Top 11 Assistant Professor Certifications

Certifications are important for assistant professors in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and credentialing that is necessary for many academic positions. Certifications can provide employers with evidence of an assistant professor’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. They show that the individual has taken the initiative to seek out additional training or education in order to advance their career. Certifications also demonstrate an understanding of current trends and research in their field, which can be beneficial when competing for jobs. Finally, certifications may help assistant professors stand out from other applicants by showing a commitment to professional development.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Assistant Professors, and explains how they can help to further an assistant professor's career.

What are Assistant Professor Certifications?

Assistant professor certification is a professional credential that is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in their field. This certification is typically granted by colleges and universities and is designed to recognize the achievements of those who have achieved a certain level of accomplishment in their academic pursuits.

The primary benefit of assistant professor certification is the recognition it provides for individuals in their field. Having this credential validates the knowledge and experience that an individual has, which can be useful in securing employment or advancing one's career. It also demonstrates that an individual has met certain standards of excellence and has been acknowledged by others for their accomplishments. Furthermore, having this certification can help an individual stand out from the competition when applying for jobs or promotions, as it indicates they have achieved a certain level of proficiency that is recognized by respected institutions.

In addition to providing recognition, assistant professor certification can also provide access to professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, seminars, etc. These opportunities can help individuals stay informed on current trends in their field and develop the skills necessary to remain competitive in the job market. Finally, having this certification may also give individuals access to exclusive networks with other professionals who share similar interests and backgrounds. This can be beneficial for networking purposes as well as gaining insights into potential job opportunities or avenues for furthering one’s education or research pursuits.

Pro Tip: When applying for assistant professor certification, make sure you have a thorough understanding of the requirements and expectations of the position. Research the institution you’re applying to and familiarize yourself with their academic standards, course requirements, and policies. Additionally, be aware of any deadlines or application processes that may be necessary for your certification.

Related: What does an Assistant Professor do?

Top 11 Assistant Professor Certifications

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

1. Certified Teacher Leader

Certified Teacher Leader (CTL) is a professional credential that recognizes teachers who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to serve as leaders in their school and district. It is offered by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS).

To become a CTL, teachers must have at least three years of teaching experience and demonstrate their commitment to student learning through leadership activities. The certification process includes completing a portfolio, passing an assessment, and participating in a face-to-face seminar.

The process typically takes one year to complete. To get started, interested individuals must register with NBPTS and pay the registration fee of $50. After registering, they will receive access to the online portfolio system where they can begin building their portfolio. Once the portfolio has been completed and submitted for review, applicants will take an assessment which is administered by NBPTS. Upon successful completion of the assessment, applicants must attend a two-day face-to-face seminar where they will be evaluated on their leadership skills.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their CTL certification from NBPTS. The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the state or district in which you live; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD.

2. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification is a voluntary certification process that recognizes teachers who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in their field. The certification is based on the NBPTS’s Five Core Propositions, which are standards of excellence for teaching practice.

The certification process typically takes three to four years to complete, depending on the teacher's experience and commitment level. It requires teachers to demonstrate their mastery of content knowledge and pedagogical practices through a portfolio submission, as well as passing an assessment exam. Teachers must also complete professional development activities related to the Five Core Propositions.

To get started on the NBPTS Certification process, teachers must first register with the NBPTS website and pay a registration fee of $75. Then they can begin working on their portfolio submission, which includes evidence of teaching practice such as lesson plans, student work samples, reflections on teaching practice, and more. Once the portfolio is completed, it will be reviewed by a panel of experts who will assess whether or not it meets the standards set forth by the NBPTS. If accepted, teachers will then take an assessment exam and submit additional documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation before being certified.

The total cost of getting an NBPTS Certification varies depending on factors such as state requirements and membership fees associated with professional organizations that offer support throughout the process. However, most states provide some form of financial assistance for teachers who are pursuing this certification; for example, some states may cover all or part of the registration fee or provide grants to help cover other costs associated with completing the certification process.

3. Certified Instructional Technology Specialist (CITS)

Certified Instructional Technology Specialist (CITS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of instructional technology. The certification is offered through the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), an organization dedicated to advancing the use of technology in education.

To become certified as a CITS, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an examination. Eligibility requirements include having at least two years of experience working with instructional technology, or having completed a master’s degree in instructional technology or related field. Applicants must also submit proof of their educational background and work experience.

The CITS exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as instructional design, educational software, multimedia tools, and online learning systems. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any ISTE-approved testing center.

The cost for taking the CITS exam is $250 USD. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their official CITS certificate from ISTE.

