The program is composed of inservice components, each involving 60 hours of instruction. The inservice components are roughly equivalent to a three-credit college course.
Classes meet on a regular schedule during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
Eleven components are required for certification in the areas of mentally handicapped, specific learning disabilities, and emotionally handicapped. Twelve components are required for certification in varying exceptionalities. Hence, completion of the course work takes about three years for participants who do not transfer previously earned college credit to the program. Using experience in lieu of coursework in the add-on program is not permitted. Homework includes application of selected techniques to one's own teaching site, as well as assigned readings from required textbooks and current professional literature.