Top 11 Community Outreach Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a community outreach specialist in the job market because they demonstrate expertise, experience and knowledge. Having certifications can give a candidate an edge when competing for jobs. Certifications can also be used to prove that a person is qualified to do the job, as many employers require them. They can also help to demonstrate that a person has the necessary skills and qualifications for the role. Additionally, certifications allow potential employers to quickly assess a candidate's level of expertise and qualifications.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Community Outreach Specialists and explain how they can enhance a community outreach specialist's career.

What are Community Outreach Specialist Certifications?

Community outreach specialist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of community outreach. This certification is designed to recognize professionals who have the necessary expertise to effectively engage with their communities, build relationships, and promote programs and services.

Certified community outreach specialists are able to identify the needs of their target audience, develop strategies for addressing those needs, and deliver effective messages in order to create positive outcomes. They also possess the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals.

The benefits of becoming certified as a community outreach specialist extend beyond personal recognition; having this certification can also lead to greater career opportunities within the field. Certified individuals may be more attractive candidates for job openings due to their demonstrated commitment to improving their knowledge and skills in the area of community outreach. Additionally, employers may view those with this certification as more reliable and trustworthy when it comes to engaging with external organizations or members of the public. Finally, having a certification can help demonstrate one’s competency in this field, which may lead to increased income potential or even promotions within an organization.

Pro tip: When considering a community outreach specialist certification, look for programs that provide hands-on experience. This will give you the opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge you are learning in real world situations and prepare you for a successful career.

Related: What does a Community Outreach Specialist do?

Top 11 Community Outreach Specialist Certifications

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

1. Certified Community Outreach Professional (CCOP)

Certified Community Outreach Professional (CCOP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in community outreach and engagement. The CCOP credential is awarded by the National Association for Community Engagement (NACE), an organization dedicated to advancing the practice of community engagement.

To become a Certified Community Outreach Professional, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an exam, and adhere to NACE's Code of Ethics. Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in community outreach or engagement, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, and must complete at least 20 hours of approved continuing education courses related to community outreach and engagement within the past three years.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as planning and implementation strategies for successful community outreach initiatives; best practices in stakeholder identification, engagement, and management; and ethical considerations when working with communities. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for the CCOP certification program varies depending on whether you are a NACE member or non-member. For members, the cost is $295 USD; for non-members, it is $395 USD. This fee covers the application fee, exam fee, and one year of membership in NACE if you are not already a member.

2. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of nonprofit professionals. It is a voluntary credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional excellence and ethical standards in the nonprofit sector. The CNP program is offered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, which is a national alliance of universities, colleges, and organizations dedicated to strengthening the leadership capacity of the nonprofit sector.

The CNP program consists of two components: an online course and an assessment exam. The online course provides an overview of key topics related to nonprofit management, such as financial management, fundraising, governance, and volunteerism. The assessment exam tests knowledge gained from the course material.

To become certified as a CNP, individuals must complete both components of the program within one year. After completing the coursework and passing the assessment exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants are eligible for certification.

The cost for the CNP program varies depending on whether you are enrolled in a Nonprofit Leadership Alliance university or college partner institution or taking it as an independent learner. For university/college partners, there is typically no additional fee associated with taking the course and assessment exam; however, there may be additional fees associated with materials or textbooks used in conjunction with the course. For independent learners, there is usually a fee associated with enrolling in the online course and taking the assessment exam; this fee can range from $100-$200 USD depending on your location and other factors.

3. Certified Community Engagement Specialist (CCES)

Certified Community Engagement Specialist (CCES) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2). It is designed to provide practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively engage communities in decision-making processes. The CCES certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of public participation and community engagement.

The CCES certification takes approximately one year to complete, depending on individual experience and background. To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of professional experience in public participation or community engagement; completing a minimum of 40 hours of training related to community engagement; passing an examination; and submitting a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and skills.

The cost of the CCES certification program varies depending on the type of training taken, but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD.

4. Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP)

Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP) is a professional certification offered by the Global Alliance of Public Relations and Communication Management (GA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in public relations and communication management. The certification is awarded to those who have successfully completed an approved program of study, passed an examination, and met other criteria established by GA.

