Certification - Specialist

Training for Pupil Transportation Specialist was developed for individuals who perform as a paraprofessional in the pupil transportation industry. A Specialist must demonstrate the ability to carry out responsibilities at the middle management level.

A Transportation Specialist candidate must complete the required core classes and concentration specific classes in order to become a Certified Specialist. Each concentration is approximately 20 hours of training. The following courses have been identified as the required course work for the Transportation Specialist. In addition to the core courses, professional skill enhancement electives have been identified to accompany the training program for the Specialist.

Specialist Certification Requirements

  • Completion of the core classes listed below
  • Completion of the classes for your selected concentration
  • Submit an application with 4 professional references
  • Pass a Written Exam with a score of at least 80% ($50 application/exam fee required)
  • Continuous annual membership in NAPT

Specialist Core Classes

Each Specialist Certification MUST take the following courses: 
  • 101 - Student Transportation Orientation (available online)
  • 701 - Intro to Leadership & Management (available online) or 702 - Personal Skills for Managers (available online) or 703 - Personal Skills-Time Management (available online)
There are four different concentrations in the Specialist category. They are:

Routing

Dispatch

Safety & Training

Vehicle Maintenance

  • 601 - School Bus Routing & Scheduling I (available online)
  • 602 - School Bus Routing & Scheduling II (available online)
Recommended additional coursework:
  • 202 - Presentation Skills (available online)
  • 607 - Legal & Regulatory Fundamentals in Public School Transportation*
  • 405 - Student Needs & Management (available online)
  • 601 - School Bus Routing & Scheduling (available online)
Recommended additional coursework:
  • 202 - Presentation Skills (available online)
  • 607 - Legal & Regulatory Fundamentals in Public School Transportation*
  • 202 - Presentation Skills (available online) or 203 Communication Skills for Transportation Professionals (available online)
  • 405 - Student Needs & Management (available online) or 608 Developing a Safety Program*
Recommended additional coursework:
  • 607 - Legal & Regulatory Fundamentals in Public School Transportation*
  • 202 - Presentation Skills (available online) or 203 Communication Skills for Transportation Professionals (available online)
  • 501 - Shop Maintenance (available online)
  • 502 - Advanced Shop Maintenance (available online) (501 is a pre-requisite)
Recommended additional coursework:
  • 202 - Presentation Skills (available online)
  • 607 - Legal & Regulatory Fundamentals in Public School Transportation*
 
* Course Only Available In Person

VIEW THE PDS COURSE CATALOG