Top 11 Non-Profit Certifications

Certifications are important for non-profit organizations because they can demonstrate to potential employers that the organization has certain standards of excellence and a commitment to professional development. Certifications give non-profits an edge in the job market by showing that their staff is knowledgeable, experienced, and qualified in their respective fields. This can be especially beneficial when competing with larger or more established organizations for funding or resources. Additionally, certifications can help a non-profit gain credibility with donors and other stakeholders, as they provide assurance that the organization is committed to providing quality services and programs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Non-Profits and explains how they can provide career growth opportunities to those working in this sector.

What are Non-Profit Certifications?

Non-profit certification is a process that confirms an organization meets the legal requirements of a non-profit entity. The purpose of this certification is to ensure the public and potential donors that the organization is not operated for personal gain or profit, but rather to serve the mission and goals of its founders. It also helps to protect the reputation of the organization and demonstrate its commitment to ethical practices.

The certification process generally involves completing an application with detailed information about the organization's operations, including its mission statement, board members, financial statements, and other documents outlining how it will operate as a non-profit entity. In addition, many certifying agencies require organizations to submit their bylaws, articles of incorporation, and proof of tax exemption status from the IRS. Once all documentation is reviewed and approved by the certifying agency, the organization can receive official recognition as a non-profit entity.

Having this certification can provide several advantages for an organization. It can help increase public trust in the organization's purpose and activities by providing evidence that it is operating legally as a non-profit entity. Additionally, many funders require organizations to have non-profit certification before they will consider providing funding or support. Lastly, having this certification may also make it easier for organizations to access certain services or resources available only to certified non-profits.

Pro tip: When applying for non-profit certification, make sure to research the requirements and eligibility criteria in detail. Many organizations have specific guidelines that must be met in order to gain certification, so it's important to understand what these are before submitting an application. Additionally, make sure to keep detailed records of all paperwork associated with the process and any other relevant documents.

Related: What does a Non-Profit do?

Top 11 Non-Profit Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Non-Profits today.

1. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is a credential recognizing the knowledge and experience of professionals working in the nonprofit sector. The CNP designation is awarded to individuals who have completed a rigorous program of study and demonstrated their ability to apply best practices to the management of nonprofit organizations.

The certification process typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the individual's schedule and level of commitment. To become certified, applicants must complete an online application, submit transcripts from an accredited college or university, pass an exam, provide references from colleagues or supervisors, and pay a fee.

The fee for becoming a Certified Nonprofit Professional is $495 USD. This includes access to online course materials, a practice exam, and the final exam. The fee also covers administrative costs associated with processing applications and awarding certifications.

2. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) is a professional certification program for fundraising professionals. It is the only globally recognized certification in philanthropy and provides recognition of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of successful fundraising executives. The CFRE credential is awarded to individuals who have met a set of standards including education, practice experience, demonstrated knowledge, and a commitment to continuing education in the field of philanthropy.

The CFRE designation requires applicants to have at least five years of full-time professional fundraising experience within the last ten years. In addition to this experience requirement, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as donor relations, ethical practices, fundraising techniques, and financial management.

It typically takes six months or more to prepare for the CFRE exam depending on an individual’s prior experience with fundraising and their ability to study for the exam. Preparation materials include books, online courses, webinars, and practice exams that can help candidates become familiar with the types of questions they will encounter on test day.

The cost for taking the CFRE exam is $395 USD for members of AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals) or $495 USD for non-members.

3. Accredited Nonprofit Professional (ANP)

Accredited Nonprofit Professional (ANP) is a professional designation for individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the core competencies and knowledge necessary to work effectively in the nonprofit sector. The ANP designation is awarded by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, an organization dedicated to developing and promoting standards of excellence in nonprofit leadership.

The ANP certification process involves completing a series of courses that cover topics such as fundraising, financial management, grant writing, board governance, human resources management, and program evaluation. Upon completion of the program, applicants must pass an assessment to demonstrate their understanding of the material.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all of the requirements for ANP certification. The cost of the program varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 to become certified as an ANP.

4. Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP)

Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) is a professional certification for individuals who work in the nonprofit accounting field. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of those working in this specialized field. The CNAP certification is offered by the National Association of Certified Public Accountants (NACPA).

The CNAP certification requires applicants to have at least two years of full-time experience in nonprofit accounting or auditing, or a combination of both. Applicants must also pass an examination that covers topics such as financial reporting, budgeting, accounting principles, internal controls and taxation.

