Top 11 Program Evaluator Certifications

Certifications are important for program evaluators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers often look for when hiring. Certification indicates that the individual has gone through a rigorous process to ensure their competency in the field. It also shows that the evaluator is current on best practices and industry standards, which can be invaluable to employers. Certifications can also help an evaluator stand out from other applicants, as it demonstrates a commitment to professional development and growth. Finally, certifications may give access to certain job opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable without them.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Program Evaluators and explains how they can help to enhance a program evaluator's career.

What are Program Evaluator Certifications?

Program Evaluator Certification is a professional credential which demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills to effectively evaluate programs, projects, and initiatives. This certification is designed to help evaluators work more effectively across various disciplines, organizations, and settings. It is also meant to increase the capacity of those working in evaluation-related fields by helping them better understand the principles and practices of program evaluation.

The certification provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their proficiency in program evaluation through rigorous testing and coursework. The curriculum covers topics such as ethical principles of evaluation, types of data collection methods, analysis techniques, report writing, and presentation of findings. A successful completion of the program will also provide evaluators with the ability to communicate their findings effectively to stakeholders involved in a given project or initiative.

By earning Program Evaluator Certification, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to advancing their skills and knowledge within the field while also providing potential employers with assurance that they have the experience needed to conduct high quality evaluations. Furthermore, it can help professionals stay up-to-date on the latest best practices within the field so they can produce reliable results that are meaningful and useful for decision makers.

Pro Tip: When considering program evaluator certification, look for programs that are accredited by an independent accrediting body. This will ensure that the program meets the highest standards of quality and gives you assurance of its credibility.

Related: What does a Program Evaluator do?

Top 11 Program Evaluator Certifications

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

1. Certified Evaluation Professional (CEP)

Certified Evaluation Professional (CEP) is a professional certification offered by the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of evaluation professionals. The CEP certification is based on the CES’s Core Competencies for Evaluation Professionals.

The CEP certification process consists of four steps: application, written exam, interview, and portfolio review. Applicants must have a minimum of five years of evaluation experience in order to qualify for the CEP certification.

The application process includes submitting an online form with information about your work experience as well as a resume. Once you have submitted your application, you will be invited to take the written exam which tests your knowledge of evaluation principles and practices. After passing the written exam, you will be invited to participate in an interview with a panel of evaluators who will assess your skills and abilities related to evaluation practice. Finally, you will submit a portfolio demonstrating your evaluation work experience and competency in evaluation practice.

The cost for the CEP certification process varies depending on whether or not you are a member of CES. For non-members, it costs $600 CAD plus taxes; for members it costs $400 CAD plus taxes. The entire process typically takes between six and nine months from start to finish.

2. Certified Public Program Evaluator (CPPE)

Certified Public Program Evaluator (CPPE) is a professional certification offered by the American Evaluation Association (AEA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skills and abilities in program evaluation. The CPPE certification recognizes individuals who have achieved a level of expertise in the field of program evaluation and are committed to the ethical principles of the AEA.

To become certified as a CPPE, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of experience in program evaluation or related fields and completing an approved training program. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the AEA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as research design, data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and reporting results.

The process for becoming certified typically takes about six months from start to finish. Once all eligibility requirements are met and the exam is passed, applicants will receive their official CPPE certification from the AEA.

The cost for becoming certified as a CPPE varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 in fees associated with application processing and examination administration.

3. Certified Professional in Program Evaluation (CPPE)

Certified Professional in Program Evaluation (CPPE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals who are engaged in the field of program evaluation. This certification is offered by the American Evaluation Association (AEA), which is a professional association dedicated to advancing evaluation practice and theory.

The CPPE program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge of program evaluation through an assessment process that includes a written exam, an oral presentation, and a portfolio review. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as research design, data collection methods, analysis techniques, and reporting results. The oral presentation requires applicants to present a case study or project they have completed related to program evaluation. Finally, the portfolio review assesses applicants’ experience in applying their knowledge of program evaluation in real-world settings.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CPPE certification process. The cost for this certification varies depending on the type of membership you choose with AEA; however, it generally ranges from $150-$400 USD. To get started with this certification process, you must first become an AEA member and then submit your application online via their website.

4. American Evaluation Association (AEA) Certified Evaluator

The American Evaluation Association (AEA) Certified Evaluator is a credential that recognizes professional evaluators who have demonstrated high levels of knowledge, training, and experience in the field of evaluation. It is a voluntary certification program that provides recognition to evaluators who meet the standards set by AEA for professional practice.