The certification process typically takes about two years to complete. To qualify for the CPRP, applicants must have at least three years of experience in public relations or communication management, demonstrate knowledge and skills in seven core areas, and pass a comprehensive exam. Applicants must also submit letters of recommendation from two people familiar with their work in the field.

To get started on the CPRP certification process, applicants must first register with GA. The registration fee is $250 USD. After registering, applicants can begin studying for the exam by taking online courses or attending workshops offered by GA-approved providers. Once they feel prepared to take the exam, they can then apply to take it through GA’s website. The cost of the exam itself is $450 USD.

Once applicants pass the exam, they will be awarded their CPRP designation and will be listed on GA’s website as certified professionals. They will also receive a certificate that serves as proof of their achievement.

5. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully manage a comprehensive fundraising program. The CFRE designation is granted by CFRE International, an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to setting standards in philanthropy through a valid and reliable certification process.

The CFRE credential requires applicants to meet education and experience requirements, pass a written examination and agree to uphold the CFRE Code of Ethics. To be eligible for the CFRE exam, an individual must have five years of paid fundraising experience at a professional level within the past 10 years.

The CFRE exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering six core areas: 1) Professional Practice; 2) Resource Development; 3) Relationship Building; 4) Leadership & Management; 5) Stewardship & Accountability; 6) Ethics & Professionalism. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

To apply for the CFRE exam, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts, letters of reference and proof of experience. The cost of applying for the exam is $350 USD (or $300 USD for members). Once approved, applicants must pay an additional fee of $275 USD (or $225 USD for members) to take the exam.

6. Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA)

Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) is a professional credential awarded by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have met the highest standards of knowledge and skill in volunteer management, and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

The CVA credential requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in volunteer management, as well as successful completion of a comprehensive exam. The exam is offered twice each year, in March and September. The CCVA also offers an online preparatory course that can help applicants prepare for the exam.

To apply for the CVA credential, applicants must submit an application form and fee, provide proof of their professional experience in volunteer management, and submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors. Once all materials are received, applicants will be notified if they have been approved to take the exam.

The cost to apply for the CVA credential is $200 USD plus a $50 USD processing fee.

7. Certified Grant Writer (CGW)

A Certified Grant Writer (CGW) is an individual who has been certified by a professional organization or institution to have the knowledge and skills necessary to write successful grant proposals. The CGW certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the expertise and experience needed to write successful grant proposals and secure funding for organizations.

In order to become a Certified Grant Writer, individuals must complete a series of courses and pass a certification exam. Courses may include topics such as grant writing fundamentals, research methods, proposal development, budgeting, and evaluation. Depending on the program, these courses may be offered online or in-person. Most programs require between 20-40 hours of coursework before taking the certification exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Grant Writer varies depending on the program chosen. Generally speaking, most programs will cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 for tuition and fees associated with the certification process.

Once all coursework requirements are completed and the exam is passed with a passing score, applicants will receive their CGW certification from their chosen program. This certification typically needs to be renewed every two years in order to remain active.

8. Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

A Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS) is a professional designation awarded by the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMI). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in developing and executing effective social media strategies for their businesses or organizations.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete an online course that focuses on the fundamentals of social media marketing, including topics such as content creation, analytics, strategy development, and more. The course takes approximately 15 hours to complete and includes quizzes and assessments. Once the course is completed, applicants must pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CSMS program varies depending on the package chosen. The basic package costs $399 USD and includes access to all course materials as well as one attempt at the final exam. Additional attempts at the exam can be purchased for an additional fee.

9. Certified Event Planner (CEP)

Certified Event Planner (CEP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is designed to provide event planners with the skills, knowledge and credentials they need to be successful in their field. The CEP program consists of four levels of certification: Certified Event Planner (CEP), Certified Event Manager (CEM), Certified Event Producer (CEP) and Certified Event Planner Professional (CEPP).

The CEP program takes approximately 18 months to complete. You must first complete an online application, which includes a written exam and an interview. Once accepted into the program, you will have access to a variety of resources and tools to help you learn about event planning. This includes webinars, workshops, textbooks, and other materials. You will also be required to attend two ILEA-sponsored conferences each year.

