Top 11 Organizer Certifications

Certifications are important for an organizer in the job market because they demonstrate professional competence and knowledge. They provide potential employers with evidence that the organizer has the necessary skills to be successful in the role. Certifications also show that an organizer is committed to their craft and has invested time, energy, and resources to gain expertise in a particular field. Finally, certifications can help organizers stand out from the competition and give them a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Organizers and explains how they can help advance an organizer's career.

What are Organizer Certifications?

Organizer certification is a specialized training program designed to help people become certified as professional organizers. It focuses on helping students learn the skills and techniques needed to become successful in the field of professional organizing. The certification program covers topics such as client relations, project management, time management, space planning, and other key areas related to running an efficient and successful business. With this type of certification, individuals are able to demonstrate their expertise in the field of professional organizing and can increase their chances of being hired for jobs or clients. Additionally, it can give them a competitive edge when applying for positions within the industry. Ultimately, becoming certified as a professional organizer can help individuals gain credibility and recognition within the industry, as well as help them build a successful career in this field.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming an organizer, it is important to look into obtaining a certification. Certification can provide credibility and recognition for your organizing skills, as well as demonstrate your commitment to the profession. It can also help you stand out from other organizers in your field and give clients peace of mind that they are hiring a qualified professional.

Related: What does an Organizer do?

Top 11 Organizer Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Organizer (CPO)

A Certified Professional Organizer (CPO) is a professional who specializes in helping individuals and businesses organize their physical and digital space. A CPO can help with tasks such as creating filing systems, organizing paperwork, setting up storage solutions, decluttering, and more.

To become a CPO, individuals must first complete an approved course of study from an accredited organization. This typically takes about two years to complete and includes courses in topics such as psychology, time management, productivity principles, and organizational strategies. After completing the coursework, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their certification.

The cost of becoming a CPO varies depending on the program chosen. Most programs cost between $2,000-$3,000 for tuition and materials. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam or joining professional organizations.

Once certified, CPOs are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits each year. This helps ensure that they stay up-to-date on the latest trends in organizing and productivity techniques.

2. Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD)

A Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD) is a credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in working with clients who suffer from chronic disorganization. The CPO-CD certification is offered by the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD), an international organization dedicated to providing education and resources to those who work with chronically disorganized clients.

In order to become certified as a CPO-CD, an individual must complete the ICD’s comprehensive training program which includes both online and face-to-face courses. The program consists of six courses that cover topics such as understanding chronic disorganization, assessment and intervention strategies, working with challenging clients, and professional development. The program also requires participants to complete a supervised practicum and pass an exam before they can be certified.

The cost of the program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not you are an ICD member. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$1000 USD for non-members and $400-$800 USD for members. It typically takes about six months to complete all of the requirements for certification.

Once you have completed all of the requirements, you will receive your CPO-CD certificate from ICD along with access to additional resources such as webinars, networking opportunities, and continuing education programs. This credential can help you stand out in your field as someone who is knowledgeable about working with chronically disorganized clients.

3. National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) Professional Member

The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) Professional Member is a professional membership organization dedicated to helping individuals and businesses become more organized, productive, and efficient. NAPO Professional Members are recognized as knowledgeable professionals in the field of productivity and organizing.

To become a NAPO Professional Member, you must meet certain criteria including having at least two years of experience in the field of productivity or organizing. You must also have completed an approved training program or have received credentials from another organization that is recognized by NAPO. Additionally, you must agree to abide by the NAPO Code of Ethics.

Once you meet the requirements for membership, you can apply online via the NAPO website. The application process typically takes up to four weeks to complete.

The cost of becoming a NAPO Professional Member varies depending on your level of experience and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs $99 USD for new members or $75 USD for renewing members annually.

4. Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) Level I and II Certifications

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) is an international non-profit organization that provides education and resources to help individuals and organizations overcome chronic disorganization. ICD offers two levels of certification: Level I and Level II.

Level I Certification: This certification is designed to provide professionals with the basic knowledge, skills, and tools needed to work with people who are chronically disorganized. It covers topics such as understanding the causes of chronic disorganization, developing a plan of action to address it, and providing support and guidance to clients in their journey toward greater organization. The Level I certification requires completion of an online course, which takes approximately 25 hours over a period of 4 weeks. There is no cost associated with the Level I certification.

