Top 10 Admissions Manager Certifications

Certifications are an important way for an admissions manager to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. They can help to establish credibility with potential employers and show that they have the skills needed to excel in the job. Certifications provide evidence of a commitment to professional development, and they can show that an admissions manager has kept up with changing technology, trends, and regulations. Additionally, certifications may be required by some employers or may give applicants an edge over other candidates who don't have them. Ultimately, certifications can help an admissions manager stand out in a competitive job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Admissions Managers and discuss how they can help advance an admissions manager's career.

What are Admissions Manager Certifications?

Admissions Manager Certification is a professional certification program designed to equip admissions professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage the admissions process. This certification program is offered by The Association of Enrollment Management Professionals (AEMP) and provides a comprehensive overview of best practices in the field. This certification program provides education on topics such as developing recruitment strategies, managing data, optimizing resources, and creating effective policies and procedures.

With Admissions Manager Certification, individuals can gain an understanding of the admissions process from start to finish, from enrollment strategy development to student success. Admissions Managers will learn how to create a comprehensive admissions plan that encompasses all aspects of the enrollment process including marketing, recruiting, financial aid, and student services. They will also be able to develop new strategies for increasing enrollment while staying within budget constraints. Additionally, they will be equipped with tools to help them effectively evaluate their progress and make necessary changes quickly.

By obtaining this certification, Admissions Managers are better equipped to lead their teams in achieving their goals while providing the highest quality service possible for prospective students. With an increased understanding of the admissions process from start to finish, Admissions Managers can take charge of their team’s performance and ensure that each step is done correctly and efficiently. Ultimately, this certification allows Admissions Managers to create an efficient admissions process that increases enrollment rates while improving both student success and satisfaction.

Pro Tip: When considering an admissions manager certification, look for programs that are accredited by the National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC). This will ensure that the course is up-to-date with the latest industry standards and best practices in college admissions.

Related: What does an Admissions Manager do?

Top 10 Admissions Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Admissions Managers today.

1. Certified Admissions Manager (CAM)

Certified Admissions Manager (CAM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in college admissions management. The CAM credential is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the admissions process.

The CAM program consists of two parts: a self-assessment and an online examination. The self-assessment is designed to help applicants evaluate their current knowledge and skills related to college admissions management, while the online examination covers topics such as recruitment, enrollment planning, student records, financial aid, and more.

It typically takes one to two months to complete the CAM program, depending on how quickly you can complete the self-assessment and online exam. In order to obtain your CAM credential, you must pass both parts of the program with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for taking the CAM program varies depending on whether you are an AACRAO member or non-member. For AACRAO members, it costs $350; for non-members it costs $450.

2. Certified Professional Admissions Manager (CPAM)

Certified Professional Admissions Manager (CPAM) is a professional certification for admissions professionals. It is offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The CPAM credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage college admissions operations.

The CPAM certification program requires applicants to complete a three-part process:

1. Pass an online exam that covers topics such as organizational management, recruitment and selection, financial aid, marketing, and enrollment management.

2. Complete a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their expertise in college admissions management.

3. Participate in an oral interview with a panel of experienced CPAMs.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete depending on an individual’s commitment to completing the requirements within the specified timeline.

To become certified as a CPAM, you must first apply online through NACAC's website and pay an application fee of $250 USD. After submitting your application, you will be required to attend an orientation session at one of NACAC's regional conferences or workshops before taking the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will need to submit your portfolio for review by a panel of experienced CPAMs before being granted certification status. The cost for the entire certification process is approximately $1,000 USD including all fees associated with attending conferences or workshops, taking the exam, and submitting your portfolio for review.

3. Certified College Admissions Manager (CCAM)

Certified College Admissions Manager (CCAM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). It provides college admissions counselors and other professionals working in college admissions with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to effectively manage the college admissions process.

The CCAM program consists of three parts: an online self-study course, a one-day workshop, and a two-hour written exam. The online self-study course covers topics such as college admissions trends, recruiting strategies, financial aid options, and more. The one-day workshop includes interactive activities and discussions on topics such as marketing strategies for colleges and universities, ethical considerations in college admissions counseling, and best practices for managing student applications. Finally, the two-hour written exam tests participants’ knowledge of the material covered in both the online course and the one-day workshop.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three components of the CCAM program. To get certified as a CCAM, applicants must successfully complete all three components of the program within this time frame.

