Credentialing Exam Application - International Association of ESD Professionals

Apply for the ESD Professional or ESD Associate Credential Exam

Ready to supercharge your ESD Career? Apply to take one of our Credentialing Exams. This Application is for both the ESD Professional and ESD Associate Exams. Information about the exams and pricing can be found here: https://www.esdprofessionals.org/credentialing-home/

You can save and restart this form at any time by clicking "Save and Resume Later" on the very bottom of the form. Your draft will be saved only 30 days.

If you have any questions while completing this application or you have issues with the form, contact the Credentialing Program Manager Krista Hanley at credentials@esdprofessionals.org.

Tip: If something doesn't work, first scroll to the bottom of the form and click on "Save and Resume Later". Then return to the form.

Name

First

Last

Email Address

Phone Number

Please include country code

Country of Residence

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State / Province / Region

Postal Code

Country

Which Credential Exam are you applying to take?

ESD Associate - For Entry Level ESD Instructors *NEW*
ESD Professional - For Experienced ESD Instructors, Trainers, Researchers, etc.
I'm not sure. Please help me decide which I should take.

If you select "I'm not sure" please fill out this application as completely as possible and we will be in touch to discuss the options with you.

ESD Associate Exam Test Language

English
Spanish
Portuguese

I am applying for the following Exam period

PERIOD ONE (January, February, March)
PERIOD TWO (April, May, June)
PERIOD THREE (July, August, September)
PERIOD FOUR (October, November, December)
Other - Event or Seminar Exam Session

See the Credentialing Pages on our website for dates of the next exam period. https://www.esdprofessionals.org/exam/

Other Session Event Info & Dates

Example: Special training May 2025

ESD Professional Exam Format

The ESDP Credential Exam has been split into two sections to allow for flexibility in taking. This means you will be sent TWO exam links, one for each section. You can take the exam at separate times during the exam window or back to back.

Once the section has been started, it cannot be restarted. Should you exit out, close the browser, or fail to complete the Exam section in the time given, the Association cannot guarantee their responses will be saved, that they can restart the Exam, or that the Exam can be graded. If you need to take a short break, leave the browser open; there is no way to pause the test clock.

ESD Associate Exam Format

The ESDA Credential Exam can be taken at any time during the exam period, but once the exam is started, it cannot be restarted. Should you exit out, close the browser, or fail to complete the Exam in the time given, the Association cannot guarantee their responses will be saved, that they can restart the Exam, or that the Exam can be graded. If you need to take a short break, leave the browser open; there is no way to pause the test clock.

I understand the above.

Yes
I have more questions. I will be emailing credentials@esdprofessionals.org.

I need more time to take the Exam (it usually takes 3-5 hours total).

Yes, please add more time for me
No, that is enough time

The entire ESDP Exam takes approximately 3 to 5 hours to complete, with each Section taking about 1.5 to 2.5 hours. For some, the Exam may take more time. If you believe it will take you more than 10 hours total (5 hours per section), please indicate below so we can provide timing accommodations in the software.

ESD TRAINING & EDUCATION

Where and from whom did you learn to teach ESD? Describe the nature of your training.

When did you get your ESD training?

Approximately how many hours of ESD training have you completed?

Are you currently being mentored by an ESD Professional in any capacity?

Yes
No

ESD TEACHING EXPERIENCE

How long have you taught ESD?

Approximately how many hours PER YEAR do you teach?

List the languages in which you teach ESD

What is the nature of your ESD teaching?

I teach as an employee or founder of a non-profit or NGO
I teach as an employee or owner of a business with two or more employees
I am an independent instructor (I teach solo or with occasional assistants)
I teach as part of my job at a university or school
I'm just starting out
Other

Check all that apply

Do you train ESD Instructors?

I teach students only
I teach students and train instructors
I only train instructors

Please only indicate personalized group or one-on-one instructor training, not pre-recorded virtual and online courses.

How many Instructors have you trained?

Please do not count pre-recorded virtual courses but rather individuals you have worked with personally.

What organization(s) do you provide training through and what is the nature of the instructor training?

Please do not count pre-recorded virtual courses but rather individuals you have worked with personally.

Have you ever mentored other ESD Instructors?

Yes
No

How many Instructors have you mentored?

What organization do you provide mentorship through and what is the nature of the mentorship?

