Top 11 Development Assistant Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for development assistants, as they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency in specific areas of development. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the candidate has the required skills and knowledge to perform their role efficiently and effectively. Additionally, certifications can give candidates an edge over other applicants by providing credentials that demonstrate their commitment to professional development and growth. Certifications also show employers that the candidate is serious about their career, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications for Development Assistants and demonstrate how they can help advance a development assistant's career.

What are Development Assistant Certifications?

Development assistant certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals working in the development field. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in areas such as grant writing, donor cultivation, event planning, and stewardship. The certification also serves to validate the commitment to ethical standards and professional practices within the development field. This certification can be beneficial for those looking to build their resume and demonstrate their dedication to the profession. It can also help them obtain promotions or new job opportunities that may not have been available without this recognition. Additionally, having a certification may give potential employers more confidence in hiring someone with a recognized credential in the industry. Ultimately, obtaining a development assistant certification can be an important step towards career advancement in fundraising and philanthropy.

Pro Tip: If you are looking to become a development assistant, be sure to research and understand the certification requirements in your area. Many employers will require or prefer that you have some type of professional certification in order to apply for the position. It is important to make sure that you meet any qualifications and certifications required by the employer before applying.

Related: What does a Development Assistant do?

Top 11 Development Assistant Certifications

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

1. Certified Development Assistant (CDA)

Certified Development Assistant (CDA) is a professional certification program designed to help individuals become knowledgeable and proficient in the field of economic development. It is administered by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The CDA program provides an opportunity for economic development professionals to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of business recruitment, expansion, and retention.

The CDA program consists of three parts: an online course, a comprehensive exam, and a portfolio review. The online course covers topics such as project management, marketing and promotion, financial analysis, communication strategies, and public policy. The comprehensive exam tests the individual’s understanding of the material covered in the online course. Finally, the portfolio review requires applicants to submit evidence of their experience in economic development activities such as business recruitment or retention projects.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. Applicants must register for the CDA program prior to taking any part of it. Registration fees vary depending on whether you are an IEDC member or not; however, they generally range from $200-$400 USD.

Once all requirements have been met successfully, applicants will receive their CDA certificate from IEDC. This certificate serves as proof that they possess a high level of knowledge and expertise in economic development activities.

2. Certified Professional Development Assistant (CPDA)

Certified Professional Development Assistant (CPDA) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively assist in the development of professional development programs. This certification is offered through the National Association for Professional Development Assistants (NAPDA).

The CPDA certification requires applicants to complete a series of courses and exams that cover topics such as leadership, communication, project management, and curriculum design. The courses are generally self-paced and can be completed in as little as three months. After completing the required coursework, applicants must pass an exam administered by NAPDA in order to receive their certification.

In order to apply for the CPDA certification program, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of prior education or experience in the field of professional development. Applicants must also submit a fee of $250 USD for processing and administration costs.

Once certified, CPDA professionals are eligible for membership in NAPDA and access to exclusive resources including job postings, networking opportunities, and discounts on continuing education courses.

3. Certified Fundraising Professional (CFP)

Certified Fundraising Professional (CFP) is a professional designation offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). It is a credential that recognizes fundraising professionals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities to practice ethical and effective fundraising.

The CFP designation requires successful completion of a comprehensive examination which covers topics such as donor relations, legal/regulatory aspects of fundraising, financial management, resource development, and volunteer management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CFP, an individual must have at least five years of professional experience in fundraising or related activities. The applicant must also submit two letters of recommendation from peers or supervisors attesting to their qualifications for certification. Additionally, applicants must be members in good standing with AFP and agree to abide by its Code of Ethical Principles and Standards.

The cost for the CFP exam varies depending on whether you are an AFP member or non-member. For AFP members, the cost is $350 USD; for non-members it is $500 USD.

4. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is a professional credential for nonprofit professionals. It is designed to recognize and reward the professional knowledge, skills, and abilities of those working in the nonprofit sector. The CNP credential is awarded by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA), a national alliance of universities, nonprofits, and businesses dedicated to preparing students for careers in the nonprofit sector.

The CNP credential requires successful completion of four core courses: Fundraising & Resource Development; Financial Management & Accounting; Human Resources & Volunteer Management; and Program Planning & Evaluation. In addition, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in the nonprofit sector or two years of full-time work experience plus an undergraduate degree in a related field.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all four courses and earn the CNP credential. The cost varies depending on which courses you take and how you take them (in-person or online). Generally speaking, it costs around $2,000-$3,000 to become certified.