Level II Certification: This certification builds on the foundation established in Level I by providing more advanced training in areas such as coaching techniques, working with special populations, and creating customized organizing systems for clients. In order to obtain this certification, applicants must have already completed the Level I certification and have at least one year of experience working with chronically disorganized clients. The Level II certification requires completion of an online course plus a practicum project that demonstrates mastery of the material covered in the coursework. This process typically takes around 12 months to complete. The cost for the Level II certification is $1,000 USD.

5. International Association of Professional Declutterers and Organizers (IAPDO) Member

The International Association of Professional Declutterers and Organizers (IAPDO) is an organization that provides professional certification for decluttering and organizing professionals. It was founded in 2009 and is based in the United Kingdom.

To become a member of IAPDO, you must have a minimum of two years’ experience in the field of decluttering and organizing. You must also complete an online application form, provide references, and submit a portfolio of your work. Once you have been accepted as a member, you will receive access to exclusive resources, including best practices and industry standards.

It typically takes up to six weeks to be accepted as a member of IAPDO. During this time, your application will be reviewed by the membership committee who will assess your qualifications and experience.

The cost to join IAPDO varies depending on the country you live in. In the UK, it costs £95 per year for an individual membership or £195 per year for a business membership. In other countries, fees may vary due to currency exchange rates and local taxes.

By joining IAPDO, members gain access to exclusive resources such as industry standards, best practices, networking opportunities with other professionals in the field, discounts on products and services related to decluttering and organizing, as well as access to their online community forum where members can share advice and tips with each other.

6. American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Certified Home Organizer

The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Certified Home Organizer is a certification program for interior designers and home organizers who want to specialize in residential organizing. This certification recognizes the expertise of those who have demonstrated an understanding of the principles and practices of professional home organization.

To become ASID Certified Home Organizer, applicants must first complete a minimum of 12 hours of approved continuing education courses related to home organization. They must also have at least two years of experience in the field and provide proof that they are actively working as a home organizer. After completing these requirements, applicants can submit their application to ASID for review.

Once an applicant has been accepted into the program, they will be required to pass an exam administered by ASID. The exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as space planning, storage solutions, organizational systems, client relations, and more. Once the applicant passes the exam, they will receive their official ASID Certified Home Organizer certificate.

The cost for becoming an ASID Certified Home Organizer varies depending on which courses you take and how many credits you need to complete your certification requirements. Generally speaking, however, it costs around $1,000-$2,000 USD to become certified through this program.

7. The Clutter-Hoarding Scale (CHS) Certification

The Clutter-Hoarding Scale (CHS) Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals who work with people who hoard or have hoarding disorder. It is a comprehensive program that provides practitioners with the knowledge and skills necessary to assess, diagnose, and treat clients who hoard.

The CHS Certification Program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course covers topics such as understanding hoarding behavior, developing an effective treatment plan, and working with family members and other stakeholders. The in-person workshop includes hands-on activities and case studies to further develop the practitioner’s skills.

It typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete the CHS Certification Program. To get certified, applicants must first complete the online course and then attend the in-person workshop. After completing both components of the program, applicants must pass a written exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CHS Certification Program varies depending on where you take it, but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD for both components of the program (online course + in-person workshop).

8. KonMari Method™ Consultant Certification

The KonMari Method™ Consultant Certification is a comprehensive training program designed to teach individuals the principles of the KonMari Method™, a revolutionary decluttering and organizing system created by Marie Kondo. This certification program was developed to help people become certified consultants who can help others apply the KonMari Method™ in their own homes.

The certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person workshop. The online course provides an overview of the KonMari Method™, including its core principles, how to use it effectively, and how to create a successful organizing plan for clients. The in-person workshop provides hands-on practice with real-life scenarios and includes a final exam.

It typically takes about three months to complete the certification program. To get started, applicants must first complete the online course and then attend the in-person workshop. After completing both parts of the program, applicants will receive their official KonMari Method™ Consultant Certification.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on where you live and which part of the program you are taking. The online course typically costs around $200 USD while the in-person workshop usually costs around $500 USD.

9. National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) Member

The National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) is a professional organization dedicated to the study and practice of organizing for chronically disorganized individuals and their families. It was founded in 1997 by Judith Kolberg, a pioneer in the field of chronic disorganization.

