Top 11 Academic Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for an academic administrator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competency, knowledge, and skill that employers value. Certifications can help academic administrators stand out from other applicants by showing employers that they have a mastery of the skills necessary to be successful in the position. Certifications also provide proof of professional development and can be used to demonstrate commitment to continuing education and staying up-to-date with changes in the field. In addition, certifications may provide access to exclusive job opportunities or career advancement opportunities, as some employers only hire certified individuals for certain positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Academic Administrators and explains how they can contribute to an academic administrator's career, providing insight into how to best advance professionally in the field.

What are Academic Administrator Certifications?

Academic administrator certification is a professional credential that recognizes academic administrators for their knowledge and skills in the field. It is designed to help academic administrators create positive learning environments and improve student outcomes. The certification demonstrates that the academic administrator has met certain standards of excellence, including having a thorough understanding of educational theories and practices, familiarity with state and federal regulations, and the ability to implement effective administrative processes.

The certification can be beneficial to educational institutions because it helps ensure that they have qualified personnel in charge of managing their school or department. It also provides a way for administrators to demonstrate their commitment to professional development, as well as their dedication to improving student outcomes. Additionally, holding an academic administrator certification can open up opportunities for advancement within an institution or even outside it.

Pro Tip: When seeking academic administrator certification, be sure to research the requirements for each state or district and consider taking an online course to supplement your knowledge and stay abreast of current trends in education.

Related: What does an Academic Administrator do?

Top 11 Academic Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Academic Administrators today.

1. Certified Academic Administrator (CAA)

Certified Academic Administrator (CAA) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). The CAA credential is designed to recognize and reward school administrators who demonstrate a commitment to excellence in their profession. It recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the areas of educational leadership, curriculum development, instructional strategies, student assessment, and school management.

The CAA credential requires applicants to complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as educational law, finance and budgeting, personnel management, curriculum development, technology integration, and school improvement. Applicants must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to lead an effective academic program.

The CAA program typically takes two years to complete. During this time, applicants are required to attend classes at an accredited institution or take online courses from NASSP-approved providers. They must also pass the CAA exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the CAA program varies depending on the provider chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, it can range from $500-$1,000 for all course materials and exam fees.

2. Certified School Business Administrator (CSBA)

Certified School Business Administrator (CSBA) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The CSBA is designed to recognize the expertise and knowledge of school business administrators in areas such as budgeting, accounting, finance, management, technology, and human resources.

The CSBA certification process typically takes about two years to complete. Candidates must first pass a three-part exam that covers topics such as financial management, school business operations and administration, and legal and ethical issues. After passing the exam, candidates must also complete an approved course in school business administration from an accredited college or university. Finally, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge of school business practices.

The cost of the CSBA certification varies depending on the institution providing the courses. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $600 to $2,500 for tuition fees plus additional costs for books and materials.

In order to maintain their certification status, certified school business administrators must participate in continuing education activities every two years. This includes attending workshops or conferences related to school business administration or completing online courses or webinars related to their profession.

3. Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP)

Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers (APPA). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of educational facilities management.

The CEFP certification requires applicants to meet certain criteria, including having at least five years of experience in educational facilities management and completion of an approved professional development program. Applicants must also pass a written examination that covers topics such as facility planning, design, construction, maintenance, safety, and operations.

The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. The cost for the CEFP application fee is $250 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. Additional costs may include the cost of any required professional development courses or exams.

4. Certified Education Manager (CEM)

Certified Education Manager (CEM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in managing education programs. The CEM program is administered by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

To earn the CEM credential, an individual must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits in areas such as educational leadership, curriculum development, instruction design, assessment, evaluation, and technology integration. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination that tests their knowledge and skills related to educational management.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the CEM credential; however, this can vary depending on an individual's prior experience and training. To begin the process of obtaining the CEM credential, interested individuals should contact IACET directly or visit their website for more information.

The cost for earning the CEM credential depends on whether you are already a member of IACET or not. For non-members, there is an application fee of $200 plus exam fees ($250) and annual membership fees ($125). For members of IACET, there is only an exam fee ($250) and no application fee.

