Top 10 School Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for school administrators in the job market because they demonstrate a level of professional expertise and can be used to validate their qualifications. Certifications provide employers with assurance that the candidate possesses the necessary skills and knowledge required to perform the job successfully. In addition, certifications can help administrators stand out from other candidates, as they demonstrate an individual’s commitment to professional development and enhance their overall credibility.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for School Administrators and explains how these certifications can help school administrators further their career.

What are School Administrator Certifications?

School administrator certification is a professional credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills related to the management of educational institutions. It is typically awarded by state departments of education or other organizations that specialize in providing professional development for school administrators. The purpose of school administrator certification is to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to leadership and excellence in the field of educational administration.

The certification process includes coursework, field experience, and rigorous exams that test the candidate’s knowledge and ability to manage a school district. Passing these exams allows individuals to receive their certification, which can be renewed on a regular basis. This ensures that certified administrators are up-to-date on the latest trends in education and are prepared to lead their schools with confidence.

Having a school administrator certification can help individuals stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in educational administration. Employers view this certification as proof that candidates have the necessary skills and knowledge required for successful leadership roles in educational settings. Moreover, it indicates a dedication to continued learning and growth within the field of educational administration. Having a school administrator certification may also open doors for career advancement opportunities, such as supervisory roles or positions at higher levels of administration within a school district.

Pro Tip: When seeking school administrator certification, be sure to research the requirements of the state in which you plan to practice. Each state has its own set of standards and requirements that must be met in order to receive certification.

Related: What does a School Administrator do?

Top 10 School Administrator Certifications

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

1. Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP)

Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of educational facilities management. The CEFP credential is offered by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE), an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in educational facility design and management.

The CEFP program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the areas of facility planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and management. Applicants must also complete a comprehensive exam that covers all aspects of educational facilities management.

The CEFP credential requires applicants to have at least five years of professional experience in the field of educational facilities management and/or related fields such as architecture or engineering. In addition, applicants must have completed at least two courses related to educational facility management from an accredited institution within the past five years.

It typically takes around six months for an applicant to complete all requirements for the CEFP credential. The cost for taking the exam is $350 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

2. Certified School Business Official (CSBO)

A Certified School Business Official (CSBO) is a professional designation offered by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The CSBO certification is designed to recognize and reward school business officials who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in their field.

The CSBO certification requires applicants to have at least five years of experience in school business management, as well as a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as budgeting, accounting, finance, human resources, and procurement.

It typically takes about two years to complete the requirements for the CSBO certification. During this time, applicants must complete the required coursework and take the exam. The cost of obtaining the CSBO certification varies depending on the courses taken and other associated fees. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500.

In addition to gaining recognition for their accomplishments in school business management, individuals who become certified school business officials may also be eligible for higher salaries and more job opportunities within their field.

3. Certified School Administrator (CSA)

Certified School Administrator (CSA) is a professional certification that recognizes school administrators who have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of educational leadership, management, and administration. This certification is offered through the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

The CSA certification process typically takes between six to nine months to complete. The first step is to submit an application for the CSA exam. The application requires information about your education, work experience, and other qualifications. Once approved, applicants must then pass an online assessment which covers topics such as school law, instructional leadership, school finance, human resource management, and more.

After passing the assessment, applicants must register for a two-day workshop that covers topics such as communication strategies for effective school leadership and managing change in schools. Following the workshop, applicants must take a written examination that tests their knowledge of educational leadership principles and practices.

The cost of obtaining the CSA certification varies depending on where you live and how you choose to pursue it. Generally speaking, the cost can range from $400-$1,000 or more depending on whether you choose to take courses or workshops in addition to the exam itself.

4. National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certification

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge, skills, and commitment of elementary school principals. It is a voluntary certification program that provides recognition to those who demonstrate excellence in their field.

It takes approximately two years to complete the NAESP Certification process. The process begins with the completion of an online application form and submission of supporting documentation. Once approved, candidates must then complete a series of courses, exams, and assessments. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to lead through various activities such as writing essays, creating presentations, leading discussions, and completing assignments.

