Top 10 Family Advocate Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for family advocates. They demonstrate to potential employers that the advocate has obtained a certain level of knowledge and skill in their field. For family advocates, certifications can be especially useful, as they show that the advocate is knowledgeable in areas such as child development, family dynamics, crisis intervention, and mediation. Certifications also help employers determine whether or not a particular advocate is qualified to work with specific types of families or in certain roles. Finally, certifications provide a way for family advocates to stay up-to-date on best practices and new research in their field.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Family Advocates and explains how they can contribute to a family advocate's career.

What are Family Advocate Certifications?

Family Advocate Certification is a certification program that provides specialized training to individuals who work with families in crisis. It is designed to help professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively and compassionately serve families in need. The certification focuses on providing support and guidance for families in crisis, including those affected by poverty, addiction, abuse, neglect, mental health issues, homelessness and other challenges.

The goal of Family Advocate Certification is to empower family advocates to provide comprehensive services that meet the unique needs of each family they serve. The certification helps ensure that practitioners are knowledgeable about the social services available in their communities and can provide appropriate referrals when needed. Additionally, it provides educators with the tools necessary to assess family dynamics, identify risk factors and develop effective interventions for families facing crisis situations.

Family Advocate Certification also helps practitioners gain an understanding of how to navigate systems such as child welfare, juvenile justice and public health so they can better advocate for their clients’ rights. This certification ultimately helps strengthen families by providing them with resources and support that will help them reach their goals of self-sufficiency and stability.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a family advocate certification, research the requirements and expectations of the program you are interested in. Make sure that all of the necessary qualifications are met and that the training offered meets your needs and interests. Additionally, find out what type of support and resources are available to assist in achieving your certification.

Related: What does a Family Advocate do?

Top 10 Family Advocate Certifications

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

1. Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE)

A Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) is a professional designation given by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). It is a credential that recognizes individuals who have met specific educational and experiential requirements in the field of family life education. CFLEs are trained to provide evidence-based education, prevention, and intervention services to individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan.

It typically takes two years to complete the requirements for the CFLE credential. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as family studies, human development and family science, marriage and family therapy, social work or psychology; at least three years of full-time experience in family life education; and be able to demonstrate knowledge of the NCFR Code of Ethics for Family Life Educators. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam administered by NCFR.

The cost to obtain the CFLE credential varies depending on whether you are an NCFR member or non-member. If you are an NCFR member, the cost is $200 for members and $400 for non-members. If you are not an NCFR member, then it costs $400 for members and $600 for non-members.

2. Certified Parent Coach (CPC)

Certified Parent Coach (CPC) is a professional certification program designed to equip parents with the knowledge and skills necessary to help their children reach their full potential. The program provides comprehensive training in principles of child development, communication, problem-solving, and effective parenting strategies. Participants learn how to create positive relationships with their children and develop an understanding of the importance of self-care for both parent and child.

The CPC program consists of a series of online courses that must be completed within a year's time. Each course focuses on specific topics related to parenting, such as discipline, communication, self-care, developmental milestones, and more. Participants must also complete an assessment at the end of each course in order to demonstrate mastery of the material. Upon successful completion of all courses and assessments, participants will receive their Certified Parent Coach certificate.

The cost for the CPC program varies depending on which provider you choose; however, most providers charge between $400 - $800 USD for the entire program. Additionally, some providers may offer discounts or payment plans for those who need financial assistance.

To become a Certified Parent Coach (CPC), you must complete all required courses and assessments within one year's time from the date you register for the program. After completing all courses and assessments successfully, you will receive your certificate from your chosen provider verifying your status as a Certified Parent Coach (CPC).

3. Certified Family Support Worker (CFSW)

Certified Family Support Worker (CFSW) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in providing family support services. This certification is offered by the National Association of Family Support Workers (NAFSW).

The CFSW certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in areas such as family dynamics, parenting, communication, problem-solving, and crisis intervention. To obtain the CFSW certification, applicants must complete an approved training program and pass an examination. The training program typically takes between three and six months to complete.

Applicants must also submit a completed application form with all required documentation and pay the applicable fee. The cost for the CFSW certification varies depending on the organization offering it; however, most organizations charge between $200-$400 for the application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam.

4. Certified Family Advocate (CFA)

A Certified Family Advocate (CFA) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have completed specialized training and demonstrated proficiency in the field of family advocacy. The CFA credential is awarded to those who have met the standards set by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR).

