Top 10 Assistant Principal Certifications

Certifications are important for assistant principals in the job market because they provide evidence of their qualifications to potential employers. Certifications demonstrate that an assistant principal has achieved a certain level of competency and expertise in educational leadership, and can be used as a way to differentiate one’s resume from other candidates. Certifications also send a message to employers that an assistant principal is committed to staying up-to-date on the latest developments in educational administration, and is willing to invest both time and money into professional development. Finally, certifications can open up additional career opportunities by providing access to exclusive networks, such as those offered by professional organizations like the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The purpose of this article is to review some of the best certifications for Assistant Principals and explain how they can help to advance their careers.

What are Assistant Principal Certifications?

Assistant principal certification is a professional credential that provides formal recognition of an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities to serve as an effective school administrator. It provides evidence of the completion of a rigorous program of study in educational leadership and management. This certification is often required for individuals who seek to be hired as assistant principals or other administrative positions in public schools.

The content covered in the certification program includes topics such as school law, curriculum development, instructional leadership, school improvement, human resource management, and community relations. The program also focuses on developing the candidate’s understanding of the complex roles and responsibilities within the educational system. By completing this certification program, aspiring administrators gain expertise in areas such as budgeting, data analysis, organizational behavior, and personnel management which are essential skills needed to effectively lead a school district.

Having assistant principal certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to becoming an effective leader in the field of education. Certification programs provide candidates with valuable knowledge that can help them understand how best to manage and lead a school district. Additionally, having this credential may give applicants an edge over other candidates when applying for administrative positions. Furthermore, completing this type of program can open up opportunities for career advancement and further education within the field of education administration.

Pro Tip: Take the time to research the requirements for assistant principal certification in your state. Different states have different requirements, and it is important to make sure that you meet all of the necessary qualifications before pursuing a career as an assistant principal.

Related: What does an Assistant Principal do?

Top 10 Assistant Principal Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Assistant Principals today.

1. National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Certified Assistant Principal

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Certified Assistant Principal program is a professional development and certification program that recognizes assistant principals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to serve as school leaders. The program provides an opportunity for assistant principals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in school leadership and to be recognized for their accomplishments.

To become certified, assistant principals must complete a rigorous application process which includes submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating their knowledge, skills, and abilities as a leader. This portfolio includes documentation of successful leadership experiences, such as leading school improvement initiatives, developing effective working relationships with students and staff, and managing resources.

The NASSP Certified Assistant Principal program takes approximately two years to complete from start to finish. During this time period, applicants must complete the application process and submit all required documents for review. Once the application is approved by NASSP’s Certification Board, applicants will receive their certification within four weeks.

The cost of becoming a NASSP Certified Assistant Principal varies depending on the applicant's state or region. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200-$400 USD.

2. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Assistant Principal

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Assistant Principal is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of assistant principals. The certification is designed to recognize the leadership and management skills necessary to lead a school in today’s educational environment.

It typically takes two years to complete the certification process. The first year involves completing the application process which includes submitting an application form, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a portfolio that demonstrates your knowledge and experience. The second year involves taking the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified Assistant Principal exam.

To get certified, you must meet all eligibility requirements including having at least five years of teaching or administrative experience in K-12 education, holding a valid state license or certificate as an administrator or supervisor, and having earned a master's degree from an accredited college or university. You must also have completed at least 30 hours of professional development activities related to school administration within the last three years.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on where you live and what type of program you choose to pursue. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD for the entire process including application fees and exam fees.

3. Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Certified Assistant Principal

The Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Certified Assistant Principal is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of assistant principals in K-12 educational settings. The purpose of this certification is to ensure that assistant principals have the necessary competencies to effectively lead their schools.

The ELCC Certified Assistant Principal program requires applicants to complete a series of assessments and activities. This includes passing an online exam, completing a portfolio review, and participating in an on-site interview. The assessment process is designed to evaluate the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the roles and responsibilities of an assistant principal.

In order to become certified as an ELCC Certified Assistant Principal, applicants must first meet all requirements for admission into the program. This includes having at least three years of experience in school administration or a related field, holding a master’s degree from an accredited institution, and providing evidence of successful completion of state-approved courses in school administration or leadership. Once admitted into the program, applicants must pass all required assessments within two years in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the ELCC Certified Assistant Principal program varies depending on the specific requirements for each individual applicant. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 for tuition fees and other associated costs such as books and materials.

