Top 11 Associate Professor Certifications

Certifications are an important tool for associate professors in the job market, as they can demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in their field. Certifications provide evidence that the professor has achieved a certain level of professional competence, which is valuable to potential employers. Certifications also show that the professor is up-to-date on the latest developments in their field and that they have a commitment to continuing education. In addition, certifications can help associate professors stand out from other applicants when applying for new positions, as employers may view them as more qualified than those without certifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications available for Associate Professors and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Associate Professor Certifications?

Associate professor certification is a type of certification that is offered to those who have successfully completed advanced academic training and research. It is usually awarded by universities or other educational institutions, and it certifies the holder's expertise in their particular field of study. This certification can help those who hold it to more easily gain employment as an associate professor at a university or college. It also serves as evidence of their professional qualifications and experience, which can be beneficial when competing for promotions or other positions within academia. Additionally, holding associate professor certification can be a great way to demonstrate one’s commitment to the field, furthering their career prospects in the long run.

Pro Tip: When pursuing an Associate Professor Certification, be sure to research the requirements and qualifications for the specific program you are interested in. Every program is different, so it's important to understand what is needed to be successful. Additionally, make sure to familiarize yourself with the application process and deadlines in advance so that you can ensure a smooth transition into the certification program.

Related: What does an Associate Professor do?

Top 11 Associate Professor Certifications

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

1. Certified Associate Professor (CAP)

Certified Associate Professor (CAP) is a professional certification offered by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP). It is designed to recognize and reward excellence in teaching, research, and service among university faculty.

The CAP program is open to all full-time faculty members who have been employed at their current institution for at least three years. To become certified, faculty must demonstrate that they have met the criteria set forth by the AAUP, including teaching effectiveness, scholarly activity, service to the university and community, and professional development.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about two years. During this time, faculty are required to submit documentation of their accomplishments in each of the four areas outlined above. This includes evidence such as student evaluations, peer reviews of teaching effectiveness, published works or presentations given at conferences or workshops. Faculty must also submit a written statement describing their contributions to their institution and profession.

Once all the necessary documentation has been submitted and reviewed by the AAUP committee, a decision will be made regarding whether or not certification is granted. If approved, faculty members will receive an official certificate from the AAUP acknowledging their achievement.

The cost of obtaining CAP certification varies depending on individual circumstances; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

2. Certified Online Teaching Associate Professor (COTAP)

Certified Online Teaching Associate Professor (COTAP) is an online teaching certification program that provides educators with the knowledge and skills needed to teach effectively in an online environment. It is designed for those who are interested in teaching online courses, or those who already have experience teaching online but want to gain additional credentials.

The COTAP program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and a final exam. The self-paced course covers topics such as creating effective online learning environments, developing engaging content, and assessing student performance. The final exam tests the knowledge gained from the course and requires the successful completion of a project demonstrating mastery of the material.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the COTAP program, including both the self-paced course and the final exam. To get started, you will need to register for the program through their website and pay a fee. The cost of the program varies depending on which version you choose; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Once registered, you will have access to all of the materials needed to complete your training, including videos, readings, quizzes, and activities. Upon successful completion of both parts of the COTAP program (the self-paced course and final exam), you will receive your certification as an Online Teaching Associate Professor (COTAP).

3. Certified Professional in Higher Education Administration (CPHEA)

Certified Professional in Higher Education Administration (CPHEA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize higher education professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of higher education administration. The program is administered by the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO).

The CPHEA certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to higher education administration through a combination of academic coursework and professional experience. To become certified, applicants must complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of graduate-level coursework in higher education administration from an accredited college or university. They must also have at least three years of full-time professional experience in higher education administration.

Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as budgeting, finance, legal issues, human resources management, and organizational leadership. Once they have met all the requirements for certification, they will receive their official CPHEA certificate from NACUBO.

It typically takes about two years to complete all the requirements for CPHEA certification. The cost for the program varies depending on which courses are taken and where they are taken from; however, it can range from $2,000-$3,500 USD.

