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Top 11 Enrollment Coordinator Certifications

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Updated 18 min read

Certifications are important for an enrollment coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professionalism and expertise. By obtaining certifications, an enrollment coordinator can prove to potential employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field. Certifications also show that the enrollment coordinator is dedicated to their career and is willing to invest time and resources into their professional development. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for advancement within a company or even allow the enrollment coordinator to move into a different area of higher education.

The purpose of this article is to review the best certifications available for Enrollment Coordinators and explain how they can benefit an enrollment coordinator's career.

What are Enrollment Coordinator Certifications?

Enrollment coordinator certification is a credential offered to professionals who work in enrollment management in higher education. This certification can help those working in enrollment management by providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in their roles. It also helps employers recognize individuals who have the right qualifications to fulfill these positions. Enrollment coordinator certification is designed to provide an understanding of best practices and ethical standards of practice, as well as provide a basis for career advancement. The certification also offers insight into strategies for increasing student enrollment and retention, including marketing, recruitment and admissions processes. Additionally, this credential can help those working in enrollment management stay abreast of trends related to college admissions and understand how technology can be used to improve the student experience. Ultimately, obtaining this certification can serve as an important tool for ensuring that professionals are well-prepared for their roles within an ever-changing higher education landscape.

Pro Tip: Enrollment Coordinator Certification can be a great way to boost your resume and help you stand out in the job market. Make sure to research all available certifications to find the one that best suits your needs and skillset. Additionally, look into any continuing education requirements associated with the certification, as these will help ensure you remain up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does an Enrollment Coordinator do?

Top 11 Enrollment Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Enrollment Coordinator (CEC)

A Certified Enrollment Coordinator (CEC) is an individual who has been trained and certified to assist individuals with the enrollment process into health insurance plans. CECs are knowledgeable about the different types of health insurance plans available, as well as the eligibility requirements for each plan. They provide assistance in understanding the enrollment process, helping individuals select a plan that meets their needs, and providing guidance on how to use their coverage once enrolled.

The certification process typically takes between 4-6 weeks to complete. To become a CEC, individuals must first complete a training program approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam administered by CMS to receive their certification.

The cost of obtaining certification varies depending on the training program chosen. Most programs range from $500-$1000 in cost.

2. Certified Professional Enrollment Manager (CPEM)

Certified Professional Enrollment Manager (CPEM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU). It is designed to provide health insurance professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage health plan enrollments. The CPEM certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in enrollment management, providing employers with assurance that their employees are receiving quality service.

The CPEM program requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as federal regulations, enrollment processes, customer service, and communication. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center. The exam fee is $250 for NAHU members and $350 for non-members.

In order to take the CPEM exam, individuals must have completed a minimum of two years of full-time experience in the health insurance industry or have completed an approved course of study in health insurance enrollment management. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of current licensure or registration with their state department of insurance or other relevant regulatory body.

Once all requirements are met and the exam has been successfully passed, individuals will receive their Certified Professional Enrollment Manager (CPEM) designation from NAHU. This designation is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by submitting proof of continuing education credits earned during that time period.

3. Certified Enrollment Management Professional (CEMP)

Certified Enrollment Management Professional (CEMP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of enrollment management principles and practices. The CEMP program is offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), an organization dedicated to advancing college access and success.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Have at least five years of professional experience in enrollment management or related fields;
  • Successfully complete an online application;
  • Submit three letters of recommendation;
  • Pass a written exam; and
  • Demonstrate commitment to ongoing professional development.

The written exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as admissions, financial aid, student recruitment, marketing, student retention, data analysis, and other related areas. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any NACAC testing center or via remote proctoring. The cost for the exam is $350 for NACAC members and $450 for non-members.

Once applicants pass the exam, they are eligible to receive their CEMP credential. To maintain the credential, individuals must participate in continuing education activities every two years.

4. Certified Health Insurance Exchange Enrollment Specialist (CHIES)

A Certified Health Insurance Exchange Enrollment Specialist (CHIES) is a professional who is trained and certified to help individuals, families, and small businesses understand their health insurance options and enroll in coverage through the Affordable Care Act's health insurance exchanges. The CHIES certification is administered by the National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU).