4. International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) Certified Assistant Principal

The International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) Certified Assistant Principal is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of assistant principals. It is designed to help school leaders develop and demonstrate their leadership capabilities, as well as provide them with the tools they need to be successful in their roles.

To become ICLE Certified Assistant Principal, applicants must meet the following criteria: have an advanced degree from an accredited college or university; have at least three years of full-time experience as an assistant principal; have completed ICLE’s online training program; and pass a written exam.

The ICLE online training program consists of four modules that cover topics such as school culture, instructional leadership, data-driven decision making, and communication. The program takes approximately 30 hours to complete and can be done at your own pace.

The cost of the ICLE Certified Assistant Principal certification is $295 USD. This fee covers all materials needed for the certification process, including the online training program and exam fees.

5. American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certified Assistant Principal

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certified Assistant Principal is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of assistant principals in K-12 schools. The certification is designed to ensure that assistant principals have the necessary competencies to effectively lead their schools.

To become AASA Certified Assistant Principal, applicants must meet certain criteria and complete an online application process. Applicants must have at least three years of successful experience as an assistant principal in a K-12 school setting, hold a master's degree or higher from an accredited institution, and demonstrate proficiency in the core areas of school leadership: curriculum, instruction, assessment, personnel management, budgeting/finance, and communication.

The AASA Certified Assistant Principal program consists of two parts: the online application process and the onsite assessment. During the online application process, applicants must submit their resume/CV, transcripts from their master’s degree or higher program, letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors or colleagues attesting to their successful experience as an assistant principal, and other materials as requested by AASA. Once all materials are submitted successfully, applicants will be invited to take part in an onsite assessment conducted by AASA staff. This assessment consists of a series of activities related to school leadership such as case studies, interviews with stakeholders (e.g., students teachers), simulations of school situations (e.g., meetings with parents), and written exercises.

The cost for the AASA Certified Assistant Principal program is $1,500 USD which includes both the online application fee ($500) and the onsite assessment fee ($1,000). It typically takes four to six weeks for applicants to receive notification regarding acceptance into the program after submitting all required materials for review.

6. National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) Certified Assistant Principal

The National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) Certified Assistant Principal is a professional certification program designed to equip assistant principals with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead their school. The program is based on the NISL’s research-based standards for effective school leadership and provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the roles and responsibilities of an assistant principal.

It takes approximately one year to complete the program, depending on the individual's availability and commitment. The program consists of three components: online modules, a two-day face-to-face seminar, and a final assessment. During the online modules, participants will explore topics such as instructional leadership, organizational management, communication strategies, data analysis, and school culture. The two-day seminar focuses on developing practical skills such as decision making, problem solving, conflict resolution, and team building. Finally, participants must take a final assessment that evaluates their knowledge of NISL standards for effective school leadership.

To get certified as an NISL Certified Assistant Principal, you must first complete all three components of the program (online modules, face-to-face seminar, final assessment). Once you have completed all three components successfully, you will receive your certification from NISL.

The cost of the NISL Certified Assistant Principal program varies depending on several factors such as location and length of the course. Generally speaking however it can range from $1,000-$2,500 USD.

7. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Certified Assistant Principal

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Certified Assistant Principal is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of assistant principals in K-12 education. It is designed to help school administrators demonstrate their commitment to excellence and continuous professional growth.

The certification process typically takes 6-8 months to complete, depending on the individual’s current level of experience. To get started, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements, which include having at least three years of full-time experience as an assistant principal in a K-12 educational setting. Once these requirements are met, applicants must then pass an online assessment that covers topics such as curriculum development, instructional leadership, school climate and culture, student supervision and safety, and more.

Once the assessment has been passed with a score of 70% or higher, applicants must then submit a portfolio that includes evidence of their professional development activities over the past five years. This portfolio should include evidence such as coursework taken or workshops attended related to their position as an assistant principal. Lastly, applicants must also complete an interview with two ASCD certified reviewers who will evaluate their knowledge and skills related to the role of assistant principal.

The cost for this certification is $1125 USD for ASCD members or $1350 USD for non-members. This fee includes both the application fee and exam fee.

8. National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certified Assistant Principal

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certified Assistant Principal is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s commitment to excellence in school leadership. This certification is designed to recognize those who have achieved the highest standards of performance in their role as assistant principal.

