Top 10 Instructional Coordinator Certifications

Certifications for instructional coordinators are important in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and expertise in the field. By earning certifications, an instructional coordinator can show potential employers that they have the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role. Additionally, certifications can help an instructional coordinator stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to employers. Certifications also provide evidence of continued learning, which is essential for staying up to date with best practices in education. Ultimately, instructional coordinators who hold certifications are better equipped to provide high quality instruction that meets the needs of students and educators.

This article reviews the top certifications for Instructional Coordinators, providing insight into how they can help to advance an instructional coordinator's career.

What are Instructional Coordinator Certifications?

Instructional coordinator certification is a professional credential that is designed to recognize and validate the competencies of instructional coordinators. Instructional coordinators are responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs. This includes curriculum design, assessment strategies, and other aspects of teaching and learning.

The certification process involves completion of a set of coursework in instructional coordination topics such as curriculum design, assessment strategies, instructional technology, and educational leadership. The courses may be taken online or in a traditional classroom setting. Upon successful completion of the required coursework, candidates must pass an examination administered by an approved certifying organization.

Having instructional coordinator certification can help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in this field to employers or potential clients. It also provides professional recognition that can lead to increased career opportunities and higher salaries. Additionally, having this type of certification may be necessary for certain positions within education-related organizations or institutions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the specific requirements for instructional coordinator certification in your state or region before beginning the application process. Different states may have different qualifications and requirements that you must meet in order to be certified. Also, take advantage of any available resources or programs that can help you prepare for the certification exam.

Related: What does an Instructional Coordinator do?

Top 10 Instructional Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Instructional Coordinator (CIC)

Certified Instructional Coordinator (CIC) is a professional credential awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). It is designed for professionals who work in instructional roles, such as teachers, trainers, curriculum developers, and administrators. The certification indicates that the individual has demonstrated mastery of best practices in instruction, curriculum design, assessment, and technology integration.

The CIC certification requires a minimum of 30 hours of training and education related to best practices in instruction. This training must be completed within three years prior to applying for the certification. In addition to the training requirements, applicants must pass an online examination that covers topics such as instructional design principles, assessment strategies, technology integration strategies, and more.

The cost for obtaining the CIC certification varies depending on the type of training and education taken to meet the requirements. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more.

2. Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP)

Certified Professional in Learning and Performance (CPLP) is a certification program developed by the Association for Talent Development (ATD). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to design, develop, manage, and measure learning and performance initiatives.

The CPLP credential requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge in four areas: learning technologies, instructional design, performance improvement, and measurement and evaluation. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering these topics. To qualify for the CPLP credential, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in the field of learning and performance.

The process of obtaining the CPLP credential typically takes between six months to one year. This includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, submitting an application with all required documents (including proof of professional experience), registering for the exam, taking the exam itself, and receiving confirmation from ATD that you have passed it.

The cost of obtaining the CPLP credential varies depending on your membership status with ATD. Non-members pay $995 USD while members pay $895 USD. Additionally there are fees associated with registering for the exam ($395 USD) as well as a fee for retaking it if necessary ($295 USD).

3. Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP)

Certified Training and Development Professional (CTDP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of training and development. It is designed to recognize professionals who possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively design, develop, deliver, evaluate, and manage training programs.

The CTDP certification is offered through the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI). To obtain this certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as instructional design principles; needs assessment; learning theory; evaluation methods; training delivery methods; performance management; and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CTDP certification exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of training and development or a related field. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 120 hours of professional development activities within the past three years.

The cost for taking the CTDP certification exam is $395 USD. This fee includes access to study materials as well as a one-year membership with IBSTPI. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their official CTDP certificate from IBSTPI.

4. Certified eLearning Instructional Designer (CEID)

Certified eLearning Instructional Designer (CEID) is a certification program offered by the International Board of Standards for Training, Performance, and Instruction (IBSTPI). The CEID certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in the development of effective and engaging eLearning courses.

