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Top 11 Assistant Director Of Admissions Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 20 min read

Certifications are important for an assistant director of admissions in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that can be beneficial to employers. Certifications provide evidence that an individual has gone through rigorous training and has met specific standards of proficiency in their field. This can be especially helpful when it comes to positions that require a certain degree of specialization or technical knowledge. Having certifications also shows potential employers that the candidate is dedicated to their profession and willing to invest time and resources into furthering their education. In addition, certifications can help an assistant director of admissions stand out from other applicants, which can help them land the job they’re interested in.

This article reviews the top certifications for Assistant Directors of Admissions and explains how they can enhance an Assistant Director of Admissions's career.

What are Assistant Director Of Admissions Certifications?

Assistant Director of Admissions Certification is a professional certification offered by the American Association for Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) to assist directors of admissions in their management of admissions processes. The certification demonstrates that an individual has acquired the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the admissions process, including developing and implementing strategies for recruiting students, overseeing recruitment efforts, interpreting admission policies and procedures, responding to inquiries from prospective students, managing financial aid services, collaborating with academic departments on admissions decisions, and assessing student applications.

The certification can help directors of admissions demonstrate their expertise in the field and provide employers with assurance that they have the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage the admissions process. Additionally, it can open up opportunities for career advancement as well as provide recognition within the field of higher education administration. Obtaining this certification can also help directors of admissions stay abreast of current trends in college admissions practices and enhance their professional networks.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an assistant director of admissions certification, be sure to research the qualifications and requirements of the program you are considering. Additionally, look for programs that offer specialized courses related to admissions management, such as data analysis, marketing strategies, and financial aid administration. Finally, make sure the program you select is accredited by a recognized accrediting body.

Related: What does an Assistant Director Of Admissions do?

Top 11 Assistant Director Of Admissions Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Director Of Admissionss today.

1. Certified Enrollment Management Professional (CEMP)

Certified Enrollment Management Professional (CEMP) is a professional certification awarded by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of enrollment management. The CEMP credential is intended to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and strategies related to effective enrollment management.

It takes approximately two years to complete the CEMP program. This includes completing coursework, attending an on-site training session, and passing a comprehensive exam. The cost of the program varies but typically ranges from $1,500-$2,500. To qualify for certification, applicants must meet certain educational requirements such as having a bachelor's degree or higher in any field and at least three years of full-time experience in college admissions or enrollment management.

The CEMP program is offered through NACAC's online learning platform and consists of five courses: Enrollment Management Foundations; Strategic Planning; Recruitment & Retention; Financial Aid & Scholarships; and Technology & Data Analytics. Each course requires approximately 20 hours of study time over six weeks. After completing all five courses, participants must attend an on-site training session and pass a comprehensive exam to receive their CEMP certification.

2. Certified College Admissions Professional (CCAP)

Certified College Admissions Professional (CCAP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of college admissions. It is offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).

To obtain the CCAP designation, applicants must meet certain criteria and complete an application process. The criteria include having a minimum of three years of full-time experience in college admissions or related fields, as well as completion of at least 30 hours of professional development activities within the past five years.

The application process includes submitting an online application, providing proof of experience and professional development activities, and passing a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as college admission trends, ethical standards, and legal issues.

The cost to apply for the CCAP designation is $200 for NACAC members and $400 for non-members. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive notification of approval or denial after submitting an application.

3. Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP)

Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE). This certification is designed to recognize the expertise and commitment of higher education professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in their field. The CHEP certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has achieved a mastery of knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the field of higher education.

The CHEP program requires applicants to complete a series of courses, assessments, and activities related to higher education. These activities include online coursework, on-site training sessions, and mentoring from experienced professionals in the field. The coursework covers topics such as institutional research, student affairs administration, academic advising, and more. Upon completion of all requirements for the program, individuals can apply for the CHEP certification.

The CHEP program typically takes between three and five years to complete depending on an individual's prior experience in higher education. During this time period applicants must complete all required coursework as well as any additional activities or assessments that may be required by ACUE.

To get certified through CHEP you must first submit an application along with any relevant transcripts or other documentation that demonstrates your qualifications for the program. Once your application has been reviewed by ACUE you will then be invited to take part in an assessment process which includes completing online coursework and participating in on-site training sessions with experienced professionals in the field. After successfully completing all requirements for the program you will then be eligible for certification through CHEP.

The cost of obtaining CHEP certification varies depending on where you are located and whether or not you are already enrolled in a higher education institution or organization. Generally speaking it costs around $500-$1,000 USD per year plus any additional fees associated with taking part in on-site training sessions or other activities required by ACUE.

