Top 11 Education Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for an education administrator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and competency in a particular area. Certification courses typically provide administrators with valuable knowledge and skills that can be used to help students and organizations reach their goals. Additionally, certifications can give administrators an edge over other job applicants, as employers often prefer candidates who have taken the time to become certified in a particular field. Furthermore, certifications may also help administrators gain access to higher-level positions or higher salaries. Finally, certifications can help administrators stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in the educational field, allowing them to better serve their students and institutions.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of top certifications for Education Administrators and explain how they can contribute to an administrator's career growth.

What are Education Administrator Certifications?

Education administrator certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met certain educational and professional standards in the field of education administration. This certification demonstrates that an individual has advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of curriculum development, personnel management, budgeting, and other areas related to school administration.

The purpose of education administrator certification is to ensure that those who are responsible for managing schools and districts have the necessary qualifications to do so. By obtaining certification, administrators can demonstrate their commitment to high standards of excellence in their profession.

Certification helps school administrators develop professionally by providing them with opportunities for professional growth and development. It also serves as a mark of distinction that sets certified administrators apart from their peers. Certification can open doors to new job opportunities, help school districts attract qualified candidates for administrative positions, and provide administrators with recognition for their accomplishments. It also serves as a way for administrators to stay current on best practices in school administration, as well as gain access to resources such as professional networks and continuing education courses or seminars.

Pro Tip: Get familiar with the requirements for obtaining an education administrator certification in your state or region. Knowing what is required of you before beginning the process can help you stay on track and make sure you have completed all necessary steps to earn your certification.

Related: What does an Education Administrator do?

Top 11 Education Administrator Certifications

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

1. Certified Education Administrator (CEA)

Certified Education Administrator (CEA) is a certification program for school administrators, such as principals, superintendents, and other educational leaders. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage successful school districts. The CEA certification is offered by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The CEA certification process involves completing an application and passing an exam. The application includes a detailed background check and verification of education credentials. Once the application is approved, applicants must pass the CEA exam which covers topics such as school law, finance, curriculum development, educational leadership, personnel management, and public relations.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the entire certification process. The cost of the CEA certification varies depending on the state in which you are applying; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000.

2. National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certification

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certification is a voluntary professional certification that recognizes elementary school principals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and commitment to excellence in educational leadership. The certification process is designed to help school leaders become more effective in their roles and to provide them with the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication.

To receive NAESP Certification, applicants must meet certain requirements including completion of an approved program of study, successful completion of a comprehensive assessment exam, and a minimum of three years of successful experience as an elementary school principal. Applicants must also demonstrate mastery in areas such as instructional leadership, school culture and climate, human resources management, legal issues in education, budgeting and finance, curriculum development and implementation, technology integration, community relations and outreach, professional development for staff members, student services administration, and other topics related to educational leadership.

The process typically takes between two to four years to complete. During this time applicants are expected to take part in an approved program of study or other activities that will help them gain the knowledge needed for the certification exam. Once all requirements are met applicants can then submit their application materials which include transcripts from their program of study or other activities along with any additional documents required by NAESP.

The cost for NAESP Certification varies depending on the type of program taken by applicants; however it generally ranges from $500-$2,000 USD. This fee includes the cost for taking the assessment exam which is administered by Pearson VUE Testing Centers nationwide.

3. Certified Professional in Education Administration (CPEA)

Certified Professional in Education Administration (CPEA) is a professional certification program for educational administrators. This certification is designed to recognize the highest level of education administration expertise and leadership. It is offered by the National Association of School Administrators (NASSP) and administered by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE).

The CPEA certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience as an educational administrator, such as a principal, superintendent, or other school-level leader. Applicants must also demonstrate mastery of core competencies related to school administration and leadership. These competencies include areas such as budgeting and finance, curriculum development, personnel management, legal issues, and instructional leadership.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers these core competencies. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on the applicant’s location but typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

Once an applicant has passed the exam they will receive their CPEA certification which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed or recertified. To renew their certification applicants must demonstrate continued professional growth through participation in continuing education courses or other activities related to school administration and leadership.

4. National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Certification

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize exemplary school principals who have demonstrated excellence in their profession. This certification is based on the National Standards for School Leaders, which are established by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria that demonstrate their commitment to excellence in school leadership. The criteria include having at least five years of successful experience as a principal or assistant principal, having completed an approved educational leadership program, and having earned a master's degree or higher from an accredited college or university. In addition, applicants must pass an assessment that evaluates their knowledge and skills related to the standards set by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.

