upload a copy of the certificate or transcript from the accredited program that contains your name and your date of completion to include with your application. If you have not completed such a program you can also apply for a higher level of certification using either the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Interventionist (SLDI) Alternate Route application or the Structured Literacy Dyslexia Specialist (SLDS) Alternate Route application and including all of the required documentation. Please note that Alternate Route applications are only accepted between July 1st and September 30th of each year. Additionally, when applying for a certification upgrade using either method you will also be required to register for, take and pass the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) if you have not previously done so. Please note that it is only possible to hold one level of CERI certification at any given time, and as both the Interventionist (SLDI) or Specialist (SLDS) levels are initially granted for a period of one year from the date they are issued, this may result in the loss of some of the time an applicant would have been certified at their previous level.
Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI)
A: The Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) is a standardized exam designed to test an individual’s understanding of literacy development, literacy difficulties, and Structured Literacy based educational techniques and principles as detailed in the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS). The exam consists of 110 multiple choice questions and is administered by the company Meazure Learning. Further information related to the exam can be found both in our KPEERI Handbook as well as on our website HERE.
Q: How do I apply to take the KPEERI Exam?
A: In order to apply to take the KPEERI exam you must either submit an application for initial certification or a KPEERI Only application form including all of the required documentation. Please be sure to indicate the name of your accredited Independent Teacher Training Program, University Program or IDA Pipeline Program (if applicable). Once your application is approved and processed you will receive a Notice to Schedule (NTS) email from our testing provider, Meazure Learning, to access their online scheduling portal to schedule a time and location to take the exam. Please monitor your email account to make sure your NTS email is not intercepted by your account’s “Spam” or “Junk Mail” filter. The NTS email would be sent from the address candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com.
Q: On what dates is the KPEERI exam held?
A: The KPEERI exam is not held on specific dates. Rather an individual candidate makes an appointment to take the exam using Meazure Learning’s online Scheduling Portal. Once an application for the exam is submitted to CERI the application is processed and the candidate’s information is submitted to Meazure Learning. The candidate then receives a Notice to Schedule (NTS) email allowing them to access the Scheduling portal to select a time and location to take the exam. Generally, candidate information for the KPEERI exam is submitted to Meazure Learning on a weekly basis, and so it may take an average of 7 to 14 days to receive an NTS after the submission of an application. The available dates and times for an exam appointment depend on the availability of an online proctor or the specific testing facility that the candidate selects. For questions regarding the availability of a specific testing facility please contact Meazure Learning’s Candidate Support Department either by telephone at (919) 572-6880 or by email at candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com.
Q: How do I prepare for the exam?
A: Much of the information required to pass the KPEERI exam is provided by first completing an accredited University Program or an accredited Independent Teacher Training Program. However, you can also reference the following sources for information on the topics covered in the exam…
- The KPEERI Handbook includes some sample questions for the exam as well as details of its content areas
- The Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS) cover the exam’s various content areas
- The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) offers numerous online webinars covering topics related to the KPS and Structured Literacy in general
- This free webinar presented by Louisa Moats and hosted on YouTube provides a good overview of the KPS Standards
- The Reading Rockets nine module online self-study course provides a review of helpful content related to the exam
- A number of print publications also contain pertinent information, including:
-
- Core Teaching Reading Sourcebook (3rd edition), by B. Honig, L. Diamond, & L. Gutlohn (2018). (Model# 2235-4C)
- Expert Perspectives on Interventions for Reading by L.C. Moats, K.E. Dakin, & R.M. Joshi (2012). (SKU# 978-089214-0671)
- Fundamentals of Literacy Instruction and Assessment, Pre-K-6 by M. Hougen & S. Smartt (2020). (ISBN# 978-1-68125-375-6)
- Intensive Reading Interventions for the Elementary Grades, by J. Wanzek, S. Al Otaiba, & K. McMaster (2020). (ISBN# 978-1-46254-111-9)
- Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills by J.S. Birsh (2019). (ISBN# 978-1-68125-226-1)
- Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers (3rd edition), by L. C. Moats (2020). (ISBN# 978-1-68125-330-5)
- Structured Literacy Interventions: Teaching Students with Reading Difficulties, Grades K-6, edited by L. Spear-Swerling (2022). (ISBN# 978-1-46254-878-1)
Q: How do I find out my score on the KPEERI Exam?