To obtain the CNAP certification, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with their supporting documents. Applicants must also pay a fee which varies depending on the type of application being submitted. After submitting their application and paying the fee, applicants will be required to take an online exam which will test their knowledge on various topics related to nonprofit accounting.

Once applicants have successfully passed the exam, they will receive their official CNAP certificate from NACPA. This certificate serves as proof that they have met all requirements for becoming a Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional.

The cost of obtaining a CNAP certification varies depending on the type of application being submitted and other factors such as whether or not an applicant has taken any additional courses related to nonprofit accounting prior to applying for the certification. Generally speaking, most applicants can expect to pay between $500-$1000 for their application fees and exam costs combined.

5. Certified Nonprofit Technology Professional (CNTP)

Certified Nonprofit Technology Professional (CNTP) is a certification program developed by the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) to recognize and promote excellence in nonprofit technology management. The CNTP certification is designed to demonstrate knowledge and experience in the field of nonprofit technology management.

The CNTP certification process consists of three steps: completing an online application, passing an online exam, and participating in a peer review interview. Applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in nonprofit technology management or a related field.

The online application requires applicants to provide information about their educational background, professional experience, and technical skills. Once the application is approved, applicants are required to take an online exam that covers topics such as security, networking, software development, project management, and data analysis. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will be invited to participate in a peer review interview with NTEN-certified professionals who will assess their knowledge and skills.

The cost for the CNTP certification program is $350 USD. This fee covers the cost of the online application and exam as well as access to NTEN’s resources and support network. The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

6. Certified Nonprofit Leadership and Management (CNLM)

Certified Nonprofit Leadership and Management (CNLM) is a professional certification program designed to provide nonprofit professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively lead and manage their organization. The CNLM focuses on the core competencies needed for successful nonprofit management including governance, leadership, financial management, fundraising, communications, human resources, and legal/regulatory compliance.

The CNLM is offered through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA) in partnership with the Council of Nonprofits. It is a self-paced online program that can be completed in as little as six months or up to two years depending on the individual's preference.

To get certified as a CNLM, individuals must complete an application process that includes submitting an essay describing their interest in nonprofit leadership and management and providing three letters of recommendation from colleagues or mentors. They must also demonstrate completion of at least four NLA-approved courses covering topics such as finance, fundraising, human resources, governance, communications & marketing, planning & evaluation, legal & regulatory compliance. After completing all requirements for certification, applicants must pass an online exam administered by the NLA before receiving their certificate.

The cost of becoming certified as a CNLM varies depending on which courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. Generally speaking however it costs around $2-3 thousand dollars to become certified through this program.

7. Certified Nonprofit Human Resources Professional (CNHRP)

Certified Nonprofit Human Resources Professional (CNHRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate expertise in the field of nonprofit human resources. The certification requires a comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, and laws that govern nonprofit organizations.

The CNHRP certification process includes an online application, an examination, and a portfolio review. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in nonprofit human resources management or a related field. Applicants also must complete at least 60 hours of continuing education credits in human resources topics within three years prior to applying for the certification.

It typically takes up to three months to receive your results after submitting your application and taking the exam. The cost to take the exam is $300 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

8. Certified Grant Writing Specialist (CGWS)

A Certified Grant Writing Specialist (CGWS) is a professional who has completed specialized training and certification in the field of grant writing. CGWSs are knowledgeable about the various types of grants available, the application process, and how to write successful grant proposals. They are also familiar with the rules and regulations governing grant funding.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to become a Certified Grant Writing Specialist. The process includes completing an accredited course, passing an exam, and submitting a portfolio of successful grant proposals for review.

In order to become certified, you must first find an accredited program that offers a CGWS certification. These programs can be found online or at universities or community colleges. Once you have enrolled in a program, you will need to complete the required coursework and pass the exam in order to become certified.

The cost of becoming a Certified Grant Writing Specialist varies depending on the program chosen and any additional materials needed for completion of the coursework. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 or more to become certified as a CGWS.

9. Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA)

Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in volunteer management. It is offered by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration (CCVA), an international organization dedicated to advancing the field of volunteerism. The CVA credential provides a standard of excellence for those who manage volunteers and demonstrates a commitment to professional development and ethical practices.

The CVA certification process consists of three components: an online application, a written examination, and an oral interview. To apply, individuals must have at least two years of experience in managing volunteers, or equivalent education and experience. The written exam tests knowledge of volunteer management principles and best practices, while the oral interview assesses skills related to working with volunteers.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the entire CVA certification process. During this time, applicants must submit their application materials, take the written exam, schedule their oral interview, and receive their results from CCVA.

