Top 11 College Advisor Certifications

Certifications are important for college advisors in the job market because they demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality advice and guidance to students. Employers want to make sure that their college advisors are up-to-date on the latest trends in higher education, so certifications can give them assurance that their advisor is well-versed in the field. Certifications also provide employers with a way to assess an advisor’s qualifications, since many certifications require completion of rigorous coursework and exams. Additionally, certifications can help an advisor stand out from other candidates when applying for a position, as having a certification demonstrates a commitment to professional development and excellence.

The article reviews the top certifications for College Advisors and explains how they can contribute to a college advisor's career, providing insight into the importance of certification for those in the field.

What are College Advisor Certifications?

College advisor certification is a professional credential that is offered by various organizations and institutions to individuals who have successfully completed an approved program of study in the field of college advising. This type of certification demonstrates that the individual has obtained the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide effective college counseling services.

The primary purpose of college advisor certification is to ensure that those providing college advising services are qualified professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with higher education. College advisors must be knowledgeable about topics such as financial aid, admissions requirements, career planning, and academic support services. They must also possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate with students from diverse backgrounds.

Having a college advisor who is certified can help students in many ways. Certified advisors are better equipped to provide accurate advice on topics such as selecting a major, preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, researching colleges, creating a resume and cover letter, exploring scholarship options, and completing applications for admission. Additionally, certified advisors may have access to resources that can help students navigate the college search process more efficiently and effectively. Finally, certified advisors often have more experience working with students from different backgrounds and can provide personalized guidance tailored to each student’s unique needs and goals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the credentials of any college advisor you are considering hiring. Look for certification from a reputable organization, such as the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), and check references to ensure that they have the experience and qualifications necessary to provide quality advice.

Related: What does a College Advisor do?

Top 11 College Advisor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to College Advisors today.

1. Certified Educational Planner (CEP)

Certified Educational Planner (CEP) is a professional designation for individuals who specialize in helping students and families plan for college. A CEP must have a master’s degree in education, counseling, or a related field, as well as three years of experience working with students and families on educational planning.

To become certified, an individual must complete the College Board’s Certified Educational Planner Program (CEPP). This program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course is designed to help participants gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective educational planning services. The exam tests participants’ understanding of the material covered in the course.

The entire CEPP program takes approximately 12 weeks to complete. Participants are expected to spend 8-10 hours per week studying and completing assignments. The cost of the program is $1,495 (as of 2021).

2. Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS)

Certified College Planning Specialist (CCPS) is a professional certification that is designed to help individuals learn the best strategies for college planning and financial aid. The CCPS certification program is offered by the National Institute of Certified College Planners (NICCP).

To become a Certified College Planning Specialist, you must complete an online training program that consists of 10 modules. This program covers topics such as college admissions, financial aid, scholarships, student loans, and more. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the program and pass the final exam.

In order to get certified, you must first register for the course on the NICCP website. The cost of the course is $399 USD. Once you have completed all 10 modules and passed the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official certification from NICCP.

The CCPS certification is valid for two years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses.

3. National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) is a professional membership organization that serves more than 15,000 professionals who work in college admissions and school counseling. NACAC provides resources to its members on college admissions, financial aid, and educational planning. It also hosts conferences, workshops, and other events related to college admission counseling.

It does not take any specific amount of time to become a member of NACAC; however, it is important to note that the organization requires all members to adhere to its Code of Ethics and Professional Practices. This includes upholding the highest standards of professional conduct in the field of college admission counseling.

In order to become a member of NACAC, one must first complete an online application form and pay an annual membership fee. The fee varies depending on the type of membership one chooses (e.g., individual or institutional). For example, individual memberships cost $150 per year while institutional memberships cost $400 per year.

Once an application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the NACAC Membership Committee before being approved or denied. If approved, applicants will receive a welcome packet with information about their membership benefits as well as access to the NACAC website and other resources.

4. Certified Financial Aid Advisor (CFAA)

A Certified Financial Aid Advisor (CFAA) is a professional who has received specialized training and certification in the area of financial aid. The CFAA is responsible for helping students understand their options when it comes to financing their college education. They provide guidance on the various types of financial aid available, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. They also help students complete applications for financial aid and assist with budgeting and debt management.

It typically takes approximately six months to become a Certified Financial Aid Advisor (CFAA). This includes completing an approved training program, passing an exam administered by the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), and meeting other requirements set forth by NASFAA.

In order to become a CFAA, individuals must first complete an approved training program in financial aid administration. Programs may be offered online or in person at universities or community colleges. After completing the training program, individuals must then pass the NASFAA Certification Exam in order to receive certification as a CFAA.

