Top 10 Education Director Certifications

Certifications are important for an education director in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide evidence of their expertise in the field. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the individual has the skills necessary to perform their duties, as well as knowledge about educational trends and best practices. They also demonstrate that the candidate is capable of following through on commitments and managing multiple responsibilities, both of which are key qualifications for any leadership role. Finally, certifications can help candidates stand out from other applicants by showcasing their experience and qualifications.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Education Directors and explains how they can contribute to an education director's career.

What are Education Director Certifications?

Education director certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of educational leadership. It is typically obtained by completing a program of study, such as a master’s degree, and passing an examination. Education directors are responsible for leading, developing, and managing educational programs and initiatives within their organization or school district. They are also responsible for setting goals, developing strategies to reach those goals, implementing policies and procedures, assessing performance, and providing support to staff members.

Having education director certification can help individuals stand out from other job candidates when applying for positions in the field of educational leadership. By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully lead an educational program or organization. It also provides them with recognition from their peers in the field as well as potential employers that they have taken the time to further their education in this area. Additionally, having education director certification may make individuals eligible for higher salaries or promotions due to their increased level of expertise.

Pro Tip: When considering an education director certification program, make sure to research the program's curriculum and accreditation status to ensure that it meets your professional goals and is recognized by employers. Also, look for programs that offer experiential learning opportunities such as internships or volunteer positions in order to gain valuable hands-on experience in the field.

Related: What does an Education Director do?

Top 10 Education Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Education Administrator (CEA)

Certified Education Administrator (CEA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of educational administrators. It is administered by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The CEA credential is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the standards for school administrators established by NCATE.

The CEA credential requires successful completion of an approved program in educational administration, which includes coursework and field experience. The program must be accredited by NCATE or an equivalent organization. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive written examination that covers topics such as leadership, management, curriculum development, instructional strategies, and legal issues in education.

It typically takes two years to complete the requirements for the CEA credential. During this time, applicants must complete coursework in educational administration and gain experience through field placements or internships in schools or other educational settings.

To obtain the CEA credential, applicants must submit an application form along with official transcripts from their degree-granting institution and a passing score on the written exam. Applicants may also be required to submit letters of recommendation from supervisors or colleagues who have observed their work in educational settings.

The cost of obtaining the CEA credential varies depending on factors such as location and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$10,000 to earn the credential.

2. Certified Education Manager (CEM)

Certified Education Manager (CEM) is a certification program offered by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). The CEM program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated excellence in educational management. It is a comprehensive certification program that covers all aspects of educational management, including curriculum development, budgeting, staff development, and evaluation.

To become certified as a CEM, an individual must complete the IACET’s CEM Certification Program. This consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment. The online course provides participants with a comprehensive overview of educational management topics such as curriculum design, budgeting, staff development, and evaluation. The on-site assessment involves the completion of a written exam and an oral presentation.

The cost of the CEM Certification Program varies depending on whether you take the online course or attend the on-site assessment. The cost for the online course is $395 USD, while the cost for attending the on-site assessment is $595 USD.

It typically takes between one and three months to complete the CEM Certification Program depending on your level of commitment and dedication to completing it.

3. Certified Educational Leadership (CEL)

Certified Educational Leadership (CEL) is a professional certification program designed to recognize educational leaders who have demonstrated excellence in their field. The certification is offered through the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and it is designed to recognize and honor those individuals who have achieved a high level of achievement in their leadership roles.

The CEL program requires applicants to complete an extensive application process, including submitting official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio that demonstrates the applicant’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Once accepted into the program, applicants must complete a series of courses and assessments that cover topics such as school management, curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and more. Upon completion of the coursework, applicants must pass an examination to earn their certification.

The cost of obtaining Certified Educational Leadership (CEL) varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally speaking, it will cost around $1,000-$3,000 for tuition fees plus additional costs for books and materials. The length of time needed to obtain CEL also varies depending on the institution offering the program; however, most programs require between one and two years of study before taking the exam.

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

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and experience of elementary school principals. It is designed to recognize excellence in educational leadership and to promote professional growth.