A: When you have finished taking the exam you should report to the exam proctor for a copy of your KPEERI Score Report. Please maintain a copy of this report for your records as you may need it in the future. Once you complete the exam you should also receive an email from Meazure Learning providing you with information on how to access their online Score Report Portal. You may download a copy of your KPEERI Score Report from the Meazure Learning Score Report Portal for up to two years from the date of your exam. If you do not receive that email or if you experience difficulty accessing the Score Report Portal please contact Meazure Learning’s Candidate Support Department either by telephone at (919) 572-6880 or by email at candidatesupport@meazurelearning.com for further assistance. Further information regarding the scoring of the exam can be found on our website HERE.
Q: What do I do if I do not pass the KPEERI Exam?
A: If you do not pass the KPEERI exam you can submit an Exam Retake Application after a thirty (30) day waiting period to apply to take the exam again. You should use the waiting period to try to prepare for your reexamination. Certification will not be conferred until an applicant has first achieved a passing score on the exam.
Certification Renewal
Q: When do I have to renew my certification?
A: The expiration date for your current certification can be found on the certificate you are issued when initially granted or after renewing your certification. You may also check the current expiration of your certification by logging into your CERI user profile. You should apply for renewal no earlier than thirty (30) to sixty (60) days prior to your current certification’s expiration date to avoid losing any time that you may have remaining on your current certification period. Automated notification emails are sent to the email address currently on file at intervals of 60, 30, and 15 days prior to a certification holder’s current expiration date.
Q: What documentation is required for a certification renewal application?
A: In order to renew your certification you must submit a certification renewal application along with all required documentation. You have the option of renewing your certification for a period of either one or three years. Required documentation includes both a completed copy of our CEU Log as well as Certificates of Attendance (COAs) for any Continuing Education Units (CEUs) you have earned since your initial application for certification or your last submitted certification renewal application. In order to be used towards your certification renewal the COA must contain your name, the name of the training/event, the hosting organization, the date and the total number of clock hours earned in the training/event. Your CEU Log must indicate which of the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading (KPS) a particular CEU was related to. Please note that you must re-save your CEU Log after filling it out digitally for it to retain your information. Please confirm that you are not submitting a blank CEU Log. In order to renew your certification for one year you will have to provide documentation of having earned at least ten (10) contact hours of CEU credits since your last certificate was issued and to renew your certification for three years you must provide documentation of having earned thirty (30) or more contact hours. You can find further information on earning and the correct documentation of CEU credits both in this document as well as on our website HERE.
Q: How do I obtain acceptable documentation for my certification renewal application?
A: You should request a personalized Certificate of Attendance (COA) from your CEU’s hosting organization once the event/training/webinar has concluded. If your CEUs were earned through the completion of a university course you can request a transcript from your institution’s registrar’s office that lists your name, the name of the institution, the title of the course and the number of credits hours that it included. Please also submit a syllabus or course description which can be found through your institution’s course catalog or webpage. You can find further information on earning CEUs and the correct documentation of CEU credits both in this document as well as on our website HERE.
Q: What do I do if my certification has expired?
A: If your current certification has expired your user profile will not appear in the Online Provider Directory. In order to bring it current again you would submit a certification renewal application for your level of certification and include the required documentation of having earned at least ten (10) contact hours of CEU credits since your last certificate was issued. You can find additional information related to earning and documenting CEU credits on our website HERE.
Q: How do I obtain Certificates of Attendance (COAs) for completing the International Dyslexia Association’s online webinars provided through IDA TV?
A: The On Demand webinars are curated and administered by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and Certificates of Attendance (COAs) are provided at their discretion. Please note that not all of the webinars offered through IDATV are eligible for CEU credit and those that are not will not provide a certificate upon completion. CEU certificates are required in order to be eligible towards the contact hours required for CERI certification renewal. Please confirm that a specific IDA webinar is eligible for CEU credit prior to purchase. If you encounter difficulty accessing your certificates or have further questions you can contact the IDA TV Customer Support Team by telephone at (410) 296-0232 or by email at idatv@dyslexiaida.org for further assistance.
Online Provider Directory
Q: What is the CERI Online Provider Directory?
A: The CERI Provider Directory is a listing of all individuals who currently hold an up-to-date certification through the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). Please note that the CERI Provider Directory is separate from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Provider Directory, has different eligibility requirements and that inclusion in one does not automatically grant or qualify an individual for inclusion in the other. If you have questions about your listing in the IDA Provider Directory please contact their Information Department either by telephone at (410) 296-0232 or by email at info@dyslexiaida.org for further assistance.
Q: Where is the CERI Online Provider Directory?
A: The CERI Provider Directory can be accessed from the main page of the CERI website by clicking on the “Find a Structured Literacy Professional” link in the navigation bar.