The cost of becoming certified as a CCAM varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NACAC. For non-members, it costs $400 to register for the program; members pay $300. Additionally, there is an additional fee for taking the written exam ($100 for non-members; $50 for members).

4. Certified Higher Education Admissions Manager (CHEAM)

Certified Higher Education Admissions Manager (CHEAM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of college admissions. The certification is intended to provide assurance to students, parents, and other stakeholders that they are working with an experienced and knowledgeable professional.

The CHEAM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time professional experience in college admissions or related fields. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as admission policies and procedures, student recruitment, financial aid, and ethical considerations.

In order to obtain the CHEAM certification, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once the application has been reviewed and accepted by NACAC, applicants must then take the CHEAM exam which consists of 150 multiple choice questions. The exam can be taken online or in person at one of NACAC's testing centers.

The cost for the CHEAM certification program varies depending on whether you choose to take the exam online or in person. For those taking the exam online, the cost is $275 USD; for those taking it in person at one of NACAC's testing centers, the cost is $325 USD.

5. Certified Educational Leadership and Management (CELM)

Certified Educational Leadership and Management (CELM) is a professional certification for school administrators, educational leaders, and other professionals who work in the field of education. It is designed to provide recognition of professional competency in educational leadership and management.

The CELM program requires a minimum of 180 hours of coursework, which can be completed over a period of up to three years. Coursework includes topics such as school law, financial management, curriculum design, instructional strategies, technology integration, and human resources management. The program also includes an internship component in which students gain practical experience in the field.

In order to obtain the CELM certification, individuals must have a master’s degree in education or related field from an accredited institution; possess at least five years of teaching experience; complete the required coursework; pass a comprehensive examination; and submit an application for certification.

The cost of obtaining the CELM certification varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, tuition for the program ranges from $2,000-$4,000 depending on the institution. Additional fees may apply for registration and examination costs.

6. Certified Enrollment Management Professional (CEMP)

Certified Enrollment Management Professional (CEMP) is a certification program offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The CEMP program is designed to provide professional development and recognition for college admission and enrollment professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field.

The CEMP program consists of three components: an online self-assessment, a comprehensive examination, and a portfolio review. The self-assessment is designed to help applicants determine if they possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in the field of enrollment management. The comprehensive examination tests applicants’ knowledge of the principles, practices, and strategies related to enrollment management. Finally, the portfolio review evaluates applicants’ experience in the field.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three components of the CEMP program. To get started with the certification process, applicants must first submit an application form along with payment for registration fees ($350 for members of NACAC or $450 for non-members). Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive instructions on how to access their self-assessment and examination materials.

Once all three components are completed successfully, applicants will receive their official CEMP designation from NACAC. This certification can provide greater credibility in the field of enrollment management and may open up new opportunities for career advancement or higher salaries.

7. Association of International Admissions Professionals (AIAP) Certification

The Association of International Admissions Professionals (AIAP) Certification is a professional credential designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of those working in the field of international admissions. It is designed to demonstrate that an individual has met standards set by AIAP and has achieved a level of competency in the field.

The AIAP certification program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a portfolio review. The online course covers topics such as international student recruitment, admission requirements, visa regulations, cultural considerations, and more. The exam tests knowledge related to these topics and includes multiple-choice questions as well as essay questions. Finally, applicants must submit a portfolio for review that demonstrates their experience in the field.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete all three parts of the certification process. However, this timeline can vary depending on how quickly applicants are able to complete their portfolios and take the exam.

To get certified by AIAP, applicants must first register for the certification program by filling out an application form on the AIAP website. The cost for registration is $225 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees. After registering, applicants will be given access to the online course materials which they must complete before taking the exam. Applicants will also receive instructions on how to prepare their portfolios for review by AIAP's certification committee. Once all three parts are completed successfully, applicants will receive their official certification from AIAP.

8. American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Certification

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of college admissions and registration. The certification program is designed to ensure that those who hold it possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage the college admissions process.

