Top 11 Curator Certifications

Certifications are important for a curator in the job market because they demonstrate specialized knowledge, skills, and experience in their field. By earning certifications, curators can become more competitive in the job market and differentiate themselves from other applicants. Certifications also show potential employers that the individual has taken initiative to advance their skillset and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Additionally, certifications may give curators access to exclusive resources or networking opportunities that could be beneficial to their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Curators and explains how they can help to advance a curator's career.

What are Curator Certifications?

Curator certification is a type of professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. This certification typically requires the successful completion of an accredited course or program, which may cover topics such as art history, museum studies, and even public speaking. Curator certification can help individuals to stand out from their peers and demonstrate a commitment to the field. It can also increase job prospects by showing employers that an individual is knowledgeable about the latest developments in the field. Additionally, curator certification can provide access to exclusive networking opportunities and resources, which can be invaluable when it comes to advancing one’s career. Finally, having this credential may also lead to higher salaries and more opportunities for advancement in the field.

Pro Tip: When considering a curator certification program, look for one that offers both online and in-person options. This will enable you to gain the skills you need while also allowing you to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the field. Additionally, make sure the program is accredited by a reputable organization to ensure that your certification has value and is recognized by employers.

Related: What does a Curator do?

Top 11 Curator Certifications

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

1. Certified Museum Professional (CMP)

Certified Museum Professional (CMP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). It is designed to recognize museum professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in their field. The CMP program provides a framework for professional development and encourages lifelong learning.

The CMP program consists of four components: an application, an examination, continuing education requirements, and ongoing professional development. To become certified, applicants must submit an application that includes work experience and education history. Applicants must also pass a three-hour written exam that covers topics such as museum operations, collections management, interpretation, public programming, fundraising, and more.

Once certified, individuals must complete at least 15 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their certification status. This can include attending conferences or workshops related to museum studies or taking online courses in related fields.

The cost of the CMP program varies depending on the individual's membership status with AAM. For non-members it costs $350 for the initial application fee plus $150 for the exam fee; members pay only $200 for the application fee plus $150 for the exam fee. In addition, there are fees associated with any continuing education activities required to maintain certification status.

2. Certified Archivist (CA)

Certified Archivist (CA) is a certification program administered by the Academy of Certified Archivists (ACA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, experience, and expertise in archival practice. The CA credential is an important recognition for archivists and provides assurance to employers, clients, and other stakeholders that the holder has met rigorous professional standards.

The process of obtaining the CA credential consists of four steps:

1. Submit an application: Applicants must submit an online application with supporting materials such as a resume, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.

2. Take the exam: After submitting the application, applicants must take a written examination that covers topics such as archival theory and practice, appraisal and selection of records, accessioning and arrangement of records, preservation techniques, and ethics.

3. Interview: Following successful completion of the exam, applicants will be invited to participate in an oral interview with ACA board members. This interview assesses applicants’ knowledge and experience in archival practice.

4. Receive certification: Once all requirements are met successfully, applicants will receive their CA credential from the ACA board.

The cost for applying for the CA credential is $400 USD for ACA members or $500 USD for non-members. It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all four steps in order to obtain the CA credential.

3. Certified Digital Curation Professional (CDCP)

Certified Digital Curation Professional (CDCP) is a professional certification designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of digital curation professionals. It is administered by the Digital Curation Institute (DCI), an international organization that provides professional development services for digital curation practitioners.

The CDCP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge in areas such as data management principles, metadata standards, digital preservation strategies, and legal issues related to digital curation. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in real-world contexts.

In order to obtain the CDCP certification, applicants must pass a three-part examination consisting of a written test, an oral interview, and a practical demonstration of their skills. The written test covers topics such as data management principles, metadata standards, digital preservation strategies, and legal issues related to digital curation. The oral interview focuses on the applicant’s experience with digital curation projects and their ability to articulate ideas about digital curation practices. Finally, the practical demonstration requires applicants to show their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The entire process takes approximately six months from start to finish. During this time period, applicants are required to complete an online application form; submit two letters of recommendation; provide proof of at least two years of professional experience in digital curation; take part in an orientation session; pass the three-part examination; and pay a fee for registration and certification fees.

