Top 11 Community Outreach Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a community outreach coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary qualifications and skills to perform successfully in the role. Certification programs provide organized training that is tailored to the needs of a particular job, and they also provide proof of competency. They can also serve as a way to stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, giving employers assurance that the candidate has been trained and tested to meet industry standards. Certifications can also open up opportunities for career advancement or higher salaries. Lastly, certifications can help build credibility with stakeholders, clients, and partners.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Community Outreach Coordinators and how they can benefit a Community Outreach Coordinator's career.

What are Community Outreach Coordinator Certifications?

Community outreach coordinator certification is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively plan, manage, and implement community outreach campaigns. This certification provides training in areas such as public relations, event management, budgeting and grant writing. It also covers topics related to marketing, communications, and social media.

By becoming certified in community outreach coordination, individuals can gain a competitive edge when applying for jobs in this field. Certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and indicates that they have taken the time to develop the necessary skills and knowledge in order to be successful. Additionally, employers will view certified applicants as more qualified than those without certification.

Certification also allows individuals to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in community outreach coordination so they can better serve their clients or employer. With certification comes access to valuable resources such as webinars and seminars which can help individuals advance their career goals by learning new strategies for effective communication and marketing within their sector. Finally, being certified may provide access to exclusive job opportunities or promotional opportunities that are not available to non-certified professionals.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements for becoming a certified community outreach coordinator in your area. Different states and regions may have different qualifications, so it is important to ensure you are meeting all of the necessary criteria before pursuing certification.

Related: What does a Community Outreach Coordinator do?

Top 11 Community Outreach Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Community Outreach Coordinators today.

1. Certified Community Outreach Professional (CCOP)

Certified Community Outreach Professional (CCOP) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Community Outreach Professionals (NACOP). The CCOP certification is designed to recognize and promote excellence in community outreach professionals. It provides an opportunity for outreach professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of community outreach.

The CCOP certification requires a minimum of two years of professional experience in community outreach or related fields. To become certified, applicants must successfully complete a comprehensive written examination that covers topics such as principles of community engagement, communication strategies, program design and evaluation, grant writing and reporting, and ethical considerations.

To obtain the CCOP certification, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with the required fee. The fee for the CCOP certification is $150 for NACOP members and $200 for non-members. Once the application has been approved, applicants must take and pass the written examination within six months of submitting their application.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CCOP certificate from NACOP. This certificate serves as proof that they have achieved a level of expertise in community outreach that meets or exceeds industry standards.

2. Certified Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator (CNOC)

A Certified Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator (CNOC) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of nonprofit outreach. This certification is designed to help organizations increase their capacity to reach and engage more people, as well as strengthen their ability to develop effective strategies for community engagement.

The CNOC program is offered through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA). The program consists of three courses that cover topics such as fundraising, marketing, and public relations. Participants must complete all three courses and pass an exam in order to receive their certification. The entire program takes approximately six months to complete.

In order to get certified, applicants must first register with the NLA and pay a registration fee of $150. They then need to purchase the course materials and take the three required courses. Upon completion of the courses, participants will be eligible to take the CNOC exam which costs an additional $100.

Once they have passed the exam, applicants will receive their official CNOC certificate from the NLA. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking additional coursework or attending workshops related to nonprofit outreach.

3. Certified Public Relations Specialist (CPRS)

A Certified Public Relations Specialist (CPRS) is a professional designation awarded by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). It is the highest level of certification available to public relations professionals.

The CPRS certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in public relations through a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of two parts: an online assessment and an oral examination. The online assessment covers topics such as strategic planning, media relations, writing, research and evaluation. The oral examination tests the applicant's ability to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

The process takes approximately six months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application and pay a fee of $395 for PRSA members or $495 for non-members. Once accepted into the program, applicants must pass both the online assessment and oral examination with a score of at least 70%. Upon passing both exams, applicants will be awarded their CPRS certification.