5. National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Leadership Academy Certification

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Leadership Academy Certification is an advanced certification program for school principals. It is designed to help principals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to lead their schools in the 21st century. The certification program consists of four modules that cover topics such as school culture, instructional leadership, data-driven decision making, and communication and collaboration.

The certification process takes approximately two years to complete. During this time, participants must complete all four modules and pass a comprehensive exam at the end of each module. Participants also have the option to attend a one-day workshop or participate in online learning activities throughout the program.

In order to get certified, participants must first apply online through the NAESP website. After being accepted into the program, they will be required to pay a registration fee of $695 USD. This fee covers all materials needed for the program as well as access to online resources and support from NAESP staff members throughout the duration of the program.

Once participants have completed all four modules and passed their final exam, they will receive their official NAESP Leadership Academy Certification certificate. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses or attending professional development workshops offered by NAESP.

6. National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Leadership Academy Certification

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Leadership Academy Certification is a program designed to provide school administrators with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary for successful leadership. The certification is earned through a series of online courses and activities that focus on topics such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making.

The NASSP Leadership Academy Certification program takes approximately three months to complete. During this time, participants will be required to complete online coursework and activities that cover topics such as communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, organizational change management, and more. Participants must also attend at least one in-person workshop or seminar related to the certification program.

To get the NASSP Leadership Academy Certification, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be required to complete all coursework and activities within the three-month period in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the NASSP Leadership Academy Certification varies depending on your institution or organization's membership status with NASSP. Generally speaking, it costs $350 for members and $500 for non-members.

7. American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Leadership Academy Certification

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Leadership Academy Certification is a professional development program designed to help school administrators become more effective leaders. The certification program consists of five modules that cover topics such as organizational culture, communication, decision-making, and leading change. Participants must complete all five modules in order to receive the certification.

The AASA Leadership Academy Certification takes approximately 12 months to complete. During this time, participants will be expected to attend online classes, participate in webinars and workshops, and engage in self-directed learning activities. Participants will also be required to submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their mastery of the material covered in each module.

To get the AASA Leadership Academy Certification, individuals must first register for the program through the AASA website. Once registered, they can begin working through the modules at their own pace. Upon completion of all five modules and submission of their portfolio of evidence, participants will receive their certification from AASA.

The cost of the AASA Leadership Academy Certification varies depending on how many modules are taken at once; however, it typically ranges from $2,000-$3,000 USD for all five modules.

8. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Administrator Certification

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Administrator Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of educational technology administrators. It is designed to help administrators develop the competencies needed to effectively lead and manage digital learning initiatives in their schools or districts. The certification requires participants to demonstrate mastery of the ISTE Standards for Administrators, which are based on research and best practices in educational technology leadership.

To earn the certification, participants must complete a series of online courses, assessments, and activities that focus on topics such as leadership, instructional design, data-driven decision making, and digital citizenship. The program takes approximately 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual’s level of commitment.

The cost of the ISTE Administrator Certification program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not an individual chooses to purchase additional materials or services. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 for the full program.

In order to begin the certification process, individuals must first create an account with ISTE and submit an application form along with payment information. Once approved, participants will receive access to course materials and instructions for completing each step of the certification process.

9. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Administrator Certification

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Administrator Certification is an accreditation program that provides recognition to school administrators who have demonstrated a high level of professional competency. It is designed to ensure that administrators are qualified to lead and manage educational institutions, with a focus on improving student outcomes.

The CAEP Administrator Certification process involves three stages: initial review, full review, and renewal. The initial review requires applicants to submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their qualifications for the certification. This portfolio must include documentation such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other relevant materials. After the initial review is completed, applicants must complete a full review process which includes an assessment of their knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, management, curriculum development, and research.

The length of time it takes to obtain CAEP Administrator Certification varies depending on the individual applicant's experience and qualifications. Generally speaking, it takes approximately two years from start to finish. During this period, applicants must complete all required courses and assessments in order to be eligible for certification.

