DSP Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the DSP exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 DSP Exam Format at a Glance

100

Questions

90 min

Time Limit

70%

Passing Score

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📚 DSP Topics to Study (53)

Accredited Direct Support Professional Courses · 9 cards Certified Direct Support Professional Training · 9 cards Programs · 9 cards Requirements · 9 cards Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention · 7 cards Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention · 7 cards Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Prevention · 7 cards Accredited Direct Support Professional Courses · 7 cards Accredited Direct Support Professional Courses · 7 cards Accredited Direct Support Professional Courses · 7 cards Accredited Direct Support Professional Courses · 7 cards Certified Direct Support Professional Training · 7 cards Certified Direct Support Professional Training · 7 cards Crisis Prevention and Intervention · 7 cards Crisis Prevention and Intervention · 7 cards Crisis Prevention and Intervention · 7 cards Effective Communication and Documentation · 7 cards Effective Communication and Documentation · 7 cards Effective Communication and Documentation · 7 cards Health and Wellness Support · 7 cards Health and Wellness Support · 7 cards Health and Wellness Support · 7 cards Individual Rights and Advocacy · 7 cards Individual Rights and Advocacy · 7 cards Person-Centered Planning and Support · 7 cards Person-Centered Planning and Support · 7 cards Person-Centered Planning and Support · 7 cards Positive Behavioral Supports · 7 cards Positive Behavioral Supports · 7 cards Professionalism and Ethics · 7 cards

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✍️ Sample DSP Questions & Answers

1. 'Fading supports' in a person-centered plan means:

✓ Reducing the intensity of assistance as the person builds independence and skills

Fading supports is a planned, gradual reduction in assistance as the individual demonstrates growing capacity and independence in a given area.

2. Which of the following is an example of financial exploitation of a person receiving services?

✓ Borrowing money from a person you support without repayment

Borrowing money from individuals you support is a form of financial exploitation and a serious ethical and legal violation regardless of intent.

3. Which of the following is a key characteristic that distinguishes HCBS settings from institutional settings under CMS's 2014 HCBS Settings Rule?

✓ HCBS settings must be integrated in and support access to the broader community

The 2014 CMS HCBS Settings Rule requires that waiver settings be integrated in the community and provide access to community life, not isolated or institutional in character.

4. Which of the following is an example of a environmental hazard a DSP should identify and correct in a group home?

✓ Loose rugs on hard floors that could cause falls

Loose rugs are a fall hazard and should be secured or removed to maintain a safe living environment for supported individuals.

5. The 'integration mandate' under the ADA requires that:

✓ Services be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual's needs

The ADA's integration mandate, reinforced by the Olmstead decision, requires that individuals with disabilities receive services in community settings rather than unnecessary institutionalization.

6. After successfully de-escalating a crisis, a DSP should offer the person an opportunity to:

✓ Process what happened in a calm, supportive conversation when they are ready

Once calm, a supportive conversation helps the person understand their experience and strengthens the plan to prevent future crises.

🎯 Free DSP Practice Tests

Certified Direct Support Professional Training · 9 questions Accredited Direct Support Professional Courses · 9 questions Programs · 9 questions Requirements · 9 questions Person-Centered Planning and Support · 7 questions Professionalism and Ethics · 7 questions Accredited Direct Support Professional Courses · 7 questions Effective Communication and Documentation · 7 questions Requirements · 7 questions Professionalism and Ethics · 7 questions

📖 DSP Guides & Articles

Your DSP Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 DSP Flashcards (365)🏆 DSP Exam Simulation

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How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

nadsp.org — Score validity, test delivery, eligibility · verified Oct 2026