The cost of the CPRS certification includes the application fee as well as any additional fees associated with taking the exams (such as travel expenses). In addition, applicants may need to purchase study materials or enroll in preparatory courses in order to prepare for the exams.

4. Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

A Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS) is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual’s ability to create, implement and measure successful social media campaigns. The CSMS certification is offered by the Social Media Academy and requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of social media strategy, tactics and best practices.

The CSMS program consists of three courses: Introduction to Social Media Strategy, Advanced Social Media Strategy and Measurement & Analytics. Each course is self-paced and can be completed in 2-3 weeks. Once all three courses are finished, applicants must pass a final exam to receive their certification.

The cost for the CSMS program varies depending on the payment plan chosen. The full program costs $1,999 USD if paid upfront or $2,499 USD if paid in installments over six months.

To apply for the CSMS program, applicants must submit a completed application form along with proof of education (e.g., college transcripts). Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in digital marketing or related field.

5. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

The Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential is a professional certification awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for successful fundraising management. It is the only globally-recognized certification in fundraising. The CFRE credential is administered by CFRE International, an independent certifying organization that sets standards for ethical and effective fundraising practice.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass a rigorous exam covering the six core competencies of fundraising: Relationship Building & Engagement; Strategic Planning; Resource Development; Volunteer Involvement; Leadership & Management; and Accountability & Measurement. Applicants must also demonstrate at least five years of full-time professional experience in fundraising or related activities within the past 10 years.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the application process and receive results from CFRE International. Once approved, applicants will be notified by email with instructions on how to register for the exam. The cost of taking the exam is $395 USD for members of CFRE International or $495 USD for non-members.

6. Certified Grants Management Professional (CGMP)

Certified Grants Management Professional (CGMP) is a professional certification program that provides recognition of knowledge and experience in grants management. It is offered by the National Grants Management Association (NGMA), an organization dedicated to advancing the profession of grants management.

The CGMP program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical assessment. The written exam tests the knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts, and practices related to grants management. The practical assessment evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

It typically takes about six months to complete the entire CGMP process, including taking the exam, completing the practical assessment, and submitting all required documents for review. Candidates must also attend an NGMA-sponsored training course on grants management prior to taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining CGMP certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or in person. If you take it online, it will cost $400; if you take it in person at an NGMA-sponsored event, it will cost $500. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with attending training courses or purchasing study materials for the exam.

7. Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA)

Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced volunteer administrators. The CVA program recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of volunteer management, and it provides them with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

The CVA program is administered by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), which is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in volunteer management. The CCVA sets standards for the certification process, which includes an application process, an examination, and a review by a panel of experts.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including at least three years of experience in volunteer management or related fields; completion of an approved training program; and successful completion of the CVA exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as volunteer recruitment and retention, risk management, and legal issues related to volunteers.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. It usually takes about two months from when you apply until you receive your results. Once you pass the exam, there is an annual fee of $50 USD to maintain your certification status.

8. Certified Event Planner (CEP)

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional certification program that provides event planners with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to plan and execute successful events. The CEP program is offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA).

The CEP program consists of four courses: Event Design & Production; Event Management; Business & Legal Principles; and Professionalism & Ethics. Each course requires approximately 30 hours of study time, including reading, watching videos, completing assignments, and taking quizzes.

To become certified as a CEP, you must complete all four courses and pass the final exam. The entire program takes approximately 120 hours to complete.

The cost for the CEP program varies depending on your location and whether you choose to take the online or in-person classes. In general, it costs around $1,000 USD for all four courses plus the exam fee.

Once you have completed all four courses and passed the final exam, you will receive your official CEP certificate from ILEA. This certificate is valid for three years after which time you must renew it in order to remain certified as a CEP.

9. Certified Community Organizer (CCO)

Certified Community Organizer (CCO) is a professional certification program that provides training and skills necessary for community organizers to become effective leaders in their communities. The CCO program is offered by the National Association of Community Organizers (NACO). It is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to effectively organize, mobilize, and lead people in their local communities.