The CFA designation requires completion of a minimum of 30 hours of coursework in family advocacy, which includes topics such as family systems theory, communication, conflict resolution, and parenting skills. In addition to completing the required coursework, applicants must also pass an exam administered by NCFR.

To become a CFA, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it to NCFR for review. After submitting their application, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered for the exam, they will need to pay a fee of $150 USD and then take the exam at a testing center near them.

The entire process typically takes between 6-12 months depending on when you apply and when you are able to take the exam.

Once all requirements are met, individuals who have successfully passed their exam will be awarded their CFA credential from NCFR. This credential can be used to demonstrate expertise in family advocacy and can help open up new job opportunities in this field.

5. Certified Parenting Practitioner (CPP)

A Certified Parenting Practitioner (CPP) is a professional who has received specialized training in parenting education and support. The CPP designation is awarded by the International Network for Children and Families (INCAF), an international organization dedicated to promoting the well-being of children and families.

In order to become a CPP, applicants must complete an INCAF-approved course of study that includes at least 20 hours of parent education instruction. This coursework can be completed online or through a combination of online and in-person classes. Once the coursework is completed, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam administered by INCAF in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CPP program varies depending on the provider, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. It generally takes 4-6 months to complete all requirements for certification.

6. Certified Professional Parent Educator (CPPE)

Certified Professional Parent Educator (CPPE) is a certification program offered by the National Parenting Education Network (NPEN). The CPPE certification is designed to recognize parent educators who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of parenting education. This certification is intended to provide parents with assurance that they are receiving quality, evidence-based parenting education from certified professionals.

The CPPE program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a portfolio review. The online course provides in-depth training on topics such as child development, family dynamics, and effective communication techniques. The exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of parenting education theory and practice. Finally, the portfolio review evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CPPE program. To get started, candidates must first register for the online course through NPEN’s website. Once registered, candidates will be provided with access to all of the materials needed for completion of the program. After completing the online course, candidates must then pass an exam administered by NPEN before they can submit their portfolio for review.

The cost of obtaining CPPE certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NPEN. For non-members, it costs $399 USD for registration in the online course and $250 USD for taking the exam. For members, it costs $299 USD for registration in the online course and $150 USD for taking the exam. In addition to these fees, there may also be additional costs associated with submitting your portfolio for review depending on where you live and how many documents need to be submitted.

7. Certified Professional Co-Parenting Coach (CPCC)

Certified Professional Co-Parenting Coach (CPCC) is a certification program designed to help individuals and couples learn effective communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills in order to create successful co-parenting relationships. The program consists of an online course and four days of in-person instruction. The online course covers topics such as the basics of co-parenting, communication skills, understanding emotions, problem solving techniques, and boundary setting. The in-person instruction includes role plays and exercises that allow participants to practice the skills they have learned online.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CPCC certification program. During this time, individuals must complete the online coursework and attend all four days of in-person instruction. Upon completion of the coursework, participants will receive their certification from the International Association for Coaching Parenting (IACP).

To become a CPCC certified coach, individuals must meet certain requirements including having a minimum of two years’ experience working with families or couples in a professional capacity; completing at least 70 hours of approved training courses; passing an exam administered by IACP; and meeting any additional requirements set forth by IACP.

The cost of becoming a CPCC certified coach can vary depending on the individual’s training provider. Generally speaking, however, it typically costs around $2,000 - $3,000 USD to complete all required coursework and obtain certification from IACP.

8. Certified Child and Family Life Specialist (CCFLS)

Certified Child and Family Life Specialists (CCFLS) are professionals who specialize in providing support to children, adolescents, and their families. They use a variety of therapeutic techniques to address the emotional, physical, social, and developmental needs of their clients. CCFLSs work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, schools, community centers, and private practices.

In order to become certified as a CCFLS, individuals must first complete an accredited Child and Family Life program. Most programs require two years of full-time study or four years of part-time study. Courses typically include topics such as child development, family dynamics, therapeutic interventions for children and families, medical terminology, psychology and counseling techniques.

Once they have completed the academic requirements for certification, individuals must pass the Certified Child & Family Life Specialist Examination administered by the Association for Child & Family Life Professionals (ACFLP). The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as child development theories; family systems theory; therapeutic interventions; crisis intervention; legal/ethical issues; professional communication; research methods; assessment tools; multiculturalism/diversity issues; advocacy/public policy issues; and leadership/administration skills.