To become a CHIES, you must first complete an approved training program. This program includes 10 hours of self-paced online training that covers topics such as the Affordable Care Act, how to use the health insurance exchange website, and how to advise clients on their health insurance options. After completing the training program, you must pass a comprehensive exam to become certified.

The cost of becoming a CHIES varies depending on the provider of your training program; however, it typically costs between $200-$400. It usually takes about two weeks to complete the training program and pass the exam.

Once you are certified, you will be able to assist individuals, families, and small businesses in understanding their health insurance options and enrolling in coverage through the Affordable Care Act's health insurance exchanges.

5. Certified Patient Access Associate (CPAA)

Certified Patient Access Associate (CPAA) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). The CPAA certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in patient access services.

The CPAA certification process includes an online application, successful completion of a written exam, and payment of the appropriate fees. The online application requires candidates to provide information about their education, experience, and professional background. Once the application is approved, candidates are eligible to take the written exam.

The written exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient registration processes, insurance verification, customer service skills, and medical terminology. Candidates must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 80% in order to receive their CPAA certification.

The cost for the CPAA certification program varies depending on whether or not you are an NAHAM member. Non-members must pay $375 for the application fee and $350 for the examination fee; members pay only $275 for the application fee and $250 for the examination fee.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the entire CPAA certification process from start to finish.

6. Certified Medical Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBCS)

A Certified Medical Insurance Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBCS) is a professional who is responsible for the accurate coding, billing, and reimbursement of medical services. They are knowledgeable in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic coding systems, procedural coding systems, health insurance plans and regulations, and computerized billing software.

It typically takes approximately six months to one year to become certified as a CMBCS. This includes completing an accredited program in medical insurance billing and coding from an approved institution. The program should include both classroom instruction and hands-on experience with medical office procedures.

To become certified as a CMBCS, you must pass a certification exam administered by either the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). You may also need to complete continuing education courses in order to maintain your certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CMBCS varies depending on the type of program you choose to pursue. The cost of tuition can range from $2,000-$10,000 USD depending on the length of the program and other factors such as course materials or additional fees. Additionally, there may be costs associated with taking the certification exam such as registration fees or study materials.

7. Certified Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)

A Certified Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS) is an individual who has been certified by the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) to be proficient in reimbursement and compliance issues related to Medicare and Medicaid. This certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for billing and collecting payments from government payers, such as Medicare and Medicaid.

To become a CMRS, individuals must have at least two years of experience in medical billing or coding and complete the AMBA's CMRS exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, reimbursement regulations, coding systems, claim forms, and payment policies. It takes approximately three hours to complete the exam.

The cost of taking the CMRS exam is $325 for AMBA members and $425 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing 24 hours of continuing education credits in areas related to Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement.

8. Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)

Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA) is a professional certification offered by the National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM). It is designed to recognize healthcare access professionals who have demonstrated expertise in patient access services. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed through continuing education.

To become a CHAA, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least two years of experience in healthcare access management, or an equivalent combination of experience and education. In addition, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as patient registration, customer service, financial counseling, insurance verification and reimbursement processes.

The cost of the CHAA certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. The fee for the online exam is $400 USD; the fee for the in-person exam is $500 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for and taking the exam.

The CHAA certification process typically takes about four weeks from start to finish. After submitting your application and paying the applicable fees, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for your exam date. Once you have completed your exam, it will take up to two weeks for NAHAM to process your results and issue your certificate if you pass.

9. American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) Certification

American Association of Healthcare Administrative Management (AAHAM) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals in the field of healthcare administration and management. It is designed to demonstrate the individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of healthcare operations, finance, reimbursement, coding and compliance.

The AAHAM certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete depending on the individual's experience level. To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by AAHAM. The exam covers topics such as healthcare operations, finance, reimbursement, coding and compliance. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least three years of experience working in a healthcare setting with direct responsibility for administrative or financial functions.