4. Certified Educational Planner (CEP)

Certified Educational Planner (CEP) is a professional designation for individuals who specialize in educational planning and guidance. It is offered by the National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The CEP credential recognizes professionals who have demonstrated expertise in college admissions counseling, financial aid, career planning, and other related areas.

To become a Certified Educational Planner, an individual must meet certain requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time experience in the field of educational planning; completing at least 30 hours of continuing education related to college admissions counseling; passing an exam administered by NACAC; and agreeing to abide by the NACAC Code of Ethics.

It typically takes three to six months to complete all the requirements for certification. The exam is administered twice a year, usually in April and October.

The cost of becoming a Certified Educational Planner varies depending on whether you are already a member of NACAC or not. For non-members, it costs $225 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee. For members, it costs $175 for the application fee plus $250 for the exam fee.

5. Certified College Admissions Counselor (CCAC)

Certified College Admissions Counselor (CCAC) is a professional certification offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). It is designed to recognize college admissions counselors who have demonstrated the highest level of professional knowledge, skills, and ethical standards.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of full-time experience in college admissions counseling and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass an online exam administered by NACAC that covers topics such as college admissions counseling theory and practice, student development theory, ethics and legal issues in college admissions counseling, and diversity in higher education.

The process of becoming certified typically takes four to six months. The cost of certification varies depending on the applicant’s membership status with NACAC. Non-members pay $400 for the application fee and $250 for the exam fee; members pay $200 for the application fee and $150 for the exam fee.

6. National Association of College Admission Counseling Certification (NACAC)

The National Association of College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Certification is a professional certification for college admission counselors. It is designed to recognize the commitment and expertise of college admission professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and experience in the field. The certification process includes a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as college admissions policies, procedures, and trends; counseling techniques; legal issues; ethical practices; and more.

It takes approximately six months to complete the NACAC Certification process. This includes completing an online application, passing a written examination, submitting verification of professional experience, and participating in an interview with a NACAC-appointed panel.

To get certified by NACAC, applicants must be members of NACAC and meet certain criteria. Applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in college admissions counseling or related fields. They must also demonstrate knowledge of current trends in higher education through continuing education activities or other professional development activities.

The cost for NACAC Certification is $495 for members and $595 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the application fee, the written exam fee, and the interview fee.

7. Association of International Credential Evaluators Certification (AICE)

The Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) is an international organization that provides professional certification for individuals who evaluate foreign educational credentials. AICE certification is designed to ensure that credential evaluators have the necessary knowledge and skills to accurately assess foreign academic qualifications. This certification is recognized by employers, universities, and government agencies around the world as a sign of quality and competence in evaluating international credentials.

It typically takes between three and six months to obtain AICE certification, depending on the individual's experience level. To get certified, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of English language proficiency. Applicants must then pass a written examination which tests their knowledge of international education systems, evaluation techniques, and other related topics.

The cost of obtaining AICE certification varies depending on the applicant's country of residence. In general, applicants can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$400 for the application fee, exam fee, and any additional fees associated with obtaining the certification.

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

The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of higher education. It is designed to provide an additional measure of assurance that those who hold the certification possess the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties effectively.

The AACRAO Certification Program consists of two levels: Certified Professional Registrar (CPR) and Certified Senior Registrar (CSR). The CPR is designed for those with 1-3 years of experience in higher education, while the CSR is designed for those with more than three years of experience. To obtain either certification, applicants must demonstrate mastery of a set of core competencies through a combination of formal training, work experience, and/or other activities.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete the AACRAO Certification Program. The cost varies depending on the level being pursued; the CPR costs $395 USD while the CSR costs $495 USD.

To get started, applicants must first register online at www.aacrao.org/certification-programs/. Once registered, they will be provided with access to an online learning portal containing all necessary materials to prepare for their certification exam. After completing their studies, applicants can then schedule their exam at one of several testing centers across the US or Canada. Upon successful completion of their exam, applicants will receive their AACRAO Certification certificate and badge via email within 2 weeks.

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

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of knowledge and experience in college admission counseling. It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated expertise in college admissions counseling, as well as those who are committed to providing quality service to students and families.

To become NACAC certified, applicants must complete an application process that includes an online assessment, a written essay on a topic related to college admissions counseling, and a personal interview with members of the NACAC Certification Committee. Applicants must also demonstrate their commitment to ethical practices in their work by signing the NACAC Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.

The entire application process typically takes three months or more from start to finish. The cost of applying for NACAC certification is $200 for members of NACAC, or $400 for non-members. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education units (CEUs) and paying an annual renewal fee of $100.