The cost of becoming a CFAA varies depending on the type of training program chosen. Most programs will require payment for tuition fees as well as any additional materials needed for the coursework such as textbooks or software. In addition, there is also a fee associated with taking the NASFAA Certification Exam which can range from $200-$400 depending on location and other factors.

5. Certified College Admissions Consultant (CCAC)

Certified College Admissions Consultant (CCAC) is a professional certification program developed by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). The program is designed to provide college admissions counselors and other professionals who work in the field of college admissions with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively advise students on the college admissions process.

The CCAC certification requires successful completion of an online course, as well as passing a comprehensive exam. The online course consists of six modules that cover topics such as understanding college admission requirements, evaluating academic credentials, developing application strategies, and more. The exam is administered by NACAC and tests applicants’ knowledge of the topics covered in the course.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience working in college admissions or related fields. Applicants must also be members of NACAC and pay a $100 fee to take the exam. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education courses and paying an additional fee.

The cost to become a Certified College Admissions Consultant varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of NACAC. If you are not already a member, you will need to pay an additional membership fee before taking the exam. In total, it can cost anywhere from $200-$300 to become certified.

6. National Association of College Funding Advisors (NACFA)

The National Association of College Funding Advisors (NACFA) is a professional organization dedicated to helping families and students navigate the college funding process. NACFA provides its members with resources and training to help them better serve their clients. Membership in the organization is open to anyone who has an interest in helping families plan for college expenses.

It typically takes about 4-6 weeks to become a member of NACFA after submitting an application and paying the membership fee. To apply, you must fill out an online application form, provide proof of education or experience in the field of college funding, and pay the annual membership fee. The cost of membership varies depending on your level of experience and qualifications. For example, an individual with less than three years of experience would pay $195 per year while someone with more than three years would pay $295 per year.

NACFA also offers additional certifications that require additional fees and coursework. These certifications include Certified College Funding Advisor (CCFA), Certified College Planning Professional (CCPP), and Certified Financial Aid Advisor (CFAA). Each certification requires different levels of coursework, exams, and continuing education credits in order to maintain certification status.

7. American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP)

The American Institute of Certified Educational Planners (AICEP) is a professional organization that certifies educational planners who have demonstrated expertise in the field of educational planning. AICEP certification is a mark of excellence and demonstrates to employers, clients, and peers that an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to effectively plan for the educational needs of students.

It takes approximately two years to complete the AICEP certification process. The first step is to become a member of AICEP by submitting an application form and paying the annual membership fee. Once accepted as a member, individuals can begin working towards their certification by taking courses offered through AICEP or completing other approved training programs. After completing the required courses, members must pass an examination administered by AICEP in order to receive their certification.

The cost of becoming certified through AICEP varies depending on which courses are taken and how long it takes an individual to complete them. Generally, the cost ranges from $500-$1,000 for members who take all their courses through AICEP and up to $2,000 or more if they take courses outside of AICEP.

Overall, becoming certified through AICEP requires dedication and commitment but can be well worth it for those seeking to demonstrate their knowledge in educational planning.

8. American College Test Prep Professional Certification Program (ACT-PCP)

The American College Test Prep Professional Certification Program (ACT-PCP) is a comprehensive program designed to help students prepare for the ACT college entrance exam. The program is offered by the College Board, the organization that administers the ACT.

The program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as test taking strategies, time management techniques, and how to interpret test results. It also includes practice tests and sample questions from past exams. The in-person workshop provides additional instruction on test taking strategies and offers personalized feedback on practice tests.

The program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the student's availability for workshops and study sessions. To get certified, students must complete both the online course and workshop components of the program.

The cost of the ACT-PCP varies depending on where you live; however, it typically ranges from $200 - $400 per student. This cost includes access to all materials needed for the program, including textbooks, practice tests, and other resources.

9. Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA)

The Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA) is a professional association dedicated to promoting excellence in the field of college admissions consulting. HECA provides resources, training, and support for college admissions consultants who work with students and families during the college search and application process.

To become a member of HECA, applicants must have at least two years of experience as a college admissions consultant or related field. Applicants must also submit a written application that includes information about their background in the field, current clients, and any other relevant experience. Once accepted into the program, members can access exclusive resources and receive discounts on training opportunities.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to get approved for membership in HECA. To apply for membership, applicants must complete an online application form and submit supporting documents such as proof of experience and references from current clients.

Membership in HECA costs $195 per year or $295 for two years. This fee covers access to exclusive resources such as webinars, workshops, conferences, networking events, and discounts on services offered by other members.

10. Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CASSHE)

The Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CASSHE) is a non-profit organization that works to promote and improve the quality of higher education. CASSHE is composed of representatives from various professional associations, including the American Association of University Professors, the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, and the National Association for College Admission Counseling.

CASSHE provides standards and guidelines for higher education institutions to assess their programs and services. The standards cover areas such as student learning outcomes, student services, academic support services, faculty development, and institutional effectiveness. They are designed to help institutions evaluate their effectiveness in providing an educational environment that meets the needs of students.

To obtain a CASSHE accreditation, institutions must submit an application that includes information about their mission and goals, curriculum design and assessment processes, student learning outcomes and assessment methods, faculty development initiatives, and other related information. Once submitted, the application is reviewed by a panel of experts who evaluate it against CASSHE's standards. If approved by the panel, the institution will be granted accreditation status for a period of five years.

The cost for obtaining CASSHE accreditation varies depending on the size of the institution applying for it. Generally speaking larger institutions tend to pay more than smaller ones due to additional resources needed to meet all requirements set forth by CASSHE. Typically fees range from $2,500 - $5,000 depending on size and scope of work required by CASSHE's review panel.

11. International Association for College Admissions Professionals (IACAP).

The International Association for College Admissions Professionals (IACAP) is a professional organization that serves to promote and advance the college admissions profession. IACAP provides its members with access to resources, education, and networking opportunities in order to help them better serve their students and institutions. The organization also advocates for best practices in the field of college admissions.

Membership in IACAP is open to individuals who are currently employed as a college admissions professional or who are actively involved in the college admissions process. To become a member, applicants must complete an online application and pay an annual membership fee of $65 USD. Once accepted into the organization, members can take advantage of a range of benefits including access to exclusive webinars and publications, discounts on conferences and events, as well as opportunities to network with other professionals in the field.

IACAP also offers several certification programs for professionals looking to further their knowledge of college admissions. These include Certified College Admissions Professional (CCAP), Certified College Admissions Counselor (CCAC), and Certified College Admissions Officer (CCAO). Each program has different requirements for admission, but all require applicants to have at least two years of experience working in college admissions or related fields. The cost of each program varies depending on which certification is chosen, but typically ranges from $250-$500 USD.

Do You Really Need a College Advisor Certificate?

The answer to whether or not you need a college advisor certificate depends on the type of career you are looking to pursue. If you are seeking a job as an independent college advisor, then a certificate is likely required in order to be competitive in the job market. However, if you’re looking for a more general role as an educational consultant or mentor, then a certificate may not be necessary.

In most cases, employers prefer candidates with some formal education and/or experience in the field. A college advisor certificate can provide evidence of your knowledge and skills related to college advising and counseling. In addition, it can give employers assurance that you have the necessary credentials and qualifications for the position. Furthermore, with so many applicants vying for limited positions in the field of college advising and counseling, having a certification can help set you apart from other applicants who don’t have one.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks to obtaining a college advisor certificate. For one thing, it requires significant time and effort to complete all of the coursework associated with such programs. Additionally, while completing this training may demonstrate your dedication to becoming an effective college advisor or counselor, it won’t necessarily make up for lack of experience or natural ability when competing against other applicants. Finally, depending on where you get your certification from (and how much it costs), it could potentially become an added expense that cuts into any potential salary increases associated with having such credentials.

Overall, whether or not you should get a college advisor certificate depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you’re looking for a specific job within this field that requires such credentials (or if you believe having one will give you an advantage over other applicants), then getting certified might be beneficial for you in the long run. However, if getting certified isn’t essential for your desired role or won’t significantly increase your chances at landing the job, then it might not be worth investing in at all.

Related: College Advisor Resume Examples

FAQs About College Advisor Certifications

1. What is a college advisor certification?

A college advisor certification is a professional credential that indicates an individual has met certain standards of knowledge and experience in providing college admissions counseling services. The certification provides assurance to students and parents that the advisor is qualified and knowledgeable about the college admissions process.

2. Who offers college advisor certifications?

There are several organizations that offer college advisor certifications, including the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA), and the Higher Education Consultants Association (HECA).

3. What are the requirements to become certified as a college advisor?

Each organization has its own specific requirements for certification, which typically include completing educational courses, demonstrating relevant experience, passing a comprehensive exam, and agreeing to adhere to ethical standards of practice.

4. How long does it take to become certified as a college advisor?

The amount of time required depends on each individual's background and experience level; however, it usually takes between one and two years to complete all of the necessary requirements for certification.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a college advisor?

Becoming certified as a college advisor can provide many benefits, such as increased credibility with clients, greater opportunities for career advancement, access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities, recognition within the industry, improved job prospects, increased earning potential, and professional satisfaction.