The CEID certification process involves passing a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as instructional design principles, eLearning development processes, multimedia design and production, and assessment strategies. The exam also includes a practical component in which candidates must demonstrate their ability to develop an eLearning course from start to finish.

The CEID certification requires about 80 hours of preparation time. Candidates can prepare for the exam through self-study or by taking an online course offered by IBSTPI.

The cost of the CEID certification varies depending on the type of preparation chosen. Self-study costs range from $100-$500 USD, while online courses tend to be more expensive at around $1,000 USD.

Once certified, professionals are expected to maintain their credentials by completing continuing education activities every two years. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with current trends and best practices in eLearning design and development.

5. Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL)

Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). The CETL certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of educational technology leaders. It is intended for those who are responsible for leading, managing, and implementing technology initiatives in K-12 schools or districts.

The CETL certification process involves three steps: completing an online application, passing an online assessment, and submitting a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competency in the ISTE Standards for Educational Leaders. The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of the CETL certification varies depending on the type of ISTE membership you have. For non-members, it costs $295; for members, it costs $195; and for student members, it costs $95.

To get certified as a CETL, you must first join ISTE as either a member or student member. Once you have joined ISTE, you can apply to take the CETL assessment by completing an online application form. After submitting your application form and paying the required fee, you will receive instructions on how to access the assessment. Once you have completed the assessment successfully, you will need to submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your competency in the ISTE Standards for Educational Leaders. Once your portfolio has been reviewed and approved by ISTE staff, you will be awarded your CETL certification.

6. Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor Certification (MOSMI)

Microsoft Office Specialist Master Instructor Certification (MOSMI) is an advanced certification for Microsoft Office users. It is designed to help instructors teach Microsoft Office applications more effectively and efficiently.

To become a MOSMI, you must first have a valid Microsoft Office Specialist certification in one or more of the following: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, or OneNote. You must also be able to demonstrate knowledge and experience teaching Microsoft Office applications in a classroom setting.

To get the MOSMI certification, you must complete two online courses: "Foundations of Teaching with Technology" and "Teaching with Technology". The courses take approximately 8-10 hours each to complete. After completing both courses, you will receive your MOSMI certification.

The cost of the MOSMI certification is $295 USD.

7. Project Management Professional-Instructional Design (PMP-ID)

Project Management Professional-Instructional Design (PMP-ID) is an internationally recognized certification program for instructional designers. It is designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage projects related to instructional design. The PMP-ID certification is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI).

The PMP-ID certification requires a minimum of three years of experience in project management, including at least one year in instructional design, as well as 35 hours of formal education or training in project management. To be eligible for the PMP-ID certification, applicants must pass a rigorous examination that covers topics such as project scope management, scheduling, cost estimation, quality control, risk management and communication.

The PMP-ID certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete. Applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with any required documentation to the PMI. Once approved, applicants must then register for and take the PMP-ID exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official PMP-ID certificate.

The cost of obtaining a PMP-ID certification varies depending on whether you are taking an online course or attending a classroom course. Online courses typically range from $500-$1,000 while classroom courses can cost up to $2,500 or more. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with registration fees and study materials.

8. Certified Online Instructor (COI)

Certified Online Instructor (COI) is a certification that recognizes online instructors who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of online instruction. The certification is awarded by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), an organization dedicated to advancing quality digital learning experiences.

The COI certification process involves completing two components: an online course and an assessment. The online course provides an introduction to best practices in online teaching, and covers topics such as creating effective instructional materials, designing effective assessments, and developing interactive learning activities. After completing the course, candidates must pass a comprehensive assessment that tests their knowledge of the material covered in the course.

The COI certification process typically takes between four and six weeks to complete, depending on how quickly candidates can complete the required components. Candidates should plan to spend at least 10-15 hours per week studying for the assessment portion of the program.

