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The CHART credential pathway

Four stacked credentials. 39 modules. 163 structured hours over 24 months — designed so a brand-new DSP can become an Arkansas CNA plus AcuityCare Health Support Specialist without ever leaving the agency.

Level 1 · Days 1–10

AR-CDSP I — the compliance foundation

Before any unsupervised consumer contact, every new DSP completes the AR-CDSP I sequence. Fourteen modules cover the regulatory floor of CES Waiver work — HIPAA, mandated reporting, consumer rights, IDD foundations, the Fatal Five, infection control, restrictive intervention, medication scope, and CPR/First Aid certification.

  • 14 modules · 21.0 total hours.
  • Modality — LMS (M1.1–M1.7) plus in-person clinical (M1.8–M1.14).
  • Mastery — 80% minimum quiz plus skills sign-off.
  • Standard — CES §303(a)(1)–(8), §303(b)(A)–(G), §303(d).
See L1 modules → Try a sample lesson
In-person CPR training with the RN instructor
Level 2 · Month 12

AR-CDSP II — person-centered practice

After a year on the job, DSPs deepen their craft. Level 2 introduces the Person-Centered Service Plan in practice, Electronic Visit Verification, supportive living domains, behavioral support planning, and the first CPR renewal.

  • 7 modules · 11.5 total hours.
  • Modality — blended LMS plus supervised practice.
  • Focus — PCSP implementation, EVV, BPIP intro, community integration.
  • Outcome — DSP eligible to support BPIP execution and PCSP-led activities.
See L2 modules →
DSP supporting a young adult with Down syndrome
Level 3 · Month 18

AR-CDSP III — mentorship & advanced behavioral support

Level 3 DSPs lead. They mentor new hires, contribute to BPIP development with the QDDP, coordinate care transitions, and begin preparing for the CNA pathway. This is the bridge from frontline practitioner to clinical-track professional.

  • 6 modules · 10.5 total hours.
  • Modality — blended plus on-the-job mentorship.
  • Focus — advanced BPIP, quality self-audit, CNA prep.
  • Outcome — eligible for AR-CNHS application.
See L3 modules →
DSP studying on a laptop at home
Level 4 · Month 24+

AR-CNHS — Certified Nurse Aide & Health Support Specialist

The CHART ceiling. Part A covers the state-approved CNA pathway. Parts B–D layer in AcuityCare's proprietary Health Support Specialist curriculum — clinical integration, seizure response, nurse delegation, supervised HSS fieldwork — for DSPs who plan to make IDD care a career.

  • 12 modules · 120 total hours.
  • Modality — in-person clinical instruction plus 40 hours supervised fieldwork.
  • Credential — Arkansas CNA plus AcuityCare Health Support Specialist.
  • Standard — AR Nurse Practice Act, AR State CNA requirements.
See L4 modules →
DSP holding a completed credential card
39
total CHART modules across all four levels
163hrs
of structured learning over 24 months
3
credentialed instructor roles: LMSW, QDDP, RN
2
stacked state credentials by Month 24+
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Walk through CHART, module by module.

The full curriculum is published — read every module's objectives, assessment standards, and instructor of record.

Open the full curriculum Talk to enrollment
Acuity Academy RN instructor