Select an ASD certification program. Many institutions provide them, but typically, they advertise and cater to a specific group of individuals. If you are not an educator, tutor, parent, psychologist, counselor or special advocate, you'll need to seek out a certification program that meets your needs. Most ASD certificate programs are offered to professionals who already have experience in one or a few of these fields. Provide documentation of your specialization before you apply to an ASD certification program to be sure it is the right one for you.
Contact the Division of Minority and Women Business Development to learn about its program for certification. It is run through the New York Empire State Business Development Agency. It offers a series of applications you must complete for an MWBD certification. A number of local and state agencies offer different certification processes that can sometimes be a bit faster than going through the New York Empire State Business Development Agency. Contact your local state agency if you choose to go this route to fast-track the process.
Seek out other associations that may help you in your profession after you become certified. An ASD certificate can be specifically helpful to those in the fields of education and child development or therapy. A MWBD certificate is helpful to those wishing to expand their business and even possibly access federal incentive programs that will improve chances for becoming nationally recognized and publicly traded. In either case ASD and MWBD certifications will lend credibility and a certain level of public recognition to those looking to advance in their fields.