Q: How do I log into my CERI User Profile?
A: You can log into your CERI User profile by clicking on the “Provider Login” button located in the navigation bar at the top of the main page of the CERI website. You may also access the log in page by clicking HERE. To log in, enter your email address and password. If you have forgotten your account password you can reset it by clicking HERE. If you no longer have access to the email account we have on file for you and cannot reset your account password please Contact Us and we can assist you in updating it.
Q: Why am I not listed in the CERI Online Provider Directory?
A: There are a few reasons why your listing may not be appearing where it is expected to in the Provider Directory…
- You have not yet applied for certification. – If you originally submitted a KPEERI Only Application and have since passed the exam, you were not automatically conferred certification after doing so. You would have to also submit an Initial Certification Application before certification can be awarded to you. You can attach a copy of your KPEERI Score Report to your certification application when doing so to avoid having to take the exam again and your profile should appear in the Provider Directory once your application is received and processed and your new certification has been issued to you.
- Your application for certification has not yet been processed. – After submitting an application for initial certification, your application must be approved and processed before your listing will appear in the Provider Directory. This will not occur until all of the required documentation has been received, including a passing score on the KPEERI exam. Once we have received all of the necessary documentation and information it may still take four to six weeks to finish processing your application. However, once you have received a digital copy of your CERI certificate your listing should appear in the directory.
- Your certification has expired. – When your CERI certification expires, your profile in the Provider Directory is automatically delisted following a thirty (30) day grace period. In order to bring your certification current and restore your listing you must submit a certification renewal application along with the required documentation. Further information on obtaining the required documentation for certification renewal can be found HERE.
- Your directory listing is appearing in the wrong place. – The location of your provider listing in the directory is determined by the entries in the “State”, “Providence/Region” and/or “Country” fields in your user profile. If no state or country is specified in your user profile your listing may be mistakenly appearing in the “International Providers” section of the directory. In order to fix this, log into your CERI user profile and update this information which is located under the “Open CERI Verification Fields” section. If this does not fix the issue, please contact us and we will look into the problem further.
- Your profile is currently configured to not appear in the directory. – You have the option to not have your listing appear in the Provider Directory even though you hold current certification through CERI. In order to set whether your listing will appear in the directory, please update the “Visible in Search Results?” option located in your CERI user profile. If your listing is not being mapped when a search is performed on your area, you may need to set the “Provider Address Display Type” setting in your CERI user profile to “Full Address” for it to appear on the map.
Q: How can I update my name, address, contact information or other data contained in my Provider Directory listing?
A: Once you have logged into your CERI User Profile you can update any of the information associated with your CERI User Account and related listing in the Online Provider Directory including uploading a personal picture and/or Resume, your biographical Information, additional certifications you may hold, whether or not you are currently accepting clients and what portion of your address is listed in the directory. To update your name, address, email, website, or telephone number, click on the “Open CERI Verification Fields” section to access the relevant fields. Making changes to the “State” and/or “Country” fields may result in the location of your Provider Listing changing and updating certain information may result in your listing being temporarily flagged as “Non-Verified” until it can be reviewed by a CERI staff member.
Q: Why is my profile in the Provider Directory not marked as “Verified”?
A: There are a few instances when your listing in the Provider Directory will not be listed as “Verified”…
- You submitted a certification renewal application. – Once you submit an application for certification renewal your provider listing is set to “Non-Verified” until your application is approved and processed. Once your application is processed and you receive your new certificate your listing status should be changed to “Verified”.
- A change was made in your user profile. – You can make changes to the information shown in your provider listing such as your contact information, biographical information, a personal photo, a copy of your resume and other information by logging into your CERI user profile. However, when changes are made your provider listing may be automatically set to “Non-Verified” until a CERI staff member can review and approve the changes. If this occurs and the issue is not automatically corrected within a few days please contact us and we will look into restoring your status.
Miscellaneous
Q: What is the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI)?
A: The Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) is an independent 501 (c) (6) organization founded as a subsidiary by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA). CERI is governed by a volunteer board of directors and seeks to further evidence-based approaches to reading and learning so that all students may acquire the highest levels of literacy and thrive. The Center fulfills its mission by offering certification to teachers and reading interventionists that affirms their knowledge and skills in teaching literacy using a structured approach to language.
Q: How do I enroll in the CERI training program / take courses?
A: The Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI) only handles certification and the administration of the Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction (KPEERI) which is required for CERI certification. As such, neither CERI nor the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) offer training or courses themselves. Training towards certification through CERI is typically obtained by first completing an accredited University Program or Independent Teacher Training Program. Accredited programs should be contacted directly regarding their individual availability, prerequisites, course offerings, requirements, time tables and costs.