In order to be eligible for the NAESP Certification, an individual must have at least five years of full-time experience as a principal in an accredited public or private elementary school. The applicant must also hold a valid state administrator’s license or equivalent credential.

The process for obtaining the NAESP Certification involves completing an online application form, submitting three letters of recommendation, providing evidence of successful completion of a minimum of 20 hours of professional development activities within the past two years, and passing a written examination. The application fee is $250.

Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their certification within four to six weeks. The certification is valid for five years and can be renewed by completing additional professional development activities and paying an annual renewal fee.

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

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the professional accomplishments and expertise of school leaders. It is an opportunity for school principals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in leadership and management. The NASSP Certification Program is designed to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of competency in the areas of educational leadership, management, and instructional leadership.

It typically takes two years to complete the NASSP Certification Program. During this time, applicants must complete a series of courses, exams, and other requirements. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of educational leadership, management, and instructional leadership through coursework and/or field experience.

To get certified by NASSP, applicants must submit an application form along with all required documents such as transcripts from an accredited college or university, letters of recommendation from current or former supervisors or colleagues, a resume or curriculum vitae outlining professional experience and accomplishments, and any additional documents specified by NASSP. After submitting all required documents, applicants will be asked to take part in an interview process with members of the NASSP Board of Examiners.

The cost for getting certified by NASSP varies depending on the type of certification sought after (e.g., National Principal Certification or State Principal Certification). Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$1,000 for application fees plus any additional fees associated with taking required courses or exams.

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

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification is an internationally recognized professional development program that provides educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to effectively use technology in the classroom. It is designed to help educators become more competent and confident in their use of technology, while also helping them stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.

The ISTE Certification process takes approximately six months to complete. The process begins with an application, which includes a personal statement about why you want to pursue ISTE certification and a description of your current level of technology proficiency. Once your application is accepted, you will be assigned a mentor who will guide you through the certification process. You will then have access to online courses, webinars, and other resources that will help you develop your skills in using technology in the classroom. Finally, you will take a final exam that tests your knowledge and understanding of technology integration into instruction.

To get ISTE Certified, applicants must meet certain requirements including having at least two years of teaching experience or two years of experience working with educational technology in some capacity. Applicants must also demonstrate a commitment to learning by participating in professional development activities related to educational technology within the past two years.

The cost for ISTE Certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ISTE. For non-members, it costs $295 USD for the application fee plus $95 USD for each course taken as part of the certification process. For members, it costs $195 USD for the application fee plus $95 USD for each course taken as part of the certification process.

7. American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification is a voluntary certification program for school administrators. It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated the highest levels of professional achievement in their field. AASA Certification is valid for five years and requires renewal every five years.

To become certified, applicants must have a master's degree or higher in educational leadership, complete an approved AASA Certification Program, pass the AASA Certification Exam, and demonstrate a minimum of three years of successful experience as a school administrator. The certification process typically takes six to nine months to complete.

The cost of the AASA Certification Program depends on the specific program chosen by the applicant. Generally, programs range from $1,000-$2,500. In addition to program fees, applicants must also pay an application fee and exam fee when they register for the exam. The total cost of obtaining AASA Certification can range from $2,000-$4,000 depending on the program chosen and other associated costs.

8. Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Certification

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is an independent, non-profit organization that accredits educator preparation programs in the United States. CAEP accreditation is a voluntary process that evaluates educator preparation programs against rigorous standards to ensure they meet national quality benchmarks. CAEP certification is widely recognized as a mark of quality and is required by many states for licensure or certification of educators.

It typically takes up to 18 months to complete the CAEP accreditation process. The first step in obtaining CAEP certification is to submit an application to the council. This includes providing evidence of program quality and compliance with the CAEP standards, such as self-study reports, student performance data, and other documentation. Once the application has been reviewed and approved, a site visit will be scheduled with a team of experts who will evaluate the program onsite. After the site visit, a final decision will be made regarding accreditation status.

The cost for applying for CAEP certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the program being evaluated. Generally speaking, costs range from $2,000-$10,000 per year depending on factors such as number of faculty members and students enrolled in the program.