10. Graduate Management Admission Council Certification (GMAC)

The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) is a global, non-profit organization of leading graduate business schools. It provides a range of services to the business school community and prospective students including the GMAT exam, research, and professional development programs. The GMAC Certification program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in their knowledge and understanding of the GMAT exam, its content and structure.

It takes approximately 6 months to complete the certification process. To get certified, you must first pass the GMAT exam with a score of at least 600 or higher. Then, you must submit an application to become a Certified GMAT Professional (CGMP). This application requires you to provide information about your educational background and work experience related to the GMAT exam. Once accepted into the program, you will be required to complete an online course that covers topics such as test preparation strategies, question types and scoring criteria. After completing this course, you will have to take an online assessment that tests your knowledge of the material covered in the course. Upon successful completion of this assessment, you will receive your CGMP certification from GMAC.

The cost for becoming a CGMP is $495 USD. This fee includes access to all materials needed for certification as well as one year of membership with GMAC which provides discounts on future exams and other benefits.

11. American College Testing Program Certification (ACT).

The American College Testing Program (ACT) Certification is a program designed to provide professional certification for individuals who have met the standards of excellence in college admissions testing. The ACT Certification is awarded by the ACT, Inc., a non-profit organization that administers the ACT college entrance exam.

To obtain the ACT Certification, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of college admissions testing. This includes knowledge of test preparation strategies, understanding of college admission requirements, and proficiency in interpreting and analyzing student scores. The exam also includes questions on topics such as data analysis, research methods, and psychology.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized testing center or online through the ACT website. The cost of the exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $75 to $150.

In order to maintain their certification status, individuals must renew their certification every three years by taking an additional exam or completing continuing education courses offered by the ACT. Additionally, certified professionals are required to adhere to a code of ethics set forth by the organization.

Overall, obtaining an ACT Certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in college admissions testing and provides assurance that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to help students achieve success on their college entrance exams.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Director Of Admissions Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Assistant Director of Admissions Certificate depends on your specific career goals and the requirements for the job you are seeking. An Assistant Director of Admissions Certificate may be a requirement for some positions, but not all. It is important to research the exact qualifications necessary for each job you are interested in to determine if a certificate is needed.

In order to become an Assistant Director of Admissions, a person typically needs to have a college degree in business administration or higher education administration. This degree usually requires courses that focus on admissions processes, enrollment management strategies, marketing and communications, and customer service. Additionally, many employers require applicants to have experience working with student admissions systems and software programs as well as experience with data analysis and reporting.

In addition to having the required education and experience, some employers may require candidates to have an Assistant Director of Admissions Certificate from an accredited program or institution. These certificates provide specialized training in areas such as recruitment strategies, admission policies and procedures, budgeting and financial aid processes, student services operations management, data analysis, and more. Having this certificate can demonstrate that you have additional knowledge beyond what is required by most employers for general admission positions.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual applicant to determine whether they need an Assistant Director of Admissions Certificate when applying for any given position. You should investigate the specific requirements of each job opportunity before deciding whether a certificate would benefit your candidacy or not.

Related: Assistant Director Of Admissions Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Director Of Admissions Certifications

Q1. What qualifications are needed to become an Assistant Director of Admissions?

A1. The qualifications required to become an Assistant Director of Admissions typically include a bachelor’s degree in higher education, student affairs, or a related field; at least two years of experience in admissions and/or student services; excellent communication and organizational skills; the ability to work with diverse populations; and knowledge of admissions policies and procedures.

Q2. What responsibilities does an Assistant Director of Admissions have?

A2. The primary responsibility of an Assistant Director of Admissions is to assist the Director of Admissions in managing the day-to-day operations of the admissions office. This may include recruiting prospective students, evaluating applications, interviewing applicants, overseeing financial aid processes, developing marketing strategies, and providing customer service for applicants and their families.

Q3. How do I become certified as an Assistant Director of Admissions?

A3. To receive certification as an Assistant Director of Admissions, you must complete a certification program offered by a professional organization such as the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). These programs typically require completion of coursework in areas such as college admission counseling, financial aid administration, marketing strategies, and customer service skills.

Q4. Are there any online certifications available for Assistant Directors of Admissions?

A4. Yes! There are several organizations that offer online certifications for those interested in becoming an assistant director of admissions. These certifications provide comprehensive training on topics such as recruitment strategies, application processing procedures, interviewing techniques, financial aid counseling methods, and customer service practices.

Q5. What types of jobs can I apply for with my certification as an Assistant Director Of Admissions?

A5: With your certification as an Assistant Director Of Admissions you may be qualified to apply for positions such as College Recruiter or Student Services Coordinator at a college or university; Financial Aid Officer or Student Services Manager at a private school or educational center; or Enrollment Advisor at a community college or trade school setting.

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Brenna Goyette

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Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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