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Provider Training & Certification Resources
Training & Certification Information for Providers
Training requirements may vary between providers based on the type of services that they provide. At a minimum all providers must adhere to the following minimum training and certification requirements. All of these training and documentation requirements are explained below including information on how to schedule classes, when certain certificates/trainings are required, how to fill out documents, document download links, instructions and more.
Absolute HCBS pays for all trainings and training time. You can submit a Training Timecard to your Area Manager. Training time does count toward the 40 hour per week limit, and cannot be combined with approved overtime. Absolute HCBS is happy to provide you with a copy of your certificates at no-cost after 90 days of employment (or continued employment). You can also purchase your certificate if you would like to obtain a copy prior to the 90 days. To request a copy of the course certificate, please email expirations@absolutehcbs.com.
Annual Trainings & Certifications
Handbook & PCSP Competency Review
Criminal History Affidavit (CHA)
Central Registry Background Check
2 Year Trainings & Certifications
CPR & First Aid Certifications
3 Year Trainings & Certifications
Other Onboarding Requirements
AZ Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
Notice 2014-7 Form (Parent Providers)
Pre-Service Provider Orientation (PSPO)
Transportation Documents
Auto Insurance & Auto Registration
39 Month Uncertified Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR)
Other Important Trainings
DCW I: Fundamentals Provider & DCW II: Developmental Disabilities
Annual Trainings & Certifications
Handbook & PCSP Competency Review
All Direct Support Professionals are required to complete the Absolute HCBS Handbook Review and multiple-choice quiz. This review is designed to assess your understanding of the policies, procedures, and expectations outlined in the Absolute HCBS Handbook. The questions focus specifically on:
● General Guidelines & Principles of Care
● Important Billing Guidelines
● Essential standards for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and guardians
By completing this quiz, you will reinforce your knowledge of best practices in service delivery, documentation, compliance, and ethical care. Please read each question carefully and select the best answer from the options provided.
Criminal History Affidavit (CHA)
The Criminal History Affidavit is a mandatory document required by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). It is used to determine eligibility to work with vulnerable populations, including children and adults with developmental disabilities. All employees must complete this form during onboarding and before being assigned to any client. All providers must complete this form annually. It must be notarized.
How do I fill out the CHA?
Every box must be individually checked (✓).
If the document is submitted with a line going from the top to the bottom through the checkboxes – it will be rejected and considered invalid.
If any corrections are needed on the CHA, please single line cross out and initial the error. Otherwise, it will not be accepted.
How do I get my CHA notarized?
Any traditional notary service is acceptable (banks, mobile notaries etc.) Please note that these notaries may charge a fee, which is the responsibility of the provider.
Most of our Area Managers are able to notarize CHA’s for FREE, with an appointment. Please reach out to your Area Manager to make a notary appointment. Don’t forget to bring a photo ID to the appointment.
Central Registry Background Check
The Central Registry Background Check is required by the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) for anyone working with vulnerable populations, including children and adults with developmental disabilities. All Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) must complete this process before they are eligible to provide services. All employees must complete a profile and submit a background check through the Arizona Centralized Background Check Web Portal.
Abuse and Neglect Training
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you are required to complete Abuse and Neglect Training to ensure the safety and well-being of the individuals we serve. This training is mandatory and must be completed before providing services and every year thereafter.
Important Reminders
● This training must be renewed annually.
● Failure to complete this training on time will result in a suspension of services.
● If you suspect abuse or neglect at any time, you are required by law to report it immediately.
CEU's for ATC Providers
Continuing Education Units (CEU's)
Providers who provide ATC services are required to complete six (6) hours of CEU’s per year, based on their expiration date. These CEU’s are similar to those that social workers, teachers, or healthcare providers take in order to maintain their state certifications. These CEU’s maintain a provider’s DCW certification. Some classes, like Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention or Prevention & Support, may count towards this requirement as well. CPR and First Aid do not count towards CEU’s.
How do I sign up for CEU's?
If you would like to sign up for CEU classes, please visit APT (Arizona Provider Training) to view the list of available classes by topic and date. Once you have determined which classes and when you would like to take them, please email expirations@absolutehcbs.com to sign up.
Please note, you cannot repeat CEU classes. Once a class is completed, you will need to take a different class in order to meet this requirement.
If I already have current CEU's, how do I submit them?
Sometimes, free CEU’s are available through our community partners, so please stay up to date with us on social media or in our monthly newsletters to learn more about those opportunities. If you are earning CEU’s in areas related to caregiving, healthcare, education, disabilities, or another related field etc. at school or in another position, you can submit those certificates by emailing expirations@absolutehcbs.com.
2 Year Trainings & Certifications
CPR & First Aid Certifications
CPR Certification and First Aid Certification are critical trainings for providers. CPR Certification (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when a person’s heart stops beating. First Aid Certification is an overview of how someone properly administers care for superficial wounds, accidents or illnesses until full medical services are available to take over the person’s care. First Aid Certification also covers safety processes and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
Please note that we cannot accept CPR Certification/First Aid Certification certificates for classes done online without an accompanying skills test. The skills test is scheduled after the online classes are complete.