The cost for obtaining the CDCP certification varies depending on where you live but generally ranges from $500-$1000 USD plus additional fees for any necessary materials or resources needed for preparation or taking the exam itself.

4. Certified Curator of Collections (CCC)

Certified Curator of Collections (CCC) is a professional certification for museum professionals who are responsible for the care and management of collections. The CCC credential is offered by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of collections management.

The CCC credential requires applicants to have at least three years of experience working with collections, as well as a combination of education, training, and/or professional development in the field. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their expertise in collections management.

The application process takes approximately six months to complete, depending on the complexity of the applicant's portfolio. The cost for applying for the CCC credential is $175 USD.

5. Certified Exhibition Manager (CEM)

Certified Exhibition Manager (CEM) is a professional certification offered by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE). It is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional practice in the exhibition industry. The CEM designation is an internationally recognized symbol of excellence that demonstrates a commitment to professional development and continuing education.

It typically takes between one and two years to complete all requirements for the CEM designation. To qualify, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in the exhibitions industry, as well as two letters of recommendation from employers or colleagues. Additionally, applicants must successfully complete four courses offered by IAEE: Fundamentals of Exhibitions Management; Advanced Exhibitions Management; Business Development Strategies; and Financial Analysis & Risk Management.

The cost of obtaining the CEM designation depends on how many courses you take at once. The cost for each course ranges from $495 to $695 USD, depending on whether you are an IAEE member or non-member. There are also discounts available for groups taking multiple courses at once.

Overall, obtaining the CEM designation can be an expensive endeavor but it can also provide valuable recognition within the exhibition industry and open up new career opportunities.

6. Certified Cultural Heritage Manager (CCHM)

Certified Cultural Heritage Manager (CCHM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of heritage professionals who manage cultural heritage resources. It is offered by the International Centre for Cultural Heritage Management (ICCHM) in partnership with the University of Leicester, UK.

The CCHM program is intended for individuals who have experience in managing cultural heritage resources, such as museums, archives, libraries, monuments, and sites. The program focuses on developing an understanding of the principles and practices of cultural heritage management. It covers topics such as legal frameworks, conservation and preservation techniques, funding sources, public engagement strategies, and other relevant topics.

It typically takes two years to complete the CCHM program. The first year consists of online courses that cover core topics in cultural heritage management. In the second year students must complete a research project or internship related to their chosen field of study.

To get certified as a CCHM one must first complete all course requirements within two years and then pass an exam administered by ICCHM. The exam assesses knowledge acquired during the program as well as practical skills related to cultural heritage management.

The cost of obtaining the CCHM certification varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges from £1,500 - £2,500 ($2,000 - $3200 USD). This includes tuition fees for both years of study plus exam fees.

7. Certified Museum Educator (CME)

Certified Museum Educator (CME) is a professional credential that recognizes museum educators who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field. It is a voluntary certification program offered by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). The CME program is designed to provide recognition for museum educators who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and professionalism in their work.

The CME program requires applicants to complete an online application, submit supporting documentation, and pass an exam. Applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in museum education or related fields. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as museum education theory, practice, and research; educational technology; evaluation methods; and professional ethics.

The process takes approximately six months to complete from start to finish. The cost of the certification is $125 for AAM members and $175 for non-members.

8. Certified Public Historian (CPH)

Certified Public Historian (CPH) is a professional certification for public historians. It is administered by the National Council on Public History and recognizes individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in the field of public history.

To become certified, applicants must meet a set of criteria that includes having at least five years of professional experience in public history, completing at least 45 hours of continuing education courses related to public history, and passing an examination. The exam covers topics such as historical research methods, archival management, museum studies, and interpretation techniques.

The application process typically takes several months to complete. Applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once approved, applicants must pay a fee which currently stands at $100 USD.

Once certified, CPHs can use the CPH designation after their name to demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence in the field of public history. They may also be eligible for certain job opportunities or promotions within the field that require certification.