In order to get CAEP Administrator Certification, individuals must first meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of successful administrative experience in an accredited educational institution or organization; holding a master’s degree or higher; completing all required coursework; passing the CAEP Administrator Assessment; and submitting a portfolio demonstrating their qualifications for certification.

The cost of obtaining CAEP Administrator Certification depends on several factors including the individual applicant's experience level and which courses they choose to take during the certification process. Generally speaking, costs can range anywhere from $500 - $3000 depending on these factors.

10. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Administrator Certification

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Administrator Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of administrators in the field of education. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their educational leadership roles. The program is administered by NCATE and is based on standards established by the organization.

To obtain NCATE Administrator Certification, applicants must meet certain qualifications and complete an application process. Qualifications include having at least three years of experience in an administrative role in a school setting, holding a master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university, and completing at least 30 hours of professional development related to educational administration within the past five years.

The application process involves submitting official transcripts, completing a written application form, providing letters of recommendation from two current or former supervisors, and passing a comprehensive examination. The exam consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and a written essay portion. Applicants must pass both portions with a score of 70% or higher to be eligible for certification.

The cost for NCATE Administrator Certification varies depending on the institution offering the program; however, it typically costs between $500 and $1,000. The certification process generally takes about six months to complete once all requirements are met.

11. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Administrator Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Administrator Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of school administrators. This certification is designed to demonstrate that an administrator has met the standards of excellence in their field and can provide quality leadership to their school community.

To obtain the NBPTS Administrator Certification, an individual must complete a rigorous application process that includes submitting evidence of their professional qualifications, knowledge, and experience as well as passing a written exam. The application process typically takes up to six months to complete. Once approved, the candidate will receive their certification from the NBPTS.

The cost of obtaining the NBPTS Administrator Certification varies depending on the state or jurisdiction in which you are applying. Generally, there is an application fee of $150-200 USD and additional fees for any required exams or workshops. In addition, some states may require additional fees for background checks or other administrative costs.

Overall, obtaining the NBPTS Administrator Certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in school administration and provides them with a valuable credential that can enhance their career opportunities.

Do You Really Need a Academic Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question largely depends on your individual circumstances. If you are a person who is looking to further their career in academia or education, then an academic administrator certificate can be extremely beneficial. It can demonstrate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a leadership role within an educational institution. Additionally, it can help boost your resume and open up new opportunities for advancement within the field.

However, if you are already established in the field of academia or education and have a good track record of success, then there may not be as much value in obtaining an academic administrator certificate. It may still be beneficial if you are looking to expand your knowledge base or make yourself more marketable for certain positions, but it might not be as necessary as it would be for someone who is just starting out in the field. Ultimately, deciding whether or not to pursue an academic administrator certificate should depend on your own specific goals and objectives.

Related: Academic Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Academic Administrator Certifications

1. What certifications are available for academic administrators?

Answer: The most popular certification programs for academic administrators include the Certified Administrator of Educational Management (CAEM) offered by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), the National Board Certification in Educational Leadership (NBCEL) offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and the International Leadership Academy’s Certificate in School Leadership (ISL).

2. How long does it take to get an academic administrator certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain an academic administrator certification varies depending on the program you choose. Generally, these programs require between two and four years of study and field experience to achieve certification.

3. What are the benefits of having an academic administrator certification?

Answer: Having an academic administrator certification can provide a number of advantages, such as improved job opportunities, higher salaries, increased credibility within the educational field, and access to specialized resources. It also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and a dedication to advancing one’s skills in school administration.

4. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining an academic administrator certification?

Answer: Most programs require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in education, or a related field like psychology or sociology, as well as several years of experience in education administration prior to applying for certification. Additionally, some programs may require specific courses or workshops before they will grant admission into their program.

5. How much does it cost to get an academic administrator certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an academic administrator certification varies depending on the program you choose, but generally ranges from $500-$2,000 per year for tuition and fees associated with taking courses or attending workshops required for completion of the program.