OTHER EDUCATION

Do you have martial arts, krav maga, or other forms of self-defense teaching experience? Please describe.

Do you have any mental health, wellness, or physical fitness education or experience? Please describe.

Examples: Degree in social work or psychology, yoga teacher training, personal trainer work, etc.

Please describe any other relevant education, experiences, teaching, and trainings.

Examples: University or primary school teaching, first aid certification, performance or public speaking experience, etc.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Background Check for United States Applicants

If you do not have a recent background check dated no more than 2 years ago, please conduct a background check on yourself. (This way we do not have to collect your social security number). Go to this website: BackgroundReport.com and choose the "Check Yourself" option. Select "Basic". (As of this writing it is $21.95.)

Direct link: https://www.backgroundreport.com/self

We are asking for this because a background check is a requirement in order to partner with certain organizations and to get insurance pricing breaks. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact us at credentials@esdprofessionals.org.

Please email us the background check as soon as it is done if you don't yet have one to attach to this application. Email to: credentials@esdprofessionals.org

Background Check Document

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Please upload your background check, dated no more than 2 years ago.

Are ESD of

Curriculum Vitae

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Please upload your CV or resume. It may include your work experience, education, achievements, and skills. This will not be public. Files should be under 10 MB.

ESD Biography (public)

Please include a biography written in third person that we can share publicly. Please keep the biography under 250 words. Your biography could include your name, occupation, achievements, ESD training, and country. By filling out this field, you are agreeing to the public use of your biography for Association announcements.

Headshot (public)

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Please upload a headshot we can share publicly. Please ensure the photograph is a front-facing view and includes your face. By uploading a headshot, you are agreeing to the public use of your headshot for Association announcements. Photos should be under 10 MB.

Action Shot - Optional (public)

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

Please upload a photograph of you in action - doing or teaching ESD - that we can share publicly. Please ensure the photograph only includes your face, and if there are other people their faces are not visible. By uploading a photo, you are agreeing to the public use of it for Association announcements. Photos should be under 10 MB.

Permissions

I attached images and give the Association permission to post announcements about my achievements
I do not want my image used in announcements, but the Association CAN use my name
I do not want my images OR name used in announcements

MEMBERSHIP

Are you a member of the Association of ESD Professionals?

I am a current Individual Member
My organization is a member
I am not a member
I don't know if I'm a member or not

Association Members get 20% off the Credential Exam fees, for any pricing tier.

Do you want to become a Member of the Association?

I'd like to sign up to be an Individual Member
I'd like to sign up to be an Organization Member
I am not interested in being a member and saving 20% of the exam fee

Membership ID

Please enter your Membership ID number for verification.

EXAM COST & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Sliding Scale & Self-Selection Statement

We offer this exam on a tiered system or sliding scale to increase access while sustaining the long-term strength of our professional community.

In the spirit of Empowerment Self Defense, we trust participants to self-select the tier that aligns with their current financial reality. You are the expert on your own circumstances.

We invite you to:
- Choose the tier that reflects your actual ability to pay.
- Consider your access to financial stability, savings, and other resources.
- Contribute at a higher tier if you are able, knowing that doing so increases access for others in our field.
- There is no application, verification, or justification required for the pricing tiers. We operate from the belief that integrity and self-awareness are core leadership skills.

Selecting your rate is an act of both personal agency and community responsibility.

The IAESDP is happy to provide Financial Assistance to cover the cost of your Exams if you cannot pay a minimum of $60 USD for the ESDP Exam and $35 USD for the ESDA Exam. See the FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE section below for more information.

ESDP Non-Member Exam Pricing Tiers (Sliding Scale)

The Association offers international tiered and sliding scale pricing for those who cannot pay the full Tier 1 amount. Select the tier that best aligns with you ability to pay. Members of the Association receive an 20% discount on Credentialing Exam pricing as listed above.

ESDA Non-Member Exam Pricing Tiers (Sliding Scale)

The Association offers international tiered and sliding scale pricing for those who cannot pay the full Tier 1 amount. Select the tier that best aligns with you ability to pay. Members of the Association receive an 20% discount on Credentialing Exam pricing as listed above.

Exam Pricing Tiers

The Association offers international tiered pricing and discounted pricing for those requiring financial assistance. Members of the Association receive an 20% discount on Credentialing Exam pricing as listed above.