The cost of obtaining AAHAM certification varies depending on the individual's experience level. For those with no prior experience in healthcare administration or management, the cost can range from $500-$1,000 USD. For those with three or more years of experience in these fields, the cost can range from $300-$500 USD.

In addition to passing the exam and meeting the experience requirements for certification, applicants must also be current members of AAHAM and remain active members throughout their certification period.

10. National Association of Healthcare Access Management Certification

The National Association of Healthcare Access Management (NAHAM) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of healthcare access management. NAHAM Certification is a voluntary credentialing process that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare access management.

NAHAM Certification is awarded to individuals who have successfully completed an approved training program, passed an exam, and met other requirements established by NAHAM. The certification process typically takes 3-6 months to complete.

To become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least one year of experience in healthcare access management or a related field. Applicants must also submit an application form and fee to begin the certification process. After submitting their application, applicants must complete an approved training program, pass an exam, and submit additional documentation as required by NAHAM.

The cost for NAHAM Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought and the applicant’s level of experience. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $125-$400 per applicant.

11. National Council for Prescription Drug Programs Certification

The National Council for Prescription Drug Programs (NCPDP) Certification is a voluntary program that provides pharmacy professionals with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the NCPDP Standards. The NCPDP Standards are used by pharmacies, health plans, and other organizations to facilitate the electronic exchange of healthcare information.

Getting certified requires passing an online exam that tests one’s knowledge of the NCPDP standards. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must have a minimum score of 70% in order to pass the exam.

In order to take the exam, applicants must first register online through the NCPDP website. Once registered, they will be sent an email with instructions on how to purchase and schedule their exam. The cost of taking the exam is $225 USD for members or $275 USD for non-members.

Once applicants have successfully passed their exams, they will receive their certification within two weeks via email from NCPDP. This certification is valid for three years from the date issued and can be renewed by taking another exam after that period has expired.

Do You Really Need a Enrollment Coordinator Certificate?

When it comes to getting a job as an enrollment coordinator, there are several factors that can help you stand out from the competition. While having a certificate of completion or training in enrollment coordination may enhance your resume and give you an advantage over other candidates, it is not necessary for success in this role.

Enrollment coordinators need to have exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and customer service experience. These are qualities that can be gained through education or work experience and do not necessarily require specialized training in enrollment coordination. Employers often prefer applicants who have a degree in business management, communications, or education because these qualifications demonstrate knowledge of processes involved with enrolling students into educational programs.

Having a certificate of completion in enrollment coordination could provide employers with evidence that a candidate has taken the initiative to become familiar with the field and its related processes. A diploma or certificate may also indicate that the applicant has taken courses specifically designed to prepare them for their role as an enrollment coordinator. This could be beneficial if the employer is looking for someone with specific knowledge and understanding of the job functions associated with this position.

Ultimately, having a certificate of completion in enrollment coordination could give you an edge when applying for jobs as an enrollment coordinator; however, it is not required for success in this role. Having strong organizational skills and customer service experience can be just as important when seeking employment in this field.

Related: Enrollment Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Enrollment Coordinator Certifications

Q1. What is an Enrollment Coordinator Certification?

A1. An Enrollment Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a proficiency in the skills and knowledge necessary to manage student enrollment, financial aid, and other related activities in a college or university setting.

Q2. How do I become certified as an Enrollment Coordinator?

A2. In order to become certified as an Enrollment Coordinator, you must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying organization such as the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA).

Q3. What are the benefits of becoming an Enrollment Coordinator?

A3. Becoming an Enrollment Coordinator gives you the opportunity to work in a highly specialized field with excellent career prospects. It also allows you to help students navigate the complexities of higher education and ensure they receive the financial aid they need to pursue their educational goals.

Q4. How long does it take to complete the certification process?

A4. The length of time required for certification varies depending on your individual circumstances, such as prior training or experience in this field, but typically takes between 6-12 months from start to finish.

Q5. Does having an Enrollment Coordinator Certification increase my salary potential?

A5: Yes, having an Enrollment Coordinator Certification can open up higher paying opportunities within this field of work due to its specialized nature and increased demand for qualified professionals in this area.

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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