To become NAESP Certified, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process. The eligibility requirements include having at least three years of successful experience as an assistant principal or equivalent, holding a valid state administrator's license or certificate, and completing the required coursework for certification.

The application process includes submitting a completed application form, providing transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, and passing the NAESP Certification Exam with a score of 80% or higher. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification within 8-10 weeks from the date of submission.

The cost for the NAESP Certification Exam is $375 USD and must be paid prior to taking the exam. Additional fees may apply for late applications and/or rescheduling exams.

9. Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Certified Assistant Principal

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Certified Assistant Principal is a professional certification program for assistant principals. It is designed to recognize assistant principals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead an educational organization. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education activities.

To receive the CCSSO Certified Assistant Principal certification, applicants must meet the following criteria:

-Have at least three years of successful experience as an assistant principal in a public school setting;

-Hold a master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field;

-Complete an approved course of study in educational leadership;

-Pass the CCSSO Certified Assistant Principal exam.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as school law, curriculum development, instructional management, human resources management, and school finance. The exam fee is $250.00 and it takes approximately four hours to complete.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also submit documentation verifying their qualifications and experience as an assistant principal. This includes a letter from their current employer confirming their employment status as an assistant principal for at least three years prior to applying for certification. Applicants must also provide transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, including any graduate degrees earned in educational leadership or related fields. The application fee is $100.00 and it typically takes 4-6 weeks for applications to be processed and approved by CCSSO.

10. Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Certified Assistant Principal

The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Certified Assistant Principal Program is a professional certification program for assistant principals in the SREB region. This certification is designed to provide assistant principals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead their schools. The program consists of two components: an online course and a practicum.

The online course is designed to help assistant principals develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful school leaders. It covers topics such as school law, curriculum development, school finance, student discipline, and instructional leadership. The course takes approximately 8-10 weeks to complete and costs $800.

The practicum provides assistant principals with hands-on experience in leading a school. During this practicum, participants will work with experienced administrators on real-life scenarios in order to gain practical experience in leading a school. The practicum lasts 6-8 weeks and costs $1,500.

Upon completion of both the online course and the practicum, participants are eligible for SREB Certified Assistant Principal status. This certification demonstrates that an individual has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to be an effective leader in their school district or state.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Principal Certificate?

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need an assistant principal certificate, the answer is ultimately up to you. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to having a certificate, so it’s important to weigh these before making a decision.

Having an assistant principal certificate can be beneficial in many ways. It can help open doors for potential job opportunities and show that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to become an effective leader in the school system. Additionally, it may provide access to higher-level positions and increase your earning potential. With the right credentials, you could even move into administrative roles within a school district or work with private schools.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks associated with obtaining an assistant principal certificate. For one thing, it can be expensive and time consuming to obtain the necessary qualifications, especially if you don’t already possess a teaching license or master’s degree in education. Furthermore, it may be difficult for you to gain experience as an assistant principal without actually working in that capacity first; this means that you may have difficulty finding employment without prior experience as an assistant principal.

Ultimately, whether or not you need an assistant principal certificate depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you think that a certification will help further your career prospects and enhance your leadership abilities, then obtaining one might be worth considering. However, if cost or lack of experience is a major concern for you, then it might be better to focus on gaining more experience in educational administration before pursuing additional credentials.

Related: Assistant Principal Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Principal Certifications

1. What is an Assistant Principal Certification?

Answer: An Assistant Principal Certification is a credential that is granted by the state in which a school administrator works, and it allows them to serve as an assistant principal in K-12 public schools.

2. How do I become eligible for an Assistant Principal Certification?

Answer: To become eligible for an Assistant Principal Certification, you must have a valid teaching license in the state where you are seeking certification, and you must have completed additional coursework or a master's degree in educational leadership or administration.

3. Are there any tests required to obtain an Assistant Principal Certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require that applicants take and pass the relevant Praxis test in order to receive their certification.

4. What are the duties of an assistant principal?

Answer: The primary duties of an assistant principal include supervising teachers and staff; developing curriculum; providing instructional leadership; managing student discipline and safety; working with parents; assessing student performance; and serving as a liaison between the school and district administrators.

5. How long does it take to get an Assistant Principal Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain an Assistant Principal Certification depends on your individual situation, including your current qualifications and the state requirements for certification. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 1-2 years to complete all of the necessary steps for certification.