To become an AEA Certified Evaluator, an individual must have at least five years of professional evaluation experience and must pass an exam administered by AEA. The exam covers topics such as program evaluation design, data collection and analysis, reporting results, ethics in evaluation practice, and other important aspects of evaluation.

The process to become an AEA Certified Evaluator takes approximately six months from start to finish. First, individuals need to submit an application for certification which includes providing evidence of their professional experience and passing a criminal background check. Once the application is approved, individuals can register for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants can apply for certification online and pay the fee associated with the certification ($200).

Once certified, evaluators are required to maintain their credentials through ongoing professional development activities such as attending conferences or taking courses related to evaluation practice. They must also renew their certification every two years by paying a renewal fee ($100) and submitting documentation of their continuing education activities.

5. International Program Evaluation Network (IPEN) Certification

The International Program Evaluation Network (IPEN) is a global network of professionals dedicated to advancing the practice of program evaluation. IPEN Certification provides a way for evaluators to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of program evaluation.

To become certified through IPEN, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with the required documentation and fees. Once approved, applicants are required to take an online exam that covers topics such as data collection methods, analysis techniques, report writing and ethical considerations. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

Once the exam has been successfully completed, applicants are required to submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in program evaluation. This portfolio should include evidence of work conducted on at least three different programs or projects. After submitting the portfolio, applicants will be notified if they have been successful in obtaining certification.

The cost for IPEN Certification varies depending on the country you reside in but typically ranges from $200-$500 USD. It can take up to six months for certification applications to be processed so it is important that applicants plan ahead when applying for certification.

6. Project Management Institute (PMI) Program Evaluation Certification

Project Management Institute (PMI) Program Evaluation Certification is a certification program designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to evaluate programs in order to improve their effectiveness. The certification focuses on understanding the principles of program evaluation, developing evaluation plans, analyzing data, and communicating results. It is intended for professionals who are interested in learning how to conduct evaluations of projects, programs, or organizations.

The PMI Program Evaluation Certification takes approximately three months to complete. The program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as project management fundamentals, evaluation methods, data analysis techniques, and communication strategies. The final exam is taken online and must be passed with a minimum score of 70%.

To get the PMI Program Evaluation Certification, you must first register for the program through the PMI website. Once registered, you will receive access to the online course material and instructions on how to take the final exam. You must also pay a fee of $495 USD before taking the exam.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the program and passed the final exam with a minimum score of 70%, you will receive your PMI Program Evaluation Certification from PMI. This certification is valid for three years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by taking additional courses or completing continuing education activities related to program evaluation.

7. National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) Program Evaluation Certification

The National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME) Program Evaluation Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of program evaluation. The certification is intended to provide assurance that individuals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct effective evaluations of educational programs.

The NCME Program Evaluation Certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of research design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass an exam administered by NCME. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis methods, report writing, and ethical considerations.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken online or at a physical testing center. Applicants must also submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience in program evaluation prior to taking the exam. The portfolio should include evidence of work experience in program evaluation as well as any relevant coursework or training completed related to program evaluation.

The cost for the NCME Program Evaluation Certification varies depending on whether you take the exam online or at a physical testing center. Online exams cost $450 while exams taken at a physical testing center cost $500. Additionally, there is an application fee of $50 which must be paid prior to scheduling your exam date.

Overall, obtaining the NCME Program Evaluation Certification requires dedication and commitment but can provide professionals with recognition for their expertise in this field.

8. National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Program Evaluation Certification

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Program Evaluation Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in program evaluation. The certification is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated the ability to evaluate early childhood programs using best practices and standards established by NAEYC.

To become certified, individuals must complete a series of coursework, pass an exam, and submit evidence of their professional experience in program evaluation. The certification process typically takes between six months and two years, depending on the individual's prior experience with program evaluation.

To get started, individuals must first apply for the certification online or by mail. Applicants are required to submit proof of their educational background, including transcripts from college or university courses related to program evaluation; evidence of their experience in program evaluation; and a current resume or curriculum vitae. Once these materials have been reviewed and accepted by NAEYC, applicants must then register to take the Program Evaluation Certification Exam.

The cost for the NAEYC Program Evaluation Certification Exam is $400 USD. This fee includes access to study materials as well as one attempt at taking the exam. If applicants do not pass on their first attempt, they may retake the exam at an additional cost of $200 USD per attempt.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their official NAEYC Program Evaluation Certification which is valid for five years from the date it was issued.