To get certified by NAESP, candidates must first join the association as a member and pay an annual membership fee. After becoming a member, they can then apply for certification by submitting an application along with supporting documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once approved for the program, candidates must complete all required coursework and assessments within two years in order to receive their certification.

The cost for NAESP Certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen by the candidate. For example, if you choose to become a full-time member you will be charged an annual fee of $99 plus additional fees for any courses or assessments taken during your two-year period of certification eligibility.

5. National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Certification

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Certification is a voluntary credential that recognizes the professional accomplishments and leadership skills of school principals. It is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated exemplary performance in their profession, and it provides a way for principals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in school leadership.

To receive the NASSP Certification, candidates must meet certain prerequisites, including having at least five years of experience as a principal or assistant principal in an accredited public or private secondary school. Candidates must also submit evidence of their successful completion of professional development activities related to school leadership and management.

The process typically takes between six months and one year to complete, depending on the individual's experience and background. The cost for certification varies depending on the applicant's state; however, the total cost usually ranges from $500-$1,000.

To apply for NASSP Certification, applicants must first fill out an online application form that includes information about their professional background and qualifications. Once this form has been submitted, applicants will receive further instructions on how to complete the certification process. This includes submitting additional documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of completion of required professional development activities. After all materials have been received by NASSP, they will review them and make a decision regarding certification eligibility.

6. American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification is a professional certification program for school administrators. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of school administrators who are committed to excellence in their profession.

The AASA Certification Program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. To obtain Level I certification, applicants must have at least three years of successful administrative experience in a public or private K-12 school setting. To obtain Level II certification, applicants must have at least five years of successful administrative experience in a public or private K-12 school setting.

To get certified, applicants must complete an online application, submit official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended, provide proof of current employment as a school administrator, and submit three letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to the applicant's professional qualifications. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as leadership theory and practice, ethics and law in education administration, curriculum development and instruction, human resources management, finance and budgeting in education administration, technology integration into educational settings, communication strategies for educational leaders, data-driven decision making for educational leaders, legal issues related to education administration, and other relevant topics.

The cost of the AASA Certification Program varies depending on the level sought by the applicant. For Level I certification it costs $350 for members ($450 for non-members), while for Level II certification it costs $400 for members ($500 for non-members). The exam fee is included in these prices. The entire process typically takes between four to six weeks once all required documents have been submitted.

7. National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Certification

National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) Certification is a voluntary process that provides recognition to teacher preparation programs that meet rigorous standards set by the profession. NCATE accreditation ensures that a program meets high quality standards in preparing teachers and other school professionals to work with Pre-K through grade 12 students. It also helps ensure that graduates are well prepared to enter the classroom and make an immediate impact on student learning.

NCATE Certification takes approximately two years to complete, depending on the size and complexity of the program being evaluated. The process involves self-study, peer review, and a site visit from an NCATE team. During this time, programs must demonstrate their commitment to meeting professional standards in areas such as curriculum design, assessment practices, clinical experiences, faculty qualifications, and more.

To get NCATE Certification, programs must submit an application and fee to NCATE's Board of Examiners. Once accepted into the accreditation process, programs will be asked to provide evidence of their compliance with all relevant standards. This evidence will then be reviewed by an external team of experts who will assess whether or not the program meets NCATE's requirements for accreditation. If approved, the program will receive its certification from NCATE.

The cost of obtaining NCATE Certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the program being evaluated. Generally speaking, it costs around $20,000 - $30,000 for a full accreditation review cycle including application fees and site visit expenses.

8. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certification is a professional development program designed to help educators use technology effectively in the classroom. It is based on the ISTE Standards, which provide a framework for integrating technology into teaching and learning. The certification process includes an online course, an assessment of knowledge, and a portfolio review.

The ISTE Certification process takes approximately three months to complete. To get certified, educators must first register for the online course and complete it within 90 days. During this time, they will learn about the ISTE Standards and create a portfolio that demonstrates their knowledge and application of these standards. Once the course is completed, educators must submit their portfolio for review by ISTE experts. If approved, they will receive their certification.

