IDA Accredited Course FAQ

IDA Accredited Course FAQ

What is IDA and why take an IDA accredited course?

• IDA stands for the International Dyslexia Association, which is a worldwide nonprofit organization that provides resources and advocacy for supporting individuals with dyslexia. Courses that receive IDA accreditation have participated in a rigorous review process that ensures the coursework is aligned with current best practices related to reading instruction. More specifically, the content teaches participants to design instruction following a structured literacy approach. 
• For more information about IDA accreditation, see this IDA accreditation FAQ page.

What is KPS?

KPS stands for the Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading. These standards were developed by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) in order to provide guidance on what skills and knowledge teachers need to effectively teach students to read.

What is the KPEERI exam?

• The Knowledge and Practice Examination for Effective Reading Instruction, or KPEERI, is a test that assesses knowledge of structured literacy. In other words, it tests participants’ understanding of best practices for teaching reading. This exam can be taken either online or in-person and consists of all multiple choice questions. While the KPEERI exam is not included in this course, the course content helps prepare participants to take and pass this exam. For detailed information about the KPEERI, including how to apply and how to prepare for the exam, refer to this FAQ page.
• By passing the KPEERI exam, you are eligible for a Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate through IDA. In addition, you are eligible to apply for Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher certification through CERI. See below for more information.

What is a Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) Certificate?

• The Structured Literacy Educator (SLE) certificate is earned through IDA after passing the KPEERI exam. Note that you do not automatically receive this certificate after completing our course, only if you choose to take and then subsequently pass the KPEERI exam.
• Once you pass the exam, IDA will automatically enroll you in a complimentary, free 6-month IDA membership, through which you will be able to download a copy of your certificate and gain access to some IDA resources. IDA will email you with further instructions on how to set up and access your account.

What is CERI?

CERI stands for the Center for Effective Reading Instruction and provides professional certifications to teachers. For more information about CERI certifications, see this FAQ page. CERI also has resources for preparing for the KPEERI exam.

What level of CERI certification am I prepared to apply for after taking this course?

Successful completion of this course would prepare you to take the KPEERI exam. Once you have taken and passed this exam, you can apply for the first level of CERI certification: Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher certification. Information about all levels of CERI certification is available here. Note that you do not automatically receive CERI certification upon completion of this course and that you will need to apply and pay separately through the CERI certification process.

How do I apply for CERI certification?

For information about applying for CERI certification, visit this FAQ page.