Membership in NSGCD is open to all professionals who work with chronically disorganized individuals and their families. Members must have at least two years of experience working with chronic disorganization, either as a professional organizer or as an allied health care provider.

To become an NSGCD member, applicants must submit an application form and provide proof of their experience working with chronically disorganized individuals and their families. The application process takes approximately four weeks to complete.

The cost of membership is $60 per year for individual members and $90 per year for group memberships. In addition to the annual fee, members are required to pay a one-time registration fee of $25.

10. Time Management Certified Professional (TMCP)

Time Management Certified Professional (TMCP) is a certification program that provides professionals with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage their time. The program is designed to help individuals improve their productivity and efficiency by teaching them how to better prioritize tasks, set goals, and develop strategies for managing their time more effectively.

The TMCP program consists of four courses: Time Management Principles, Time Management Strategies, Time Management Tools & Techniques, and Advanced Time Management Strategies. The courses are designed to be completed in 8-10 weeks and cover topics such as goal setting, scheduling techniques, prioritization methods, stress management techniques, and more.

To obtain the TMCP certification individuals must complete all four courses with a passing grade of 70% or higher. Upon successful completion of the program participants will receive a certificate from the International Association of Time Management Professionals (IATMP).

The cost of the TMCP program varies depending on which courses are taken. Typically it costs between $500-$800 USD for all four courses.

11. International Coaching Federation (ICF) Credentialed Coach

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) Credentialed Coach is a professional certification for coaches that demonstrates their commitment to the highest standards of coaching excellence. It is awarded by the ICF and recognizes an individual’s knowledge, experience, and commitment to ethical practice in the field of coaching.

It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the process of obtaining an ICF Credentialed Coach designation. The process involves completing a coach-specific training program, passing an assessment exam, and submitting a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your coaching skills and experience.

In order to become an ICF Credentialed Coach, you must first complete a coach-specific training program that meets the requirements set forth by the ICF. There are many different training programs available from accredited institutions around the world that meet these requirements. Once you have completed your training program, you will need to pass an assessment exam administered by the ICF in order to receive your credential.

Finally, you will need to submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your coaching skills and experience. This portfolio should include examples of your work as a coach as well as any other relevant information such as client testimonials or letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors.

The cost for becoming an ICF Credentialed Coach varies depending on which training program you choose and which credential level you are seeking (Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), or Master Certified Coach (MCC)). Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000-$10,000 USD depending on the program chosen.

Do You Really Need a Organizer Certificate?

Whether you need an organizer certificate or not depends on what kind of organizing you are doing. If you are organizing a business, home, or office, then having certifications can be beneficial to show potential customers that you have the proper training and experience to do the job. It also shows that you have taken the time to learn about the profession and understand it in more detail.

On the other hand, if you are an individual who is looking to organize their own home or office space for personal reasons, then having a certificate may not be necessary. You may still benefit from taking classes or reading up on organizational techniques, but in most cases it is not necessary to obtain a certificate.

Ultimately, deciding whether or not you need an organizer certificate will depend on your goals and situation. If you plan on working professionally as an organizer and want to give yourself a competitive edge in the market, then obtaining certification may be worth considering. However, if your goal is just to get organized for yourself at home or work, then a certificate may not be necessary.

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FAQs About Organizer Certifications

Q1. What is an Organizer Certification?

A1. An Organizer Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates a person has the skills, knowledge and experience to effectively organize their work and manage projects. It involves completing a course of study, passing a certification exam and/or demonstrating proficiency in specific areas related to organizing.

Q2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

A2. Becoming certified can help demonstrate your expertise as an organizer, improve your employability and career opportunities, increase your earning potential, set you apart from other professionals in the field, and provide credibility when working with clients or employers.

Q3. How do I become certified?

A3. To become certified as an organizer, you will need to complete a certification program or course of study that is approved by the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO). Once you have completed the required coursework and passed any applicable exams, you will be awarded with an official certificate of completion from NAPO.

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. The amount of time it takes to complete a certification program varies depending on the individual's learning style and schedule availability but typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all requirements for certification.

Q5. How much does it cost to become certified?

A5. The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which courses or programs you choose to take but typically ranges between $500-$2000 USD for all necessary materials and fees associated with obtaining certification status through NAPO’s program.