9. Certified Museum Registrar (CMR)

A Certified Museum Registrar (CMR) is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in the field of museum registration. It is earned through successful completion of the American Association of Museums’ (AAM) Certification Program. The program requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in museum registration, as well as to pass an examination that tests their knowledge and understanding of museum registration principles, practices, and standards.

It typically takes six months or more to complete the certification process. Applicants must first submit an application which includes documentation of their work experience in the field, and then take and pass the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their CMR certificate from AAM.

The cost for the certification process varies depending on whether applicants are members or non-members of AAM. For members, it costs $350; for non-members, it costs $450.

10. Certified Conservation Technician (CCT)

Certified Conservation Technician (CCT) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the conservation of natural resources. The CCT program is administered by the National Association of Conservation Professionals (NACP).

To become a Certified Conservation Technician, an individual must complete a minimum of 80 hours of approved training and pass an exam administered by NACP. Training may include courses in soil science, wildlife management, forestry, hydrology, land use planning, and other related topics.

The cost to take the CCT exam is $150 for members of NACP and $200 for non-members. Once an individual has successfully completed the exam, they will receive their certification and be recognized as a Certified Conservation Technician.

11. Certified Collection Care Professional (CCCP).

Certified Collection Care Professional (CCCP) is a professional certification program designed to provide collection care professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly preserve and protect cultural heritage collections. The CCCP program was developed by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) in partnership with the Smithsonian Institution, National Park Service, Library of Congress, and other leading organizations.

The CCCP program consists of three parts: an online course, an on-site examination, and a portfolio review. The online course covers topics such as environmental monitoring, pest management, light exposure, disaster preparedness and response, materials conservation treatments, preventive conservation strategies, and more. The on-site examination tests participants’ knowledge of collection care principles and practices. Finally, the portfolio review assesses participants’ ability to apply their skills in real-world settings.

The CCCP program takes approximately six months to complete from start to finish. To get started on the program you must first register for the online course which costs $600 USD. After completing the online course you will receive a certificate of completion that will allow you to take the on-site examination which costs $500 USD. Once you pass the on-site examination you can submit your portfolio for review which costs $400 USD. Upon successful completion of all three components you will be awarded your Certified Collection Care Professional (CCCP) certification.

Do You Really Need a Curator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual situation and goals. If you are interested in pursuing a career in the field of curation, then a curator certificate may be essential for you. This type of certification provides evidence of your knowledge and experience in the field, which can help ensure that you are able to stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or internships. It can also provide potential employers with the assurance that you have been trained to manage collections properly and understand the ethical considerations associated with being a curator.

However, if you are simply looking to gain a better understanding of curation practices or supplement your existing knowledge, then a curator certificate may not be necessary. There are plenty of resources available online that provide an overview of curatorial principles and practices, such as MOOCs (massive open online courses). Additionally, some museums offer short courses or workshops that can help introduce participants to various aspects of the field. These types of programs may not offer official certification but can still be helpful for those who want to gain more knowledge about curation without committing to a full-fledged program.

Related: Curator Resume Examples

FAQs About Curator Certifications

1. What are the benefits of getting a Curator Certification?

Answer: Becoming certified as a curator can help you gain credibility and recognition in the art world, open up new career opportunities, improve your knowledge of the field, and give you access to exclusive resources.

2. What type of training is required for a Curator Certification?

Answer: The exact requirements vary depending on the certification program, but generally speaking most programs require completion of courses in art history, museum studies, and curatorial practice.

3. How long does it take to get a Curator Certification?

Answer: Again, this depends on the specific program, but most certifications require at least one year of study or more.

4. How much does it cost to get a Curator Certification?

Answer: Costs vary depending on the program and institution offering the certification; however, most programs will range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars depending upon the scope and length of the program.

5. Are there any online options available for getting a Curator Certification?

Answer: Yes! There are now many online options available for getting certified as a curator—ranging from short-term certificate programs to full degree programs in art history or museum studies.