Q: Where can I find resources for helping someone I know who experiences dyslexia or other reading difficulties?
A: You can find the names and contact information for individuals in your area who hold current certification with CERI in our Online Provider Directory, many of whom also provide online services as well. These individuals have demonstrated knowledge and experience assisting learners who struggle with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. Other sources of information you can reference are the International Dyslexia Association‘s (IDA) Provider Directories which list similar individuals as well as your IDA Local Branch which may be able to provide you with more specialized resources.
A: Your CERI ID number is a unique identifier that is used to differentiate you from other individuals who hold CERI certification. You may require this number when referencing your official CERI certification or submitting an application for certification renewal. You can find this number located at the bottom of your current CERI certificate. You can also find your CERI ID number next to the “CERT ID” field after logging into your CERI user profile.
Q: I keep receiving an error while I am attempting to submit an online application form. What can I do to fix this?
A: Some of the online forms require you to first log into your User Profile before you can access them. If the form is not appearing for you to fill out please attempt to log in to your user account before attempting to access it and this should resolve the issue.
The online forms submitted through the CERI website also require that certain fields be filled out or have files uploaded to them before they will allow you to submit your application. All required fields are marked with a red asterix (*) so please double check to make sure that all necessary information is filled out. Please confirm that uploaded files are in an acceptable file format and that they do not exceed the stated file size limitations.
If your application form requires a credit card payment it is important to make sure the credit card billing information matches exactly what is on file with your credit card company, particularly the “Zip / Postal Code” as well as the “Country“. This is typically the same address where you receive your credit card statement and is especially important to confirm when paying with a credit card issued outside of the United States and Canada. If you have checked these issues and continue to experience difficulty submitting your application please Contact Us and we will attempt to assist you.
Q: I cannot access links to purchase a Digital Badge from the CERI Online Store or download a Digital Badge that I had previously purchased. What should I do?
A: In order for the appropriate Digital Badge to appear as available for purchase in the CERI Online Shop, you must first be logged into your CERI User Profile. You must also be logged in to your profile before clicking the download link contained in the emailed invoice you received after purchasing your badge. If you are being redirected to the main page of the CERI website when attempting to perform either of these actions, please log into your CERI User Profile before trying again. Also note that display or use of a CERI Digital Badge by an individual who is not certified at the designated level (or who’s certification is currently expired) constitutes a violation of the CERI Ethics Statement. Purchases of multiple Digital Badges or Badges for the incorrect certification level will not be refunded, so please confirm that you have the correct Digital Badge that matches your current certification level in your CERI Online Shop cart before completing your purchase. Incorrectly chosen items can be removed from your cart by clicking on the red “X” to the left of each item.
Q: How can I resize my purchased Digital Badge for use in my emails?
A: When you purchase a Digital Badge from the CERI Online Shop you will receive an email invoice containing a download link to obtain your badge. You must first be logged into your CERI User Profile for available purchases to appear in the CERI Shop. Digital Badges are offered in a .png format and measure 4500 by 5400 pixels in size. This is to maximize the badge’s resolution and permit background transparency when included in an email signature or on a website. The specific procedure for inserting and resizing the badges into an email would depend on the particular email client being used. Instructions and/or tutorials for a particular email client can be found by performing an internet search. Please note that display or use of a CERI Digital Badge by an individual who is not certified at the designated level (or who’s certification is currently expired) constitutes a violation of the CERI Ethics Statement.
Q: How do I scan and upload documents required for online applications?
A: There are a variety of ways to scan and upload documents. If you need assistance, the best recommendation is to take your paper documents to your local public library or to a copy services center (e.g. Staples, Office Depot/Office Max, etc.) and ask that they scan the documents for you. Once they do so, they will email you a set of scanned documents so that you may first download them and save them to your computer. You can then upload them to the CERI application form. You may also photograph your documents using a digital camera, smartphone or tablet device. Please make sure that you photograph the entirety of your document, that the document is legible and that it is saved in either .jpg or .png format. While it is a standard format used by many smartphone applications, we are unfortunately unable to open or evaluate files submitted in the .heic format. There are various applications both free and paid for both Android and iOS devices that allow you to photograph your document directly to a .pdf file as well. Please note that you should scan or photograph each document that you will need to upload separately so that you can upload them individually.
Q: What do I do if I have a question that isn’t answered here?
A: You may contact us directly either using our website’s “Contact Us” form, or by email at info@effectivereading.org.