What is Article 9 Training and Where Can I Take It in Phoenix?
If you are stepping into a paid caregiving role under the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), you will hear one phrase constantly: Article 9.
Whether you are a parent, sibling, or extended family member, you cannot receive your first paycheck until you hold an active Article 9 certificate. But what exactly is it, and how do you get it?
What is Article 9?
Article 9 is a mandatory, state-specific training course designed to protect the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Historically, vulnerable individuals were often subjected to harmful behavioral interventions or abuse. Arizona implemented Article 9 to ensure that every single person providing paid care understands the strict laws protecting individuals with disabilities.
The training covers:
Individual Rights: Understanding the constitutional and civil rights of the person receiving care.
Abuse and Neglect: How to identify signs of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
Mandatory Reporting: The strict legal protocols for reporting incidents or injuries.
Prohibited Techniques: A clear breakdown of behavior management techniques that are strictly illegal to use in Arizona.
How Long Does It Take?
The course typically takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. At the end of the instruction, there is a standardized test that you must pass with a score of 80% or higher to receive your certification. Once completed, your Article 9 certificate is valid for three years.
Where Can I Take It in the Phoenix Area?
Article 9 can only be taught by a certified instructor approved by Arizona DDD. You cannot simply watch a YouTube video or take an unverified online quiz.
Finding an available class with a certified instructor can sometimes cause delays in getting hired. When you partner with Nova Z Health Services through the Agency with Choice (AWC) model, you do not have to hunt down a class on your own. Our onboarding team directly coordinates your Article 9 training, ensuring you get scheduled for an approved session quickly so you can start logging your authorized care hours without unnecessary delays.