4. Certified Online Instructor (COI)

Certified Online Instructor (COI) is a professional certification designed to recognize and validate the skills of online instructors. The COI certification is awarded by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), an international organization that supports innovation and quality in online learning.

The COI certification is intended for those who have experience teaching online courses and want to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in this area. To be eligible for the COI, applicants must have at least three years of experience teaching online courses, a master’s degree or higher, and a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their knowledge of best practices in online instruction.

The COI certification process consists of two parts: an application review and an assessment exam. The application review involves submitting your portfolio of evidence for review by OLC staff. Once your application has been approved, you will be invited to take the assessment exam which consists of multiple-choice questions about topics related to online instruction such as instructional design, assessment strategies, technology integration, and more.

The cost for the COI certification is $395 USD plus applicable taxes. The entire process typically takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish.

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

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is a non-profit organization that provides accreditation to schools, colleges, and departments of education. NCATE certification is designed to ensure that teachers receive the highest quality preparation before entering the classroom. The certification process involves an extensive review of a school's teacher preparation program, which includes curriculum, faculty qualifications, and student outcomes.

Getting NCATE certification typically takes two years or more. During this time, schools must submit an application and provide evidence that their programs meet the standards set by the council. Schools must also demonstrate that they are providing a quality educational experience for students. Once all requirements are met, the school will be awarded NCATE certification.

In order to get NCATE certification, schools must first complete an application and pay an application fee. This fee varies depending on the size of the school and its teacher preparation program. In addition to the application fee, there may be additional fees associated with submitting documents and completing other necessary steps in order to become certified by NCATE.

Once a school has been approved for NCATE certification, it must be renewed every five years in order to maintain its status as an accredited institution. In order to do this, schools must provide evidence that they are continuing to meet all standards set by NCATE and demonstrate that they are providing a quality educational experience for students.

6. Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) Certification

Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates mastery of the principles, processes, and practices of instructional design and technology. It is an industry-recognized certification that validates expertise in the development of effective learning experiences.

The IDT Certification Program is offered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI). The program consists of two parts: a written exam and a portfolio review. The written exam covers topics such as instructional design theory, analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation, and management. The portfolio review evaluates the quality of the candidate’s work in these areas.

The IDT Certification Program takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates must first register with IBSTPI to take the written exam. Once they have passed the exam, they can then submit their portfolios for review by IBSTPI experts. Candidates will be notified within four weeks if their portfolios are accepted or rejected.

The cost of the IDT Certification Program varies depending on where you live. In most cases it costs around $1,200 USD for both parts of the program (exam + portfolio review).

7. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes educators who demonstrate advanced knowledge, skills, and practices in the use of technology to improve learning. This certification is designed to help educators become more effective and efficient in their use of technology to support student learning.

To receive ISTE Certification, an educator must complete a series of requirements that include completing a self-assessment, attending professional development workshops, participating in online courses and activities, and passing an exam. The process typically takes about two years to complete.

To get started on the ISTE Certification path, individuals must first become an ISTE member by signing up for one of the organization's membership plans. After becoming a member, individuals can access the ISTE Certification portal where they can review the requirements and begin tracking their progress towards certification.

The cost of ISTE Certification varies depending on which membership plan you choose. The basic membership plan costs $99 per year while the premium plan costs $199 per year. Both plans provide access to the ISTE Certification portal as well as discounts on other products and services offered by ISTE.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a globally recognized professional credential offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to demonstrate a project manager’s expertise in leading and managing projects. PMP certification is highly sought after in the business world, as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and their ability to effectively manage projects.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain educational and experience requirements. They must also pass an exam that covers the five project management process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes four hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining PMP certification varies depending on your membership status with PMI. Non-members pay $555 for the exam fee while members pay $405. In addition to this fee, you may need to purchase study materials or attend training courses which can add up quickly.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for the PMP exam, although this timeline can vary depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week. Once you have passed the exam and met all other requirements, you will be officially certified as a PMP and receive your certificate from PMI.

9. Educational Leadership Administrator Certificate Program

The Educational Leadership Administrator Certificate Program is a professional development program designed to provide administrators with the skills and knowledge needed to lead successful schools. This program is offered by the National Association of School Administrators (NASPA) and consists of five core courses, which can be completed in as little as one year.

The five core courses are: School Law & Policy, Instructional Leadership, Human Resources Management, Financial Management, and Strategic Planning & Evaluation. Each course covers a range of topics related to school administration such as legal issues, budgeting, personnel management, curriculum development, and data-driven decision making.