The cost for taking the exam is $225 for members of ACFLP ($275 for non-members). Once an individual has passed the exam they will be awarded their certification as a Certified Child & Family Life Specialist (CCFLS).

9. Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT)

A Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT) is a mental health professional who specializes in providing counseling, therapy, and support to individuals, couples, and families. CMFTs are trained to work with individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs. They focus on helping people address issues such as relationship difficulties, communication problems, parenting challenges, behavioral issues, substance abuse problems, depression, anxiety, grief and loss.

In order to become a Certified Marriage and Family Therapist (CMFT), one must complete a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from an accredited university or college. The program typically takes two years to complete. After completing the master’s program, candidates must then pass the National Marriage and Family Therapy Examination (NMFTE). This exam is administered by the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT). Once the NMFTE is successfully passed, candidates can apply for certification through their state licensing board.

The cost of becoming a Certified Marriage and Family Therapist varies depending on the state you live in as well as the type of program you choose to pursue. Generally speaking though it will cost anywhere from $20-50 for application fees plus any additional costs associated with taking the NMFTE exam. Additionally there may be other costs associated with obtaining continuing education credits or attending conferences related to marriage and family therapy.

10. National Association of Social Workers Clinical Member (NASW-CM).

The National Association of Social Workers Clinical Member (NASW-CM) is a professional designation that recognizes social workers who have achieved a high level of clinical practice. This credential was created to recognize the advanced knowledge and skill set required for clinical social work practice.

To become an NASW-CM, applicants must have a master’s degree in social work from an accredited school and at least two years of post-master’s supervised clinical experience. Applicants must also pass the NASW Clinical Exam and complete continuing education requirements.

It typically takes three to six months to complete all of the necessary steps to become an NASW-CM, depending on how quickly you can complete the application process and obtain your required supervised experience hours.

To get started, you will need to fill out an online application form with your contact information, educational background, and other relevant information. Once your application has been accepted, you will be asked to take the NASW Clinical Exam which covers topics such as assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and ethical considerations in clinical practice. After passing the exam, you will need to submit proof of your supervised experience hours as well as any additional documents requested by the association.

The cost for becoming an NASW-CM varies depending on your state but generally ranges from $300-$500 USD for the initial application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or obtaining supervision hours.

Do You Really Need a Family Advocate Certificate?

The short answer to this question is: it depends. A Family Advocate Certificate can be beneficial for some people, but it is not necessary for everyone. It depends on your career goals and the type of work you plan to do in the field of family advocacy.

If you are looking to enter a career as a family advocate, then having a certificate can be very helpful. A certificate shows that you have been trained in the field and you have knowledge that other potential employers will recognize. It also demonstrates your commitment to the field and your dedication to helping others.

On the other hand, if you are already working in the field or are pursuing a degree related to family advocacy, then a certificate may not be necessary. You will likely already have the education and experience needed for success in this type of work. In addition, many employers understand that certificates can be costly and time consuming, so they may not require them when hiring new employees.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a Family Advocate Certificate depends on your individual career goals and what type of work you plan to do in this field. For some people, obtaining a certificate can provide valuable credentials that will help them advance their careers; however, for others it may not be necessary.

Related: Family Advocate Resume Examples

FAQs About Family Advocate Certifications

Q1: What is a Family Advocate Certification?

A1: A Family Advocate Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills to provide support and guidance to families in need. The certification is typically earned through completion of an approved training program, passing the exam, and meeting other requirements.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Family Advocate?

A2: To become certified as a Family Advocate, you will generally need to complete an approved training program, pass the exam, and meet other requirements set by the certifying organization.

Q3: What topics are covered in a Family Advocate Certification course?

A3: Typical topics covered in a Family Advocate Certification course include family dynamics, communication skills, conflict resolution strategies, advocacy techniques, legal issues related to family advocacy, and more.

Q4: How long does it take to become certified as a Family Advocate?

A4: The time it takes to become certified depends on the coursework required by the certifying organization. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within three months or less with full-time study.

Q5: Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

A5: Most certifying organizations require ongoing continuing education credits every few years in order to maintain your certification status. The number of credits required varies depending on the organization.