It typically takes anywhere from six months to two years to complete the CCO program. Participants must complete a series of courses and workshops that cover topics such as leadership development, community organizing strategies, and public policy. Upon completion of the program, participants are awarded a Certificate of Completion from NACO.

To get certified as a CCO, one must first apply for the certification through NACO's website. Applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be assigned an advisor who will help them navigate the process and provide guidance throughout their studies.

The cost of becoming a Certified Community Organizer varies depending on which courses are taken and how many credits are earned. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD to become certified.

10. Certified Community Engagement Specialist (CCES)

Certified Community Engagement Specialist (CCES) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage communities in meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and action. The program consists of three units: Community Engagement Theory and Practice; Facilitation and Leadership; and Evaluation of Community Engagement.

The CCES program takes approximately six months to complete. It involves completing an online course, reading material, taking quizzes, participating in discussion forums, completing assignments, and submitting a final project.

To get the CCES certification, you must first complete the online course. After that, you must pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. You must also submit your final project for review by the CCES board of directors.

The cost of the CCES certification varies depending on how long it takes you to complete the coursework and exams. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1000 USD to become certified as a CCES specialist.

11. Certified Digital Marketing Strategist (CDMS).

Certified Digital Marketing Strategist (CDMS) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful digital marketing strategists. The program provides an in-depth understanding of the digital marketing landscape, including the latest trends and technologies, as well as best practices for creating effective campaigns.

The CDMS program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an exam. The online course takes approximately 8 weeks to complete and covers topics such as SEO, content marketing, social media marketing, email marketing, web analytics, and more. Upon completion of the course, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CDMS program varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it will cost between $500-$1,000 USD for the entire program. Additionally, some courses may require additional fees for materials or textbooks.

To get certified as a Digital Marketing Strategist through CDMS, you must first complete the online course and then pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have done so, you will receive your official certificate from CDMS which will be valid for two years. After two years, you can renew your certification by completing additional courses or taking refresher exams if needed.

Do You Really Need a Community Outreach Coordinator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Community Outreach Coordinator Certificate will depend on your current level of education and experience. If you already have a degree in a related field and have some professional experience working with communities, then the certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are looking to break into this field, having a certificate can give you an edge over other candidates who do not have one.

The certificate can provide you with the skills necessary to successfully coordinate outreach programs and connect with local community members. It can also demonstrate your commitment to working in this area and show employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in community outreach. Additionally, it can help broaden your knowledge base by teaching you best practices for engaging with different groups of people and providing resources they may need.

Ultimately, whether or not you need to get the Community Outreach Coordinator Certificate will depend on your individual situation. If it is something that could benefit your career path, then it may be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Community Outreach Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Community Outreach Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Community Outreach Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Community Outreach Coordinator Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in community outreach. It validates the ability to effectively manage outreach initiatives, build relationships with stakeholders, and create positive change in the community.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Community Outreach Coordinator Certification?

Answer: The requirements vary depending on the organization offering the certification, but typically include completing a course or program related to community outreach and passing an exam or assessment. Additional requirements may include prior experience in community outreach or volunteer work.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Community Outreach Coordinator Certification?

Answer: This depends on the organization offering the certification and any prerequisites required for enrollment. Generally, it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to complete all of the necessary steps to obtain certification.

4. Are there any additional benefits associated with having a Community Outreach Coordinator Certification?

Answer: Yes! Having this certification demonstrates your commitment to professional development and shows employers that you have specialized knowledge in this field. Additionally, it can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions within your field of work.

5. Does a Community Outreach Coordinator Certification expire?

Answer: Depending on the organization offering the certification, there may be some form of recertification requirement after initially obtaining your certification (e.g., continuing education credits). Otherwise, certifications typically do not expire unless you fail to meet certain requirements established by the organization offering them (e.g., completing additional courses).