To obtain AACRAO Certification, applicants must complete an online application, submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, provide three professional references, and pass an exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as student services, enrollment management, data analysis, compliance with regulations and policies, financial aid administration, and technology use in higher education.

The cost for AACRAO Certification is $400 for members or $500 for non-members. It typically takes about two months to receive your certification after submitting your application materials.

9. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Certification

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and commitment to ethical practice in college admission counseling. It is designed to ensure that college admission counselors are equipped with the necessary tools to effectively assist students and families in making informed decisions about postsecondary education.

In order to obtain NACAC Certification, applicants must complete an online application and provide evidence of their experience and qualifications. Applicants must also submit a formal statement of commitment to adhere to NACAC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Practices. Once the application is approved, applicants must successfully complete two online exams: the College Admissions Counseling Exam and the College Admissions Counseling Practicum Exam.

The entire process usually takes between six months to one year from start to finish. The cost for NACAC Certification is $175 for members of NACAC or $275 for non-members.

10. American Council on Education (ACE) Certification

The American Council on Education (ACE) Certification is a professional certification program for college and university faculty, staff, and administrators. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills to excel in higher education leadership roles. The ACE Certification is designed to provide higher education professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their field and enhance their professional credentials.

To obtain the ACE Certification, applicants must complete an online application, submit official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, submit a resume or CV, and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as leadership theory, organizational structure and governance, financial management, student services administration, academic affairs administration, and more. The exam typically takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining the ACE Certification varies depending on the level of certification sought. For Level I certification (for those with less than five years of experience in higher education), the fee is $225; for Level II certification (for those with five or more years of experience in higher education), the fee is $325; and for Level III certification (for those with ten or more years of experience in higher education), the fee is $425.

Once an applicant has successfully completed all requirements for ACE Certification, they will receive an official certificate from ACE recognizing their achievement. This certificate can be used to demonstrate expertise in higher education leadership roles when applying for jobs or promotions within colleges and universities.

Do You Really Need a Admissions Manager Certificate?

The answer to whether or not you need an Admissions Manager Certificate depends on your individual career goals. If you are interested in becoming an admissions manager, then completing a certificate program can be beneficial in helping you develop the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the position. The certification can also help to demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession, which may make you more desirable as a candidate when applying for jobs.

On the other hand, if you are already working in an admissions office or have experience in admissions management, then it may not be necessary for you to complete a certificate program. In this case, employers may place more emphasis on your work experience and leadership abilities than on any educational credentials that you possess. Additionally, if you already have a background in higher education or admission-related work, then having a certificate may not provide as much of an advantage when applying for positions as it would for someone who is just starting out in the field.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they should pursue an Admissions Manager Certificate. It is important to consider what type of professional goals you wish to achieve and how having the certification could help you reach those goals.

Related: Admissions Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Admissions Manager Certifications

1. What are the requirements to become an Admissions Manager?

Answer: To become an Admissions Manager, you must typically possess a bachelor’s degree in business, education or related field and have experience working in admissions or educational administration. You may also need to complete additional certifications and/or training.

2. How long does it take to get certified as an Admissions Manager?

Answer: The amount of time required to get certified as an Admissions Manager can vary depending on the specific certification program and the individual's background knowledge. Generally, most certifications can be completed within 6-12 months.

3. Are there different types of Admissions Manager certifications?

Answer: Yes, there are several different types of Admissions Manager certifications available including Certified Enrollment Management Professional (CEMP), Certified Education Administrator (CEA), Certified College Admission Counselor (CCAC), and more.

4. What is the cost of becoming certified as an Admissions Manager?

Answer: The cost of obtaining an Admissions Manager certification can vary depending on the type of certification program chosen and other factors such as prior education or experience. Generally speaking, most certifications range from $500 - $2,000 USD for tuition and associated fees.

5. What kind of job opportunities are available for someone with an Admissions Manager certification?

Answer: With an Admissions Manager certification, you may qualify for positions such as College/University Admission Officer, Student Recruitment Director, Enrollment Services Director, or other roles in educational administration and admissions-related fields.