FAQ's

What is CDCS?
The Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS) service is available through the Medicaid waiver programs. People who use CDCS receive a budget amount in place of other waiver or state program services. Staying within the budget amount, a person chooses what they will purchase and how much it will cost.

Why take the CDCS certification?
The purpose of this training is to provide awareness, knowledge and understanding of Consumer Directed Community Supports; and the roles, responsibilities and skills needed to be an effective support planner.

Why enroll in the CDCS program?
A person using CDCS can choose their own support planner from among those who have a certificate from the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The participant can decide how much service they will need. Support planner costs are included in an individual’s Community Support Plan and are paid with funds from the participant's budget.

What is a Support Planner?
Support planner (FCM) assist the participant and their families who use CDCS. They may provide support in a variety of aspects of Community Support Plan development and implementation. Support planner provide supports which are over and above what is required for the county to provide to individuals.

What happens if I fail to pass the test after 3 tries?
If you are unsuccessful at passing the test after three attempts, you can contact us by e-mail and ask to have your attempts, at taking the certification, reset. Our staff will contact you, via an e-mail message, when the three additional attempts has been reset.
***Only 3 attempts are allowed over a one month time period.***

How many times can I take the test?
You will have three attempts to pass the test.

Note: If you exit before finishing the test, the exit will count as one attempt.

What happens when I pass the test?
Opon successful completion of the test you will receive a certificate which allows you to be paid for providing support planner services. The CDCS Support Planner certificate is e-mailed to you when you as soon as you successful complete the certification test.

What happens if I lose my Certificate?
If you lose your CDCS Support Planner certificate, you can e-mail us asking for another copy.

OR;

You can also visit the DSD Student Center and follow the directs below:

• Sign on using your unique key number
• Select "View Your Transcript"
• "SELECT" the CDCS Support Planner course
• Print the web page which show that you have "Mastered" the course

The transcript must include the following information:

• Your status must = Mastered
• Course Code DS651
• Course Description
• Delivery Method = Web Based Training
• Date of certification

CDCS or Support Planner Policy:
If you have questions about the Support Planner program, or if you lose your certificate of successful completion for this course, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services by e-mail and a response to your request will be e-mailed back to you.