5. Certified Grant Writing Professional (CGWP)

Certified Grant Writing Professional (CGWP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in grant writing. The CGWP program is administered by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI), which is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in grant writing and development.

The CGWP certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in grant writing through a combination of education, work experience, and successful completion of the GPCI's comprehensive exam. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time or equivalent part-time experience in grant writing or related activities.

The application process for the CGWP includes submitting an online application form, providing proof of eligibility requirements, and paying a fee. The fee for the certification is $395 USD. Once all requirements are met, applicants can then take the online exam which consists of multiple choice questions and essay questions that test their knowledge on various topics related to grant writing.

Once applicants pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will receive their official CGWP certificate from GPCI. This process typically takes two to four weeks after passing the exam.

6. Certified Event Planning Professional (CEPP)

Certified Event Planning Professional (CEPP) is a certification program offered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is designed to recognize event professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in event planning. The CEPP program provides an opportunity for event planners to demonstrate their skills and knowledge through a series of assessments, including written examinations, practical assignments and oral presentations.

The CEPP program consists of three levels: Certified Event Planner (CEP), Certified Event Manager (CEM) and Certified Event Specialist (CES). Each level requires passing an exam that covers topics such as event planning fundamentals, budgeting and finance, project management, marketing and public relations, legal considerations, risk management, customer service and more.

It typically takes about 18 months to complete the entire CEPP program. During this time, you will need to attend classes or seminars related to the topics covered in the exams as well as complete any required coursework. You will also need to pass each of the three exams in order to receive your certification.

The cost for the CEPP program varies depending on where you are taking it from but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. This includes the cost of all materials needed for the program as well as any applicable fees associated with taking the exams.

Overall, obtaining your CEPP certification can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise in event planning and can open up new opportunities for career advancement.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized and respected certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), which sets the standards for the profession. The PMP credential demonstrates that a project manager has the necessary experience, education, and competency to lead and direct projects successfully.

The PMP certification process takes approximately six months to complete. To become certified, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements, pass an exam, and pay a fee.

To get started on your PMP journey, you should first review the eligibility criteria on the PMI website. You will need to have either a secondary degree (high school diploma or equivalent) plus at least three years of project management experience with 4500 hours leading and directing projects; or a four-year degree plus at least three years of project management experience with 4500 hours leading and directing projects. You will also need 35 contact hours of project management education.

Once you have met all of these requirements, you can register for the exam through the PMI website. The cost of the exam is $405 for members of PMI and $555 for non-members. After registering, you will receive an authorization letter from PMI that allows you to schedule your exam date with an approved testing center in your area.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be officially certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP). This certification is valid for three years before needing to be renewed by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs).

8. Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP)

Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP) is a professional certification for public relations professionals. It is administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) and is recognized as the highest level of professional certification in public relations. The CPRP credential demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of knowledge, experience, and ethical practice in public relations.

To become certified, you will need to meet certain requirements such as having at least three years of full-time public relations experience or a combination of five years part-time experience and education. You must also pass an exam which covers topics such as media relations, research and measurement, crisis communication, legal issues, ethics and more.

The exam costs $395 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam and it can be taken at any Prometric testing center in North America or online with remote proctoring.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CPRP certificate from UAB within 8-10 weeks after passing the exam. The cost to maintain your CPRP certification is $195 USD per year.

9. Microsoft Office Specialist Certification

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in Microsoft Office applications. The certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office programs, such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access. It is also used by employers to assess job applicants for positions that require a working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.

To become certified as a Microsoft Office Specialist, you must pass one or more exams that measure your ability to complete tasks in the various Microsoft Office applications. The exams are administered through Certiport Testing Centers located around the world. Each exam typically takes between 45 minutes and two hours to complete and covers topics related to the specific application being tested.

The cost of taking the MOS certification exams varies depending on where you take them and how many exams you need to take. Generally speaking, each exam costs between $90 and $150 USD per attempt. You can purchase vouchers for multiple attempts at a discounted rate if needed.

It typically takes several weeks or months to prepare for an MOS certification exam depending on your familiarity with the application being tested. Many resources are available online and through local training centers that can help you prepare for the exam including practice tests, study guides, tutorials, and instructor-led classes.

10. QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification

QuickBooks ProAdvisor Certification is a professional certification program offered by Intuit, the makers of QuickBooks. It is designed to help individuals become more knowledgeable and proficient in using QuickBooks software. The certification requires passing an online exam and completing a series of online courses.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test knowledge on topics such as setting up QuickBooks, managing customers and vendors, creating financial reports, and troubleshooting common issues. The courses cover topics such as understanding the features of QuickBooks, setting up company files, working with customers and vendors, creating financial reports, and troubleshooting common issues.

It typically takes about 8-10 hours to complete the exam and courses needed for certification. To get certified, you must first register for the program through Intuit's website. Once registered, you can access all of the training materials needed to prepare for the exam. After registering for the program, you will be able to schedule your exam at any Pearson VUE testing center near you.

The cost of becoming a QuickBooks ProAdvisor varies depending on which package you choose. The basic package starts at $299 USD per year and includes access to all training materials as well as discounts on products and services from Intuit partners.

11. Google Analytics Individual Qualification

Google Analytics Individual Qualification (GAIQ) is a certification offered by Google that demonstrates an individual’s proficiency in using Google Analytics. It is designed to test an individual’s knowledge of the features and functions of Google Analytics, as well as their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The GAIQ exam consists of 70 multiple choice questions and takes 90 minutes to complete. The exam covers topics such as setting up analytics accounts, tracking goals, analyzing data, and creating reports. To pass the exam, individuals must score 80% or higher.

To get the GAIQ certification, individuals must first register for the exam on the Google Partners website. Once registered, they can access the online study guide and practice tests which will help them prepare for the exam. After completing the practice tests, individuals can then schedule their exam at a local testing center or take it online through ProctorU.

The cost of taking the GAIQ exam varies depending on where you take it. Taking it online through ProctorU costs $50 USD while taking it at a local testing center may cost more depending on location.

Once an individual has successfully passed the GAIQ exam, they will receive a digital certificate from Google that acknowledges their achievement and serves as proof of their qualification in using Google Analytics.

Do You Really Need a Development Assistant Certificate?

When considering whether or not to pursue a Development Assistant Certificate, there are many factors to consider. It is important to think about the advantages and disadvantages associated with earning a certificate and how it will impact your career goals.

The most obvious benefit of earning a Development Assistant Certificate is that it can help you gain specialized skills and experience in the field of development assistance. This can give you an edge over other applicants for jobs in the field, as well as provide you with valuable knowledge and expertise that can help you excel in your career. Additionally, having a certificate may be necessary if you plan on working in certain roles or positions within the development sector.

On the other hand, there are some drawbacks associated with earning a Development Assistant Certificate. One of these is that it can be expensive and time consuming to obtain. Depending on where you obtain the certificate, it could take up to one year to complete all of the necessary courses and requirements. Additionally, depending on your current job situation, taking time off to pursue additional education may not be feasible or practical.

In conclusion, whether or not you should pursue a Development Assistant Certificate ultimately depends on your individual situation and goals. If you feel that having this certification would give you an advantage in terms of employment opportunities or furthering your career goals then it may be worth considering. However, if obtaining such a certificate does not fit into your current lifestyle or job situation then it may not be necessary for you to do so.

Related: Development Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Development Assistant Certifications

1. What is a Development Assistant Certification?

A Development Assistant Certification is a professional certification which provides individuals with the knowledge and skills required to perform administrative tasks in support of development programs. It also covers topics such as fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, event planning, research and analysis, budgeting, and program evaluation.

2. How do I become certified as a Development Assistant?

In order to become certified as a Development Assistant, you must complete an accredited training program or coursework in the field. You may also need to pass an exam in order to earn your certification.

3. What are the benefits of having a Development Assistant Certification?

Having a Development Assistant Certification helps demonstrate that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge for working in development-related roles. It can also help open doors for career advancement opportunities and higher salaries in the field.

4. What types of jobs can I apply for with a Development Assistant Certification?

With your certification, you can apply for positions such as grants officers, community outreach coordinators, fundraising coordinators, program managers, and more.

5. How long does it take to get certified as a Development Assistant?

The amount of time it takes to become certified depends on the type of training program or coursework needed to obtain the certification. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months up to two years depending on the requirements for certification.