The process of obtaining NASSP Certification can take up to two years depending on individual circumstances. The first step is to submit an application and pay the required fees. Once accepted into the program, applicants will be assigned a mentor who will guide them through the process of completing all requirements for certification. After completing all requirements, applicants must take and pass a comprehensive written exam before they can receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining NASSP Certification varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This includes application fees, mentor fees, and exam costs.

5. Superintendent Leadership Development Program (SLDP) Certification

Superintendent Leadership Development Program (SLDP) Certification is a professional development program designed to help school district leaders become more effective in their roles. The program provides an opportunity to develop the skills necessary to lead successful school districts and build capacity for long-term success.

The SLDP is a two-year program that consists of four core courses and three elective courses. The core courses focus on topics such as leadership, management, curriculum and instruction, finance, legal issues, communication, and human resources. The elective courses provide additional training in areas such as technology integration, data analysis, and instructional coaching.

To get certified in the SLDP program, candidates must complete all seven courses within two years. Candidates must also pass a comprehensive exam at the end of the program in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of the SLDP certification varies depending on the institution offering it. Generally speaking, most programs range from $2,000 - $4,000 for all seven courses combined. Additionally, some institutions may offer discounts or scholarships for those who qualify.

6. Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP)

Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) is a professional certification for those who are involved in the planning, design, construction, operations and maintenance of educational facilities. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices related to educational facility management.

The CEFP certification is offered through the Association of Educational Facility Professionals (AEFP). To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including: having a minimum of three years’ experience in educational facility management; completion of an approved course in educational facility management; and passing a comprehensive exam.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as school law, facility planning, construction and operations, budgeting and finance, safety and security, energy conservation and environmental issues. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to apply for the CEFP certification, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their education and experience in educational facility management. Applicants must also pay a fee which includes the cost of the exam. The fee varies depending on whether or not you are an AEFP member. For non-members, the fee is $450 while members pay $350.

Once all requirements have been met and the application has been approved by AEFP staff, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for the exam. Once they have successfully completed the exam they will be awarded their CEFP certificate.

7. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Certification

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is an organization that provides certification for teacher education programs. NCATE certification ensures that teacher education programs meet the highest standards of quality and are preparing teachers to be successful in the classroom.

NCATE certification takes approximately two years to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the program. The process involves a comprehensive review of all aspects of the program, including curriculum, faculty qualifications, student outcomes, assessment practices, and more.

To get NCATE certification, schools must first submit an application to NCATE. After submitting the application, schools must then undergo a site visit from a team of reviewers who will assess the school’s program against NCATE standards. If approved by NCATE, schools will receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining NCATE certification varies depending on the size and scope of the program being evaluated. Generally speaking, smaller programs may cost less than $10,000 while larger programs may cost upwards of $50,000 or more.

8. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes educators who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the use of technology to support student learning. It is designed to demonstrate an educator’s commitment to integrating technology into their teaching practice and providing students with access to meaningful, engaging learning experiences.

The certification process takes approximately one year and involves completing an online application, passing a comprehensive exam, and submitting evidence of professional development activities related to technology integration. The cost of the ISTE Certification program varies depending on the type of membership you have with ISTE. For non-members, the cost is $495 USD; for members, it is $395 USD.

To get started, interested educators should visit the ISTE Certification website and review the eligibility requirements and application process. Once they have determined that they are eligible for certification, they can begin the application process by submitting their contact information, a current resume or CV, and any additional documents required by ISTE. After submitting their application materials, applicants will receive an email from ISTE with instructions on how to register for the certification exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants must submit evidence of professional development activities related to technology integration within their teaching practice. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will be notified via email that they have been awarded their ISTE Certification credential.

9. Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Certification

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the accomplishments of outstanding educational leaders. It is designed to recognize and reward those who have demonstrated exemplary performance in their field, as well as provide a standard of excellence for others to aspire to.

The CCSSO Certification process takes approximately 12-18 months from start to finish. The first step is to complete an online application and submit all required documentation. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, applicants must then pass a comprehensive written exam. After passing the exam, applicants must then complete an oral interview with a panel of experts in the field. Upon successful completion of both steps, applicants will receive their CCSSO Certification.

The cost for the CCSSO Certification process varies depending on the state in which you are applying for certification. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the written exam and completing the oral interview.