Need to schedule this course?
CPR Certification and First Aid Certification can be taken online (with an in-person skills test) or fully in-person at locations across the state. To sign up for this class, please use the button below to find a class location, date and time that is convenient for you. Once you have chosen your date and time, please follow the directions below based on your current employment status.
New Employees (Onboarding Requirement) - If you are completing this training as part of your onboarding process: Email your preferred course location, date, and time to HR@absolutehcbs.com to register for the course.
Current Employees (Annual Renewal Requirement) - If you are completing this training as part of your annual renewal: Email your preferred course location, date, and time to Expirations@absolutehcbs.com to register for the course.
3 Year Trainings & Certifications
Article 9
All Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) providing services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) are required to complete Article 9 Training, which includes critical information on prohibited practices when supporting members with developmental disabilities. Understanding and following these prohibitions is essential to maintaining compliance, protecting member rights, and ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals served.
What is Article 9?
Article 9 is a section of the Arizona Administrative Code that governs the use of positive behavior support
strategies and outlines what cannot be used when working with DDD members. These rules apply to all staff
providing direct care.
Need to schedule this course?
Article 9 can either be taken in person, or live over Zoom. To sign up for this class, please see the instructions on how to complete Aritcle 9. You can also view the in-person and online class times below.
If you are having issues using the form, please visit APT (Arizona Provider Training) to view course locations, dates, and times.
Once you have chosen your date and time, please follow the directions below based on your current employment status.
New Employees(Onboarding Requirement) - If you are completing this training as part of your onboarding process: Email your preferred course location, date, and time to HR@absolutehcbs.com to register for the course.
Current Employees(Annual Renewal Requirement) - If you are completing this training as part of your annual renewal: Email your preferred course location, date, and time to Expirations@absolutehcbs.com to register for the course
Other Onboarding Requirements
AHCCCS Contingency Plan Form
The AHCCCS Contingency Plan is a required document for all members receiving services through Arizona’s Medicaid system (AHCCCS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). It ensures that there is a plan in place for the continued care of a member if the scheduled Direct Support Professional (DSP) is unable to provide services as planned. This form is required for compliance and must be completed accurately and reviewed annually.
Who Needs to Complete This Form?
● All members receiving services through DDD.
● Must be completed once per year, and updated any time the backup care plan changes.
AZ Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card
All providers are required to obtain and maintain an Arizona Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card. It is easy to apply for a Fingerprint Clearance Card online at the Arizona Department of Public Safety website.
Read through our detailed step-by-step instructions to assist in this process.
Once you get your prints completed digitally, please email a confirmation with your application number to hr@absolutehcbs.com.
Once you receive your Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card, please email a copy of the front & back of the card to hr@absolutehcbs.com.
Providers who are renewing their cards are encouraged to apply for their new cards 10-14 days prior to the card’s expiration date. In order to remain compliant with the state as a provider, you MUST have a current Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card on file. If you already have a clearance, you do not need to reapply until it’s time to renew.
For newly obtained or renewed Level 1 Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Cards, Absolute HCBS is offering a $75 reimbursement for all newly hired or current providers. Reimbursements must be requested using the form link below, and are paid out after 60 days of continued employment to the provider. You must include a copy of the receipt/invoice with your reimbursement request or it will not be approved. Questions? Email payroll@absolutehcbs.com.
Notice 2014-7 Form (Parent Providers)
Notice 2014-7 is related to IRS guidance on the taxability of wages paid to certain caregivers. This form acknowledges your understanding that, under specific circumstances, some wages may be exempt from federal income tax withholding.
Who Needs to Complete This Form?
This form only applies to parent or family member caregivers who provide services under a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) program. You are a parent, sibling, or other family member being paid to provide care for a relative under Arizona’s HCBS program (such as through DDD). You are a caregiver working and living in the same home where the member resides.
Not Eligible If:
● You are a provider not related to the client you serve.
● You provide care outside of the client’s home.
● You do not live with the member receiving services.
Pre-Service Provider Orientation (PSPO)
The Pre‐Service Provider Orientation form must be completed by the provider together with the individual receiving services (or their responsible party) before services begin. A copy goes to the member’s file and another copy is submitted to the individual’s Support Coordinator to be added to their permanent DDD file.
PSPO Forms for Providers & Guardians
PSPO Acknowledgement Forms for Providers ONLY
Transportation Documents
Vehicle Inspection Form
By signing a Transportation Agreement Form on SpokeChoice you and the client’s guardian will enter into an agreement to either accept or decline transportation services for a member. Providers must have a signed Transportation Agreement Form for each member they work with and provide transportation services for. Please note that if you are a provider and you do not provide transportation services, you do not need to complete this step.