The cost of obtaining COI certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of OLC. For non-members, the cost is $299 USD; for members, it is $199 USD.

9. Instructional Systems Design Certificate Program (ISDCP)

The Instructional Systems Design Certificate Program (ISDCP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to design, develop, implement, and evaluate effective instructional systems. The program focuses on the principles of instructional design, human performance technology, and adult learning theory.

The ISDCP consists of four courses: Introduction to Instructional Systems Design; Human Performance Technology; Adult Learning Theory; and Evaluation of Instructional Systems. Each course is offered online or in-person depending on the learner’s preference. The entire program takes approximately 6 months to complete.

In order to get the certificate, learners must successfully complete all four courses with a passing grade. Learners are also required to submit a portfolio which includes evidence of their work in each course. Once all requirements have been met, learners will receive their certificate from the International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI).

The cost of the ISDCP varies depending on how many courses are taken at once and whether they are taken online or in-person. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 USD for the entire program.

10. International Society for Performance Improvement Certification in Instructional Design & Technology (ISPI-CDT).

The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) Certification in Instructional Design & Technology (CDT) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of instructional design and technology. The ISPI-CDT certification is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively design, develop, deliver, and evaluate instruction.

The ISPI-CDT certification consists of three parts: a written exam; a performance test; and a portfolio evaluation. The written exam covers topics such as instructional design theory, principles of adult learning, instructional delivery methods, assessment strategies, and technology tools. The performance test requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply instructional design principles in practice. Finally, the portfolio evaluation assesses applicants’ ability to create an effective learning experience based on their understanding of instructional design theory.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all three components of the ISPI-CDT certification process. During this time period, applicants must complete coursework related to instructional design theory and practice; pass the written exam; submit a portfolio for review; and successfully complete the performance test.

The cost of the ISPI-CDT certification varies depending on which courses are taken and how many times the written exam is taken. Generally speaking, it costs between $1,500-$2,000 USD for all three components of the certification process. This cost includes course fees as well as exam fees.

Do You Really Need a Instructional Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. If you are looking to pursue a career in instructional coordination, then yes, it would be beneficial to get an instructional coordinator certificate. An instructional coordinator certificate can provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in this field. It will also give you a greater chance of getting hired by employers who prefer applicants with such a credential.

There are many benefits to having an instructional coordinator certificate. For example, it can help you develop the specific skills needed for the job, such as understanding how to use different teaching methods and materials, developing curriculum plans and objectives, training teachers on new techniques, and assessing student performance. In addition, having an instructional coordinator certification may open up more opportunities for advancement within the field since employers may view this credential as a sign of expertise and commitment.

In conclusion, whether or not you need an instructional coordinator certificate largely depends on your personal career goals. If you want to pursue a career in this field, then obtaining an instructional coordinator certification is highly recommended as it will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for success in this role.

Related: Instructional Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Instructional Coordinator Certifications

Q1. What is an Instructional Coordinator Certification?

A1. An Instructional Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to coordinate educational programs and activities. It typically includes courses in curriculum design, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation, instructional technology, and professional development.

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

A2. To become certified as an Instructional Coordinator, you must complete a program of study at an accredited college or university that focuses on curriculum design, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation, instructional technology, and professional development. You may also need to pass an exam administered by a certifying body in order to be recognized as a certified Instructional Coordinator.

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

A3: Becoming an Instructional Coordinator provides many benefits including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and recognition for your expertise in the field of education. Additionally, having certification can help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in the field of education.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified as an Instructional Coordinator?

A4: The length of time needed to become certified as an Instructional Coordinator varies depending on the program of study you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each week. Generally speaking, completing a program of study can take anywhere from one year up to two years or more depending on the program requirements.

Q5. Are there continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

A5: Yes, most certifying bodies require that certified professionals obtain continuing education credits in order to maintain their certification status. The number of credits required may vary depending on the certifying body but typically range from 15-30 hours per year or every two years depending on the organization's requirements