4. Certified Learning and Development Professional (CLDP)

Certified Learning and Development Professional (CLDP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of learning and development professionals. The certification is awarded by the International Board of Certified Trainers (IBT), an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of trainer education and certification.

The CLDP program consists of three components: a comprehensive online training course, a written exam, and an oral assessment. The online training course covers topics such as instructional design, adult learning principles, performance management, organizational development, change management, and technology-based learning.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CLDP program. During this time, you will need to complete the online training course and pass both the written exam and oral assessment.

To get started on your journey to becoming a Certified Learning and Development Professional (CLDP), you must first register for the program with IBT. Registration fees vary depending on your country of residence; however, they are typically around $200 USD or more. Once registered, you will receive access to the online training course which will guide you through all aspects of learning and development theory and practice.

Once you have completed the online training course, you can then take the written exam which is administered by IBT in most countries around the world. The cost for taking this exam varies depending on your country of residence; however it typically ranges from $100-$250 USD or more.

Finally, after passing both the online training course and written exam, you can then apply for an oral assessment which is conducted by IBT in person or via video conference. This assessment costs approximately $400 USD or more depending on your country of residence. Upon successful completion of all three components – online training course, written exam, and oral assessment – you will be awarded with your CLDP certification!

5. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is an independent, non-profit organization that sets high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. It is the leading professional certification system designed to recognize and reward excellent teaching practice. The NBPTS has developed a set of standards that define what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do.

It typically takes two years to complete the process of becoming certified by the NBPTS. This includes completing a portfolio, taking assessments, and participating in an interview with a board member. Candidates must demonstrate their knowledge of subject matter and pedagogy as well as their ability to reflect on their practice and apply research-based strategies in their classrooms.

To get certified by the NBPTS, you must first meet all eligibility requirements, which include having three years of full-time teaching experience within the last seven years and holding a valid state teaching license or certificate. You will then need to complete an application packet, pay a fee, submit your portfolio materials, take assessments, participate in an interview with a board member, and receive final approval from the NBPTS Board of Examiners.

The cost for certification through the NBPTS varies depending on your state/region of residence but generally ranges from $2,500 - $4,000 USD including application fees, assessment fees, portfolio fees, etc.

6. American Council on Education Fellow (ACEF)

The American Council on Education Fellow (ACEF) is a prestigious program that provides an opportunity for mid-career professionals to gain a deeper understanding of higher education administration. The program is designed to give participants the opportunity to explore new ideas, develop relationships with leaders in their field, and gain valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied to their current positions.

The ACEF program typically takes one year to complete. It begins with an orientation session and then includes a series of seminars, workshops, and retreats throughout the year. During this time, Fellows will have the chance to visit different college campuses and meet with administrators from across the country.

To become an ACEF Fellow, applicants must have at least five years of experience in higher education administration or related fields. They must also demonstrate commitment to advancing higher education through their professional activities, such as teaching or research. Additionally, applicants must be nominated by a current or former ACEF Fellow who can vouch for their qualifications.

The cost of participating in the ACEF program varies depending on each individual's situation. Generally speaking, it includes tuition fees for all seminars and workshops as well as travel expenses associated with attending them. Additionally, Fellows may need to pay for lodging during retreats or other events associated with the program.

7. Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) is a professional certification offered by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI). It is the highest credential for human resource professionals and demonstrates an individual’s expertise in the field.

To be eligible to take the SPHR exam, you must have at least four years of experience in a professional-level HR position, with a minimum of three years within the last seven years.

The exam consists of 175 multiple choice questions that cover six main topic areas: strategic management, workforce planning and employment, total rewards, employee and labor relations, occupational health, safety and security, and risk management. The exam takes about four hours to complete.

To get certified as an SPHR, you must pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. After passing the exam, you will receive your official certification from HRCI.

The cost to take the SPHR exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 to register for the exam plus any additional fees associated with taking it at a testing center or online.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to lead and direct projects.

To become PMP certified, individuals must meet certain criteria, including having at least three years of project management experience, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, 35 hours of project management education, and passing a four-hour exam.