Overall, obtaining CAEP certification can be a lengthy and expensive process but it is well worth it as it provides assurance that educators have received high-quality training from accredited programs that meet national standards for excellence in education.

9. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is an independent, non-profit organization that sets high and rigorous standards for what teachers should know and be able to do. Through its certification program, the NBPTS recognizes teachers who have demonstrated advanced knowledge, skills, and practices in their field. The certification process is voluntary and requires a commitment of time and energy on the part of the teacher.

In order to become certified by the NBPTS, a teacher must complete an intensive portfolio assessment process that includes submitting evidence of their teaching practice along with written reflections on their performance. This process typically takes two to three years to complete. During this time, teachers must demonstrate their ability to meet the NBPTS standards through a variety of tasks including lesson plans, student work samples, videotapes of classroom instruction, and more.

The cost of becoming certified by the NBPTS varies depending on which state you live in. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,500-$5,000 USD for all fees associated with completing the certification process.

Once a teacher has successfully completed the assessment process and achieved certification status from the NBPTS they will receive a certificate as well as recognition from colleagues and employers. Additionally, many states offer financial incentives such as salary increases or bonuses for those who have achieved NBPTS certification.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is designed to recognize and validate the experience, education, and competency of project managers. The PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage projects.

The PMP certification process includes taking an exam that tests a candidate’s understanding of the five process groups and nine knowledge areas of project management. To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have at least three years of professional project management experience, as well as 35 hours of formal project management education.

The exam itself takes four hours to complete and consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $405 to $555 USD.

In order to maintain their certification, PMPs must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years. PDUs can be earned through attending conferences, taking classes or workshops, or participating in online courses.

Overall, it typically takes several months to prepare for the PMP exam and obtain all necessary documentation before taking it. Once certified, however, individuals can enjoy increased job opportunities and higher salaries due to their recognition as a qualified project manager.

Do You Really Need a Education Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and the specific requirements of the job you are applying for. In some cases, an education director certificate may be required in order to qualify for a job, especially if the position involves managing staff or overseeing educational programs. In other cases, such as when applying for a teaching position, it may not be necessary.

When considering whether or not you need an education director certificate for a particular job, it is important to look at the specific qualifications listed in the job description. If the listing states that a certificate is required or preferred, then it would be wise to pursue one before beginning your application process. However, if no certification is mentioned or if only general qualifications are listed, then you may not need to obtain one in order to be considered for the position.

In addition to looking at what the job listing says about certifications and qualifications, it can also be helpful to research what other professionals in similar positions have done. Talking with those who currently work in similar roles can help shed light on whether or not obtaining an education director certificate could give you an advantage when competing for jobs.

Ultimately, pursuing an education director certificate can provide valuable knowledge and skills that will make you better prepared for any role within the field of education. It may even open up more opportunities that were previously unavailable due to lack of credentials. However, if obtaining a certificate is not necessary or beneficial for achieving your career goals, then it may ultimately be best to focus your attention on other areas instead.

Related: Education Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Education Director Certifications

1. What are the requirements for Education Director Certification?

Answer: Education Director Certifications typically require completion of a bachelor's degree in education, along with a minimum of three years of experience in an administrative role within an educational organization. Additional requirements may vary depending upon the certification provider and other factors.

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

Answer: The time required to become certified as an Education Director will vary depending on the specific certification provider, but most programs require at least 6-12 months of study and preparation prior to taking the certification exam.

3. Is there any cost associated with obtaining my Education Director Certification?

Answer: Yes, most certification providers charge fees for registering for and taking the certification exam, as well as any related materials or courses that may be required in order to prepare for the exam.

4. Are there continuing education requirements after becoming certified as an Education Director?

Answer: Yes, many certifying organizations require that certified Education Directors maintain their certifications by completing a certain number of hours of continuing education each year or every two years.

5. How do I renew my Education Director Certification?

Answer: Renewal procedures will vary depending on the certifying organization, but typically involve submitting proof of completion of all necessary continuing education hours, paying any applicable renewal fees, and providing updated contact information.