ATD/APD Explained

Accredited Teacher Dyscalculia (ATD) or Accredited Practitioner Dyscalculia (APD) are accreditations for those who have successfully completed a BDA accredited course for teaching learners with specific learning difficulties/dyscalculia. If you hold QTS, you would apply for ATD and if you do not hold QTS, you would apply for APD. Both accreditations recognise the individual’s competence in delivering specialist teaching programmes to learners with SpLD/dyscalculia.

Who can apply for ATD/APD?

Applicants who have successfully completed an BDA accredited course for ATD/APD within the last three years can apply.

Applicants must have a minimum of two years (1,900 hours) relevant professional experience teaching or supporting learners in either the pre 16 age range or post 16 and older. This may be a full-time or part-time posts.

How to apply for ATD/APD

To apply for ATD/APD you will need to start your online application via the Application box on the right of this page

• You will need a completed Tutor form signed by your course leader and upload it as part of the application process
• You will need to read and agree to adhere to the BDA Code of Ethics
• There is a one-off accreditation fee of £70 which you will need to pay via the credit/debit card link within the application process
• If your employer/school is paying, please select the invoice option in the application process

Progressing to AMBDA

On successful completion of an ATD/APD Dyscalculia course, specialist teachers can apply for courses leading to Associate Member of the BDA (AMBDA Dyscalculia) which will enable them to conduct formal diagnostic assessments, write diagnostic reports and assess for exam access arrangements.

To find out more visit the AMBDA webpage.

Keeping ATD/APD up to date

To maintain their accreditation ATD/APD holders are required to keep up to date and submit a CPD portfolio every three years on the anniversary of their award.

Find out more on the Continuing Professional Development webpage.

Professional Membership

With Active ATD/APD you may apply for Professional Membership of the BDA and be included on the BDA Tutor List.

Find out more, visit the BDA Professional Membership webpage.

Questions?

If you have any questions about our accreditations, the most effective way to contact us is via email. This is to ensure that we can include all the details you may require in response to your query in written form, whilst allowing the option to have this information read aloud to you on a computer. Please email us at: accreditation@bdadyslexia.org.uk

Courses accredited for ATD/APD