The process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. To get started, individuals should review the PMP Handbook on the PMI website to learn more about the requirements for certification. After that, they should register with PMI and create an account in order to apply for the exam. Once approved, they will need to pay an application fee of $555 USD (or $405 USD if they are a member of PMI).

Once registered for the exam, individuals will have 90 days from their registration date to schedule their exam with Pearson VUE or Prometric Testing Centers. The cost of taking the exam is $405 USD (or $555 USD if not a member of PMI).

After successfully completing the exam, individuals will receive their official PMP certification within four weeks from their test date.

9. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute, a global association of investment professionals. The CFA Program is designed to give financial analysts and portfolio managers the skills and knowledge necessary to make sound investment decisions in today’s complex markets. It takes an average of four years to complete the program and obtain the CFA charter.

To become a CFA charterholder, candidates must pass three levels of exams that cover topics such as economics, accounting, portfolio management, security analysis, and ethics. Candidates must also have at least four years of qualified work experience in finance or investment-related roles.

The cost for the CFA Program varies depending on when you register for each level exam. The registration fee for each level exam is currently $950 USD plus applicable taxes. In addition to this fee, there are study materials and other resources that may be purchased to help with preparation for the exams.

10. Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in quality engineering principles and practices. The CQE designation is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field of quality engineering.

In order to become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as quality systems, design of experiments, statistical process control, measurement systems analysis, and corrective action. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CQE exam, applicants must have at least eight years of work experience in quality engineering or related fields. Applicants may also substitute education for some or all of the required work experience if they have completed a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field.

The cost of taking the CQE exam varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For ASQ members, the fee is $349; for non-members it is $449. In addition to the exam fee, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and/or obtaining study materials from ASQ or other sources.

11. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the Six Sigma methodology. The certification is offered by various organizations, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC).

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification program typically takes between six months and two years to complete, depending on the organization offering it. To become certified, individuals must first pass an exam that tests their knowledge of Six Sigma principles, tools and techniques. After passing the exam, they must then complete a project demonstrating their ability to apply these principles in practice.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, individuals must also have at least three years of experience working with Six Sigma projects or processes. This experience should include leading at least one successful project from start to finish. In addition, they must demonstrate mastery of all aspects of the Six Sigma methodology and possess strong problem-solving skills.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Black Belt certification varies depending on which organization is offering it. Generally speaking, however, expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 for the exam and training materials.

Do You Really Need a Associate Professor Certificate?

Whether or not you need an Associate Professor Certificate depends on what you plan to do with it. If you are looking for a job as an associate professor, then having this certificate could be a great asset. It could show potential employers that you possess the necessary qualifications and skills to teach at the college level. Additionally, if you are interested in pursuing higher education, such as a masters or doctorate degree, having this certificate may make the admissions process easier.

On the other hand, if you don’t plan to use the Associate Professor Certificate for professional reasons, then it may not be necessary. Depending on your current job and educational goals, there may be other certificates or credentials that would provide more relevant benefits. For example, if your goal is to become a college professor, then earning a teaching certificate might be more beneficial than an Associate Professor Certificate.

Ultimately, it comes down to evaluating your current situation and determining whether or not an Associate Professor Certificate would be useful for achieving your goals. If so, then it could definitely be worth pursuing. However, if not, then it might be better to focus on other credentials that will help get you where you want to go in life.

Related: Associate Professor Resume Examples

FAQs About Associate Professor Certifications

1. Are there any prerequisites for Associate Professor Certification?

Answer: Yes, applicants must have a doctoral degree in their field of expertise and have at least three years of teaching experience at the college or university level.

2. How long does it take to complete the Associate Professor Certification process?

Answer: The process typically takes between six months and one year from start to finish.

3. What documents are required for Associate Professor Certification?

Answer: Applicants must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a professional resume, and a statement of interest outlining their qualifications. In some cases, applicants may also be required to submit research papers and other published works.

4. How much does Associate Professor Certification cost?

Answer: The cost varies depending on the institution offering the certification program and can range from $500 to $5000 or more.

5. Is Associate Professor Certification recognized by employers?

Answer: Yes, many employers recognize this certification as an indication of an individual's knowledge and experience in higher education teaching and research.