Do you want to be considered for a full or partial scholarship?

Yes, I want to be considered for a scholarship
No, I can afford to pay for the exam in full

If you cannot pay the Tier 6 amount, please fill out the Financial Assistance portion of the application below.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

The IAESDP is happy to provide Financial Assistance to Exam Candidates to cover part or all of the cost of your Exam if you cannot pay a minimum of $60 USD for the ESDP Exam and $35 USD for the ESDA Exam. We provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships and sponsorships.

All applications received are weighed equitably and inclusively, applying Empowerment Self Defense principles to the best of our ability. If you have any questions about the process, please contact us at info@esdprofessionals.org.

Please complete the following section to the best of your ability. The Proof of Income/Expenses uploads can be as simple as a letter, on letterhead, explaining your financial need. Please use US Dollars in your responses.

Amount I Could Pay for the Exam (USD)

If you can pay a portion or percentage of the Tier 6 exam fee, please let us know here.

These are the reasons I request financial assistance:

Please upload proof of financial need

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

This upload can be proof of income via tax documents or paystubs; or it can be as simple as a letter, on letterhead, explaining your financial need.

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

Do you have access to a desktop computer with a video camera to take the exam?

Yes
I have a computer but it doesn't have a camera
No, I do not have access to a desktop computer

If you answered NO above, tell us what device you have access to

We can offer the exam on cell phones and tablets, but it will require downloading a special app. Otherwise we are happy to help find an adequate testing location with a usable computer and internet access, if possible, in your area, or provide another way for you to take the exam.

I would like to request any kind of accommodation for taking the exam

Yes
No

Examples: Issues related to vision, test anxiety, unstable or unavailable internet access, no access to a computer in a private setting, language access, etc.

What accommodations or accessibility needs will help you have the best experience?

ESD PROFESSIONAL EXAM RECOMMENDATIONS

PLEASE REACH OUT TO TWO (2) INDIVIDUALS TO PROVIDE REFERENCES

Send the following link to your references so they can submit directly to the Association. You can assure them the form is short and quick, and will take less time than writing a recommendation letter.

LINK TO RECOMMENDATION FORM

(It will open in a new window)

Note that we are seeking recommendations from individuals who can provide you a character reference. Therefore, you are not limited to the ESD world for references. Individuals who could provide character references include: ESD colleagues, mentors, trainers, co-instructors, or students; AND colleagues, supervisors, clients, mentors, or mentees in any other field. Please just ensure they are over 18 and not someone you have a direct familial or romantic relationship with (such as a spouse or long-term partner, parent, sibling, or child).

You cannot be confirmed to take the exam without both your recommendations, so please encourage them to fill out the form ASAP.

Names of My References

Please provide us with the names of the individuals who will be sending recommendations, if you already know. If you don't yet know both names of who you will be asking, that's fine, fill out one name or none.

AGREEMENTS

CODE OF ETHICS
READ THE ASSOCIATION CODE OF ETHICS HERE

(It will open in a new window)

Ethics Code Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Association Code of Ethics and agree to abide by it and all its terms and provisions.

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
READ THE ASSOCIATION EXAM CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY HERE

(It will open in a new window)

It is critical to the integrity of the exam and the Association Credential Program that the exam and all its contents remain confidential. Therefore, the Association has created a policy whereby all exam candidates sign a statement declaring that they have read and understood the Exam Confidentiality Policy and that they agree to abide by it.

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the Association Exam Confidentiality Policy and agree to abide by it and all of its terms and provisions. I further agree not to participate in any conduct identified as cheating before, during, or after exam administration and acknowledge that penalties for violating the Exam Confidentiality Policy may result in review by an Association Review Panel.

Signature

Clear Signature

GDPR Agreement

I consent to having this website store my submitted information so they can respond to my inquiry.

I declare that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and that the documents submitted in support of this application are genuine. I understand that any dishonesty will be grounds for considering denial of this application.

Signature

Clear Signature

Newsletter Sign Up

I agree to receive newsletters and updates from the Association of ESD Professionals
I do not want to receive newsletters and updates from the Association of ESD Professionals

How did you hear about the credentialing program?

If Other was selected, please describe

ESD TRAINING & EDUCATION

ESD TEACHING EXPERIENCE

OTHER EDUCATION

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

MEMBERSHIP

EXAM COST & FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

AGREEMENTS

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