The cost of obtaining the CVA credential varies depending on whether you are applying as an individual or through an organization. For individuals, there is a $100 nonrefundable application fee plus additional fees for taking the written exam ($100) and participating in the oral interview ($150). Organizations may be eligible for discounted rates; please contact CCVA directly for more information about pricing options.

10. International Association of Facilitators Certification in Facilitation for Nonprofits

The International Association of Facilitators (IAF) Certification in Facilitation for Nonprofits is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of facilitators working with nonprofit organizations. This certification program is designed to provide nonprofit organizations with assurance that their facilitators have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to facilitate successful meetings, workshops, and other events.

The IAF Certification in Facilitation for Nonprofits requires applicants to demonstrate their competency in facilitation through a combination of education and experience. Applicants must have at least two years of facilitation experience within the past five years as well as either a degree or diploma in facilitation or equivalent training. They must also pass an online assessment that tests their knowledge of facilitation principles and practices.

The entire process typically takes between three and six months to complete depending on how quickly the applicant completes the required steps. The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the individual’s level of experience but generally ranges from $500 - $1,000 USD.

11. National Council of Nonprofits Certificate in Nonprofit Governance

The National Council of Nonprofits Certificate in Nonprofit Governance is a program designed to help nonprofit leaders and board members gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively govern their organizations. The certificate program consists of three online courses that cover topics such as understanding the roles and responsibilities of nonprofit boards, developing effective policies and procedures, and managing risk. Each course takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete, depending on the student’s prior knowledge of the subject matter.

To obtain the certificate, students must successfully complete all three courses within one year. Upon completion of all three courses, students will receive a certificate from the National Council of Nonprofits that can be printed or shared electronically.

The cost for the Certificate in Nonprofit Governance is $249 for individuals or $199 per person for groups of five or more people who register together. There are also discounts available for members of certain organizations.

Do You Really Need a Non-Profit Certificate?

In most cases, a non-profit certificate is not necessary for a business or organization to be considered non-profit. However, depending on the state and type of organization, there are certain benefits to having a non-profit certificate.

One benefit to having a non-profit certificate is that it can make obtaining certain types of financial aid easier. For example, many foundations and other organizations require 501(c)(3) status in order to receive grants or donations. A non-profit certificate can provide proof of this 501(c)(3) status. Additionally, some states may allow organizations with a non-profit certificate to apply for tax exemptions or other forms of government assistance that are not available to businesses without the certificate.

Another potential benefit of having a non-profit certificate is the ability for an organization to legally solicit charitable donations from members of the public. Depending on the state, this may require registering with the state as a charitable organization or obtaining specific licenses from the local government. A non-profit certificate can provide proof that an organization has met these requirements and is legally allowed to solicit donations.

Finally, having a non-profit certificate can also help an organization gain recognition in its community and beyond. Potential donors often look for evidence that an organization is legitimate before giving money, and having a recognized certification can help build trust in potential donors and other stakeholders. Additionally, many organizations use their certification as part of their branding efforts and as part of their overall marketing strategy.

Overall, while not always necessary, having a non-profit certificate can provide several benefits for businesses and organizations operating in certain states or looking to obtain certain types of aid or recognition from external sources. Therefore it should be carefully considered when deciding whether or not your business or organization needs one.

Related: Non-Profit Resume Examples

FAQs About Non-Profit Certifications

1. What is a Non-Profit Certification?

A Non-Profit Certification is a credential awarded to individuals who have demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in the nonprofit sector. This certification provides recognition for individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the field and can help them stand out from other job applicants.

2. How Do I Get Certified?

To become certified, you must first complete an approved training program or course related to the nonprofit sector. After completing the coursework, you will need to pass an exam administered by an accredited organization to receive your certification.

3. Is There Any Cost Associated With Non-Profit Certifications?

The cost of obtaining a non-profit certification varies depending on the organization offering it and the type of certification being sought. Generally speaking, most certifications require some form of tuition fee or membership dues in order to access their resources and take part in their examinations.

4. What Benefits Do Certified Professionals Enjoy?

Certified professionals in the nonprofit sector enjoy numerous benefits, including increased job opportunities, higher salaries, access to exclusive resources, and greater credibility with employers and peers alike. Additionally, those with certifications are typically better equipped to handle complex tasks within their organizations due to their enhanced knowledge base and expertise.

5. Does My Certification Expire?

Yes – most non-profit certifications expire after a certain amount of time (usually 3 years) and must be renewed in order to maintain validity. Renewal requirements may vary between organizations but typically involve completing additional courses or attending seminars related to the field in order to stay up-to-date on best practices within the industry.