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

9. American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) Certification

The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) is a non-profit organization that provides an alternative route to teacher certification for individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in any field. The ABCTE certification is designed to help those who are looking to transition into the teaching profession, and it allows them to do so without having to go back to school and complete a traditional teacher preparation program.

In order to obtain the ABCTE certification, individuals must first pass two online exams: the Professional Teaching Knowledge Exam and the Academic Literacy Skills Test. These exams are designed to assess an individual’s knowledge of teaching methods, educational theories, student learning styles, classroom management strategies, and other topics related to teaching. After passing these exams, candidates must also submit a portfolio that demonstrates their ability as an educator. This portfolio should include evidence of professional development activities, lesson plans, student work samples, and other materials that demonstrate their teaching skills.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their ABCTE certification within six weeks of submitting their application. The cost of obtaining the ABCTE certification varies depending on the state in which you are applying; however, most states charge between $100-$200 for the application fee and exam fees combined.

10. International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Certification

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is an international educational foundation that offers four highly respected programs of international education for students aged 3 to 19. The IBO was founded in 1968 and currently operates in over 150 countries around the world.

IBO Certification is a professional designation that recognizes educators who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and commitment necessary to teach and assess the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It is available to all educators involved in delivering IB programs, including teachers, administrators, and coordinators. To be eligible for certification, candidates must have completed a minimum of two years of teaching experience in an IB school or program.

The process of obtaining IBO Certification takes between three and six months depending on the applicant’s level of experience and qualifications. Candidates must complete a series of assessments and submit evidence of their teaching practice before they can receive certification.

The cost of obtaining IBO Certification varies depending on the type of assessment chosen by the candidate. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 for a basic assessment package which includes online access to study materials, practice tests, and other resources needed to prepare for the assessments. Additional fees may apply if more comprehensive assessment packages are selected.

Do You Really Need a School Administrator Certificate?

Yes, a school administrator certificate is a valuable asset to have in the education field. It can open up many doors and provide opportunities for career advancement. With this type of certification, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of current educational practices and policies. You will also gain the skills necessary to effectively lead and manage a school or district.

The certificate program may include courses such as school law, budgeting, human resource management, curriculum development, instructional leadership, and technology integration. These courses will help you develop the necessary skills needed to effectively carry out administrative duties within a school system. With this type of certificate, you will be able to show potential employers that you have the training and experience needed to become an effective leader in the education field.

Having a school administrator certificate can also give you more credibility when applying for jobs in the education field. Employers are looking for those who are knowledgeable about current educational practices and policies as well as those who possess strong leadership skills. A certificate program can show that you have taken the time to learn about these important topics and that you are committed to advancing your career in the education field.

In addition, having a school administrator certificate may help you advance more quickly through the ranks of an organization than someone without one might be able to do. This is because employers look favorably upon individuals who have taken the time and effort to complete an educational program related to their chosen profession. Having this certification could make it easier for you to get promoted or even land higher-paying positions than someone without one might be able to get.

Overall, having a school administrator certificate is an invaluable asset for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the education field. It shows potential employers that you are serious about advancing your career and have invested time into learning about current educational practices and policies so that you can be an effective leader within an organization.

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FAQs About School Administrator Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a school administrator?

Answer: Requirements for becoming a school administrator vary by state, but typically include a master's degree in education or educational leadership, successful completion of a certification program, and passing scores on required exams.

2. How long does it take to complete a school administrator certification program?

Answer: Depending on the institution, most certification programs take one to two years to complete.

3. Is there financial aid available for school administrators seeking certification?

Answer: Yes, many institutions offer financial aid options such as scholarships and grants to help cover the cost of tuition and fees associated with the program.

4. Are there any online certification programs available for school administrators?

Answer: Yes, many universities now offer online certification programs that allow students to complete their coursework from home or anywhere with an internet connection.

5. What type of job opportunities are available after completing a school administrator certification program?

Answer: After completing a school administrator certification program, graduates can pursue positions such as principal, assistant principal, dean of students, curriculum coordinator or director of special education at public or private schools.