Overall, obtaining CCSSO Certification is an important way to demonstrate your commitment to excellence in education leadership and can open up new opportunities for career advancement.

10. American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification is a professional certification program for school administrators. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of school administrators who are committed to excellence in their profession. The AASA Certification Program provides an opportunity for school administrators to demonstrate their commitment to the highest standards of educational leadership.

The AASA Certification Program consists of three levels: Level I, Level II, and Level III. To earn any level of certification, applicants must complete the AASA Professional Development Program (PDP). The PDP includes online courses, webinars, and workshops that focus on topics such as leadership development, organizational management, communication skills, and educational technology.

The time it takes to get AASA certification depends on the level you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it can take between one year and two years to complete all requirements for each level of certification.

To get AASA certification, applicants must first register for the Professional Development Program (PDP) through the AASA website. Once registered for the PDP, applicants will be able to access course materials and begin working towards their certification goals. Applicants must also submit an application form with a $100 application fee before they can be considered for certification.

The cost of AASA Certification varies depending on which level you are pursuing. The total cost typically ranges from $500-$2,000 depending on the number of courses taken and other associated fees such as registration or exam fees.

11. National School Boards Association (NSBA) Certification

The National School Boards Association (NSBA) Certification is a professional development program that provides school board members with the knowledge and skills necessary to be effective leaders in their districts. The certification program consists of four levels, each of which requires completion of a series of courses and assessments.

Level 1: This level requires completion of two online courses, “Introduction to School Board Leadership” and “Ethics for School Board Members”. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete both courses.

Level 2: This level requires completion of three additional online courses, “Strategic Planning for School Boards”, “Community Engagement for School Boards”, and “School Finance for School Boards”. It takes approximately 12-15 hours to complete all three courses.

Level 3: This level requires completion of two additional online courses, “Legal Issues for School Boards” and “Leading Change in Schools”. It takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete both courses.

Level 4: This level requires completion of two additional online courses, “Leadership Development for School Boards” and “Advocacy for Schools”. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete both courses.

The cost to obtain NSBA Certification varies depending on the number of levels completed; however, it generally ranges from $100-$400 per level. To get certified, individuals must register through the NSBA website and pay the associated fees before enrolling in any course or assessment. After completing all required components at each level, individuals will receive an official NSBA Certificate as well as recognition from their local school board or district office.

Do You Really Need a Education Administrator Certificate?

Yes, in some cases an Education Administrator Certificate is necessary for a successful career in education. This certificate is designed to provide aspiring administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage schools. It can also help administrators gain a better understanding of the educational system and its regulations.

The Education Administrator Certificate can be beneficial for those who are interested in becoming principals or superintendents, as well as those who are interested in other roles such as curriculum specialists or school counselors. The certificate provides an opportunity to demonstrate competency in areas such as leadership, finance, personnel management, curriculum development, and instruction. These competencies are essential for any successful administrator.

In addition, the Education Administrator Certificate can give one a competitive edge when applying for positions at various schools or districts. Holding this credential may show potential employers that one has the knowledge and experience necessary to take on the responsibilities of an administrator. This can make it easier to get hired or promoted into administrative roles.

Overall, an Education Administrator Certificate is an important part of becoming a successful education professional. It can provide the credentials needed to prove that one has what it takes to lead a school or district successfully and efficiently. Aspiring administrators should consider obtaining this certificate if they want to have the best chance at success in their chosen field.

Related: Education Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Education Administrator Certifications

1. What are the requirements for an Education Administrator Certification?

Answer: Requirements vary by state, but generally include a master’s degree in education administration or educational leadership and successful completion of a certification exam. Some states also require prior teaching experience and/or additional coursework.

2. How long does it take to become certified as an Education Administrator?

Answer: It typically takes 1-2 years to complete the necessary coursework and exams required for certification as an Education Administrator.

3. Are there any online programs available for Education Administrator Certification?

Answer: Yes, many universities offer online programs that lead to certification as an Education Administrator. However, some states may not accept certifications earned through online programs, so it is important to check with your state's department of education before enrolling in one of these programs.

4. What type of job can I get with an Education Administrator Certification?

Answer: With an Education Administrator Certification, you may be eligible for a variety of positions such as school administrator, principal, vice principal, director of curriculum, or superintendent of schools.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my Education Administrator Certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require continuing education credits for maintaining certification as an Education Administrator. The number of credits required varies by state and may include attending professional conferences or taking additional courses related to educational administration.