In order to receive your CEP certification, you must pass all four levels of the CEP program. Each level requires passing a written exam as well as completing various projects related to event planning. Upon completion of all four levels, you will receive your official certificate from ILEA.

The cost for the CEP program varies depending on the level of certification you are seeking and whether or not you are an ILEA member. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 USD for non-members and between $300-$600 USD for members.

10. Certified Civic Engagement Specialist (CCES)

Certified Civic Engagement Specialist (CCES) is a professional certification program that provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their commitment to civic engagement and become recognized as a leader in the field. The program is administered by the National Association of Community Engagement Professionals (NACEP).

The CCES certification requires completion of a series of courses, including an online course and two in-person workshops. The online course covers topics such as community engagement best practices, effective communication strategies, and how to design and implement successful civic engagement initiatives. The two in-person workshops focus on developing skills such as public speaking, problem solving, and conflict resolution.

To obtain the CCES certification, applicants must first complete the required courses and pass a written exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating their knowledge of civic engagement principles and practices. Finally, applicants must complete an interview with NACEP staff to demonstrate their commitment to civic engagement.

The cost of the CCES certification varies depending on the type of courses taken. The online course costs $350 USD while each in-person workshop costs $500 USD. In addition, there is an application fee of $100 USD for those who wish to apply for the certification.

11. Certified Community Organizer (CCO)

A Certified Community Organizer (CCO) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have completed specialized training in the field of community organizing. The CCO certification program is administered by the National Association for Community Organizing (NACO). The program provides a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of community organizing, as well as guidance on how to effectively plan and implement successful organizing campaigns.

The CCO certification process typically takes about six months to complete. To become certified, candidates must first complete an online application form and submit it to NACO. Once accepted into the program, candidates must then complete a series of courses that cover topics such as power analysis, coalition building, grassroots fundraising, media relations, and more. Upon completion of these courses, candidates must pass an exam to demonstrate their mastery of the material.

The cost of becoming a CCO varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more to become certified. This cost includes course fees as well as any additional materials required for the program.

Overall, becoming a Certified Community Organizer is an excellent way for individuals interested in pursuing a career in community organizing to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in their chosen field.

Do You Really Need a Community Outreach Specialist Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Community Outreach Specialist Certificate depends on your individual goals and experience. If you are looking to break into the field of community outreach, then a certificate may be beneficial in helping you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this profession. A certificate can also demonstrate to potential employers that you have taken the time to formally learn about the profession and are committed to it.

On the other hand, if you already have some experience working in community outreach, then a certificate may not be necessary. In this case, it is important to assess your current skill set and determine what additional training or education might be beneficial for furthering your career. You should also consider factors such as cost, time commitment, and available resources when deciding whether or not a certificate is right for you.

Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if a Community Outreach Specialist Certificate is right for your goals and needs. It can certainly be beneficial in developing your knowledge of the field, but it may not always be necessary depending on your situation.

Related: Community Outreach Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Community Outreach Specialist Certifications

Q1. What is a Community Outreach Specialist certification?

A1. A Community Outreach Specialist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates competence in the field of community outreach and engagement. It shows employers that the holder has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively engage with members of the community, build relationships, and develop mutually beneficial partnerships.

Q2. How do I become certified as a Community Outreach Specialist?

A2. To become certified as a Community Outreach Specialist, individuals must complete an accredited training program and pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as the National Association for Community Outreach Professionals (NACOP).

Q3. What topics are covered in a Community Outreach Specialist certification program?

A3. Topics typically covered in a Community Outreach Specialist certification program include communication strategies, project management, public relations, marketing and promotion, working with diverse populations, grant writing, event planning, conflict resolution skills, and more.

Q4. How long does it take to earn a Community Outreach Specialist certification?

A4. The amount of time it takes to earn a Community Outreach Specialist certification varies depending on the individual's learning style and availability; however, most programs can be completed within six months or less.

Q5. Is there an expiration date on my Community Outreach Certification?

A5. Yes - most certifications require renewal every two years in order to maintain your status as an active credential holder. Renewal typically involves completing continuing education credits or retaking exams related to core competencies within the field of community outreach and engagement.