To get the certificate, applicants must complete all five courses and pass an examination at the end of each course. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive their Educational Leadership Administrator Certificate from NASPA.

The cost for the program varies depending on whether you choose to take all five courses at once or spread them out over multiple semesters. The full program costs around $2,500 for members of NASPA; non-members pay slightly more.

10. American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) Certification

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) is a national non-profit organization that works to advance the quality of teaching education through professional development, research, and advocacy. AACTE certification is an accreditation program that recognizes programs in teacher education for their commitment to excellence in preparing teachers for successful careers in the classroom. It also provides a seal of approval for institutions and programs that meet rigorous standards set by AACTE.

To become AACTE certified, an institution must demonstrate its commitment to high-quality teacher preparation by meeting or exceeding specific standards established by the association. These standards include curriculum design and implementation, student assessment, faculty qualifications, and program evaluation. The process typically takes two years to complete and involves a comprehensive review of the institution’s teacher preparation program.

In order to get AACTE certification, an institution must first submit an application packet which includes information about the program’s mission statement, goals, curriculum design and implementation, faculty qualifications and experience, student assessment methods and results, as well as evidence of ongoing program evaluation. Once the application is approved by AACTE’s Board of Directors, a site visit will be scheduled to review all aspects of the program in detail. After this visit has been completed successfully, AACTE will issue a certificate indicating that the program has met its standards for certification.

The cost for AACTE certification varies depending on the size and scope of the institution's teacher preparation program; however it typically ranges from $2,000-$5,000 USD per year.

11. Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access and OneNote. It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the latest version of Microsoft Office and increase their employability.

It typically takes around 10-15 hours of study time to prepare for the MOS certification exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and performance-based tasks that measure a candidate’s ability to complete tasks in the various Microsoft Office applications.

To get certified, you must pass one or more exams related to specific Microsoft Office applications. The cost of each exam varies depending on the country where you take it, but generally ranges from $100-$150 USD per exam.

Once you have passed all required exams for a particular certification level (e.g., Word Expert), you will receive your MOS certification which can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in using Microsoft Office products.

Do You Really Need a Assistant Professor Certificate?

In short, the answer to this question is yes. Depending on the field in which you are pursuing a career, an assistant professor certificate can be beneficial for both your professional and academic development.

First, having an assistant professor certificate demonstrates that you have a certain level of expertise in your chosen field. This can be especially important when applying for jobs or promotions in academia, as it shows that you have a certain level of knowledge and experience that employers may be looking for. Additionally, having an assistant professor certificate can also help to increase your credibility among peers and colleagues who may not have the same level of expertise as you do.

Furthermore, the knowledge and skills acquired while completing an assistant professor certificate program can also help to enhance your own research projects or teaching methods. Having a more comprehensive understanding of topics related to your field can be very useful when conducting research or creating lesson plans. In addition, having a better understanding of current trends and developments in the field can be invaluable when it comes to staying ahead of the curve in terms of what is being taught both inside and outside the classroom setting.

Finally, having an assistant professor certificate can also provide job security. Many universities require their faculty members to hold such credentials before they are eligible for tenure or promotion opportunities. Thus, if you already possess such credentials then you will likely have a better chance at securing these kinds of positions over those who do not possess such qualifications.

Overall, obtaining an assistant professor certificate can prove to be incredibly beneficial for both your professional and academic development. With its ability to demonstrate expertise in a particular field as well as providing job security, obtaining an assistant professor certificate is something that should certainly be considered by anyone looking to advance their career within academia or any related fields.

Related: Assistant Professor Resume Examples

FAQs About Assistant Professor Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become an assistant professor?

A: To become an assistant professor, you must typically hold a doctoral degree in the subject area you are teaching and have several years of professional experience. You may also need to show evidence of research or publications in your field.

2. How long does it take to become an assistant professor?

A: The length of time it takes to become an assistant professor depends on the specific institution and requirements for the position. Generally, it can take anywhere from two to five years after earning a doctoral degree before becoming eligible for consideration.

3. Are there any certifications required for assistant professors?

A: While there are no specific certifications required for assistant professors, many universities require faculty members to complete additional training or workshops related to teaching and research methods.

4. What is the salary range for assistant professors?

A: The salary range for assistant professors varies based on institution and geographic location, but generally ranges from $50,000 - $90,000 per year.

5. Are there any special qualifications needed to teach online courses as an assistant professor?

A: Yes, most institutions require faculty members who teach online courses to have experience with distance learning techniques and technologies such as web conferencing tools or virtual classrooms.