9. International Development Evaluation Association (IDEA) Program Evaluation Certification

The International Development Evaluation Association (IDEA) Program Evaluation Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary to conduct effective program evaluations. The certification is intended to promote the highest standards of practice in evaluation, and to provide recognition for those who have achieved these standards.

To obtain the IDEA Program Evaluation Certification, applicants must complete an online application and pass a written examination. The exam consists of questions related to evaluation theory, methods, and practice. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to their professional competence in program evaluation.

The total cost for the IDEA Program Evaluation Certification is $500 USD. This fee covers the cost of the application, exam, and processing fees. The program typically takes between 6-9 months to complete depending on the individual's experience level and availability.

Once an applicant has passed their examination they will receive their official IDEA Program Evaluation Certification certificate along with a digital badge that can be displayed on websites and social media platforms.

10. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Improvement Associate in Program Evaluation

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Improvement Associate in Program Evaluation is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professionals who are involved in evaluating programs, services, and products. It demonstrates an individual’s ability to apply quality improvement principles to program evaluation.

The certification requires passing an exam which consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers topics such as program evaluation concepts, data collection methods, analysis techniques, reporting results, and ethics. To prepare for the exam, ASQ offers study materials such as books, practice tests, and online courses.

It takes approximately 3-4 months to prepare for the exam. The cost of the exam is $395 USD for members of ASQ or $495 USD for non-members.

11. Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Certified Government Auditing Professional – Program Evaluator

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Certified Government Auditing Professional Program Evaluator is a certification program for auditors in the public sector. It is designed to provide recognition for professionals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in evaluating government programs.

The certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of government auditing standards, techniques, and practices. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and simulations related to the evaluation of government programs. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also demonstrate a minimum of two years of professional experience in government auditing or program evaluation.

The IIA Certified Government Auditing Professional Program Evaluator certification is valid for three years from the date it was earned. To maintain the certification, individuals must complete at least 40 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

To become certified as an IIA Certified Government Auditing Professional Program Evaluator, individuals must first apply online through the IIA website. After submitting their application, they will be provided with instructions on how to register and pay for the exam. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD. Once registered and payment has been made, applicants can schedule their exam at any one of over 1,000 testing centers worldwide.

Overall, becoming an IIA Certified Government Auditing Professional Program Evaluator requires passing an exam as well as demonstrating two years of professional experience in government auditing or program evaluation. The cost for taking the exam is approximately $400-$600 USD and it takes approximately 4-6 weeks to receive results after taking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Program Evaluator Certificate?

Whether or not you need a program evaluator certificate depends on your career goals. If you are looking to become a professional program evaluator, then having a program evaluator certificate can be beneficial. It will demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field and show potential employers that you have taken the time to understand the fundamentals of program evaluation. Additionally, many employers require certification for certain positions in order to ensure that all employees have the necessary qualifications for their job.

On the other hand, if you are interested in working in a related field such as research or data analysis, then a program evaluator certificate may not be necessary. In these positions, employers often value experience more than formal qualifications and prefer candidates who already have an understanding of how to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions from it. Having a certificate could still be beneficial in this case, but it is not essential.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a program evaluator certificate will depend on your individual career goals and preferences. If becoming a professional program evaluator is something that interests you, then taking the time to earn a certification could prove beneficial in obtaining employment opportunities in the future.

Related: Program Evaluator Resume Examples

FAQs About Program Evaluator Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a program evaluator?

Answer: Depending on the specific role, you may need a master's degree in public policy or evaluation, social science research methods, or a related field. You may also need experience in program design and implementation, data analysis and interpretation, and report writing.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a program evaluator?

Answer: It typically takes between one and three years to complete the necessary coursework and gain the experience needed to become certified as a program evaluator.

3. What type of work can I expect as a certified program evaluator?

Answer: As a certified program evaluator, you will be responsible for assessing the effectiveness of programs and policies by collecting data, analyzing results, and presenting findings to stakeholders. You may also develop strategies for improving programs based on your analysis.

4. Are there any professional organizations that offer certifications for program evaluators?

Answer: Yes! The American Evaluation Association (AEA) offers several certifications for individuals who specialize in evaluation practice such as Certified Evaluation Professional (CEP), Certified Program Evaluator (CPE), and Certified Professional Evaluator (CPE).

5. How much can I expect to earn as a certified program evaluator?

Answer: Salaries vary depending on experience level, location, industry sector, and other factors. However, according to PayScale US data from June 2020, the average salary for a Certified Program Evaluator is $72,524 per year