Transportation Agreements are member-specific. Providers that are transporting members must have current documentation on file. This includes:
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Current Driver’s License (front and back)
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Auto Registration
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Auto Insurance
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39 Month Uncertified Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR)
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Signed Transportation Agreement Form (per member)
** If at any time either the guardian or the above-mentioned employee is notified of missing or expired documentation, effective immediately, and transportation to members may not be provided under any circumstances. Transportation services will not resume until all documentation has been provided by the above-mentioned employee and a transportation release has been sent to both parties via email. The provider can still bill for services provided as a non-driver in the interim.**
The Transportation Agreement Form is only updated if the Member or Provider’s transportation status changes. The following situations require a change in the Transportation Agreement Form:
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A new provider is assigned to a client that consents to transport.
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A current approved driver employee changes or acquires a new vehicle.
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A current non-approved driver employee has now consented to provider transportation.
This form can be submitted on SpokeChoice or requested as PDF, as outlined below for both Employees and Parents/Guardians/Parent Providers.
Auto Insurance & Auto Registration
Providers are required to keep their auto insurance and registration up to date for any vehicle being used to transport a member. Submit copies of your Auto Insurance & Auto Registration to expirations@absolutehcbs.com.
When transporting a member, please keep the following safety measures in mind:
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Always wear a seatbelt or use appropriate child restraints (carseats).
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If you need help properly installing a member’s car seat, you can ask the parent/guardian for help; or make an appointment with a local CPST/firehouse.
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Never leave a member alone in a car.
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Ensure the vehicle has working air conditioning and that water is available to the member on trips.
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Fill up your gas tank prior to picking up the member if possible.
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Drive safely, be aware of your surroundings and follow all traffic laws.
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NEVER text and drive.
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Arizona is a hands-free state, put the phone down.
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Refrain from playing obscene, vulgar, explicit or inappropriate music with the member.
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Inclimate weather poses a variety of safety concerns. When your visibility is reduced in a dust storm, pull over and turn off the car & lights.
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Always keep your vehicle in good, working condition, according to the safety standards in the Transportation Permission Form.
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Immediately let your Area Manager know of any traffic stops/encounters that happen when the member is in the vehicle with you.
39 Month Uncertified
Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR)
All providers are required to annually submit a copy of their 39 Month Uncertified Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR) from the AZMVD website.
How do I obtain a copy of my 39 Month Uncertified Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR)?
Visit the AZMVD Now website and follow our instructions.
Where do I submit the 39 Month Uncertified Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR)?
Email a copy of your Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR) to expirations@absolutehcbs.com.
When obtaining your Motor Vehicle Driving Record (MVR), please be careful to enter your information in correctly. If the information is not entered correctly, it will result in a “NO RECORD FOUND” report. We will not accept a “NO RECORD FOUND” report.
Other Important Trainings
DCW I: Fundamentals Provider &
DCW II: Developmental Disabilities
All Direct Care Workers (DCWs) providing Attendant Care (ATC) services are required to complete DCW Level 1 Fundamentals and, if applicable, DCW Developmental Disabilities Level 2 training within 90 days of beginning services. This training is mandatory and must be successfully completed before delivering any Attendant Care services.
All Direct Support Professionals who have previously completed Direct Care Worker (DCW) training or certification are required to complete the Agreement to Search the DCW Database. This form gives Absolute HCBS permission to verify your certification status directly through the Arizona state registry.
Who Needs to Complete This Form?
● Required: If you have previously completed DCW certification through another agency or training provider and want to transfer that certification.
● Not Required: If you are completing DCW training through Absolute HCBS as a new hire. In this case, we will keep your certification on file internally and do not need to search the database.
Prevention and Support
As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you are required to complete Prevention and Support Training when working with DDD clients who have a Behavior Treatment Plan. If you provide support to a DDD-funded individual without a behavior treatment plan or with no risk of challenging behaviors, this training is not mandatory.
Need to schedule this course?
Classes are available only in-person across the state. Once you have chosen your date and time, please follow the directions below based on your current employment status.
New Employees(Onboarding Requirement) - If you are completing this training as part of your onboarding process: Email your preferred course location, date, and time to HR@absolutehcbs.com to register for the course.
Current Employees(Annual Renewal Requirement) - If you are completing this training as part of your annual renewal: Email your preferred course location, date, and time to Expirations@absolutehcbs.com to register for the course.
Expirations & Suspensions
It is the provider’s responsibility to schedule upcoming trainings or submit any documentation prior to their expiration date. Providers who fail to complete their trainings or submit documents on or before their expiration dates will be suspended. Suspended providers are unable to work and will have their SpokeChoice access temporarily removed until they complete the necessary trainings and/or submit their documentation. Providers on suspension for more than 30 days risk losing their benefits.
If you have a question about a suspension or need your suspension lifted, please email expirations@absolutehcbs.com.
Note that expirations can only be lifted Monday – Friday, 9am -5pm.