Top 11 School Director Certifications

Certifications for school directors are important in the job market as they demonstrate a level of expertise and commitment to the profession. They can help potential employers assess a candidate's qualifications, knowledge, and experience. Certifications also provide evidence that a school director has met rigorous standards and is able to effectively lead an educational organization. Additionally, certifications can open doors to new job opportunities and may be required for certain positions.

The purpose of this article is to review top certifications for School Directors and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are School Director Certifications?

School director certification is a credential that recognizes educational leaders who have achieved a level of excellence in their respective fields. It is designed to help school directors develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively lead and manage a school district. Certification can also serve as an important tool for districts looking to hire qualified administrators.

The certification process involves completing coursework, demonstrating competency in key areas, and passing an assessment. The courses cover topics such as budgeting, personnel management, curriculum development, and school law. Upon completion of the program, successful candidates receive their certificate from the state board of education or other approved agency.

Having a school director certification can be beneficial in several ways. It demonstrates that the individual has received specialized training in areas essential to leading a school district. This can be attractive to potential employers seeking qualified candidates with demonstrated expertise in these areas. In addition, it signals commitment to professional growth and development, which can be beneficial when competing for promotions or higher-level positions within the field of education administration. Finally, certification may provide access to additional resources such as conferences and networking opportunities that can be beneficial for career advancement or staying abreast of new trends in education policy and practice.

Pro Tip: Make sure to check the requirements for school director certification in your state or region before beginning the process. Many states have specific educational and experience requirements that must be met before you can become certified as a school director.

Related: What does a School Director do?

Top 11 School Director Certifications

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

1. National Association of School Principals (NASP) Certified School Leader

The National Association of School Principals (NASP) Certified School Leader (CSL) is a professional certification program designed to recognize school leaders who demonstrate excellence in their roles. It is an opportunity for school leaders to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to be recognized for their accomplishments.

The CSL program requires that applicants meet specific criteria, including having a minimum of five years of experience as a school leader, completing at least 60 hours of professional development activities related to school leadership, and passing a comprehensive exam. The exam covers topics such as educational leadership theory and practice, instructional technology, data-driven decision making, and legal issues in education.

To obtain the CSL certification, individuals must first submit an application packet that includes proof of experience and completion of required professional development activities. After the application is approved by NASP, applicants must then take and pass the CSL exam. The exam can be taken online or in person at designated testing centers. The cost of the exam is $225 USD per attempt.

Once an individual has passed the CSL exam, they will receive their official certification from NASP within 4-6 weeks. The certification must be renewed every three years by completing 30 hours of professional development activities related to school leadership and submitting an updated application packet with proof of completion.

2. National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certified Principal

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) Certified Principal program is a professional certification program for elementary school principals. The certification recognizes leaders who demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead an effective elementary school.

To become a NAESP Certified Principal, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have five years of successful experience as an elementary or middle school principal;
• Hold a master’s degree in educational leadership or its equivalent;
• Have completed at least 60 hours of professional development related to educational leadership; and
• Pass the NAESP Certification Exam.

The process typically takes one year to complete. Applicants must first submit their application materials and fee, which is currently $200. Once approved, they will be invited to take the exam. The exam consists of 140 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as school law, curriculum and instruction, personnel management, finance and budgeting, community relations, technology integration, and instructional leadership. After passing the exam, applicants are officially certified by NAESP as a Certified Principal.

The cost for taking the exam is $150 for members of NAESP or $250 for non-members.

3. International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Educational Technology Leader

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Certified Educational Technology Leader (CETL) is a certification program designed to recognize educators who have the knowledge, skills, and disposition to lead their peers in the effective use of technology to improve teaching and learning. The CETL certification is based on ISTE’s Standards for Educators and provides educators with a comprehensive framework to assess their knowledge and skills related to educational technology.

To become an ISTE Certified Educational Technology Leader, you must complete an online application demonstrating your qualifications and experience in educational technology. The application includes questions about your background in educational technology, your current role in education, and how you plan to use the CETL certification. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed by ISTE staff who will determine if you meet the requirements for certification.

The process of becoming an ISTE Certified Educational Technology Leader typically takes 2-4 weeks from the time you submit your application until you receive notification of approval or denial.

The cost for becoming an ISTE Certified Educational Technology Leader is $295 USD. This fee covers the cost of processing your application as well as providing access to additional resources such as webinars, workshops, and other professional development opportunities related to educational technology.

4. Council of Great City Schools (CGCS) Certified Superintendent

The Council of Great City Schools (CGCS) Certified Superintendent program is a professional certification program designed to recognize the highest level of excellence in urban school district leadership. It is intended to demonstrate that a superintendent has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead an urban school district.

To become CGCS Certified, a superintendent must have at least five years of experience as a superintendent or other senior-level administrator in an urban school district. The applicant must also meet certain educational requirements and pass an extensive examination.

The process for becoming CGCS Certified typically takes between six months and one year. After submitting the application, applicants will be required to complete an online assessment and submit additional documents such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. Once all materials are received, applicants will be notified if they have been accepted into the certification program.

The cost of becoming CGCS Certified varies depending on the applicant's individual circumstances. Generally speaking, it costs approximately $3,000 to apply for certification and take the exam. This fee includes all application materials, access to study materials, and administration of the exam itself.

5. American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certified School Administrator

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certified School Administrator (CSA) is a professional credential that recognizes school administrators who have achieved advanced levels of knowledge and expertise in the field. It is designed to demonstrate the highest standards of practice in educational leadership.

In order to be eligible for the CSA credential, applicants must possess a current school administrator license or certificate from an accredited state agency, hold a master’s degree or higher in education administration or related field, and have at least five years of successful administrative experience.

To obtain the CSA credential, applicants must complete an online application and submit supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. After submitting the application materials, applicants must take and pass an examination administered by AASA. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as school law, educational finance, personnel management, curriculum development, technology integration, instructional leadership and more.

The cost for the CSA credential is $400 for AASA members and $500 for non-members. This fee covers the cost of application processing as well as the examination fee. The entire process typically takes 8-10 weeks from start to finish.

6. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified School Administrator

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certified School Administrator is a voluntary certification program that recognizes exemplary school administrators who have demonstrated the highest standards of professional practice. It is designed to recognize excellence in school administration and to promote a higher level of professionalism among school administrators.

How long does it take to get it? The NBPTS Certified School Administrator certification process typically takes two years to complete, including the preparation and submission of your application materials.

How to get it? To become an NBPTS Certified School Administrator, you must first meet eligibility requirements, which include having a master’s degree in educational leadership or a related field and at least three years of successful administrative experience in a public or private school setting. Once you have met the eligibility requirements, you can apply for the certification by completing an online application form and submitting supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and evidence of your professional accomplishments.

How much does it cost? The total cost for the NBPTS Certified School Administrator certification ranges from $1,500-$2,500 depending on the state in which you are applying. This includes fees for application processing, examination registration, and any additional fees associated with the specific state's requirements.

7. International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) Certified Online Educator

The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) Certified Online Educator is a professional certification program that recognizes and validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of online educators. It is designed to provide an industry standard for those who teach in virtual or blended learning environments.

To become an iNACOL Certified Online Educator, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have a minimum of two years of experience teaching in a virtual or blended learning environment
• Hold a valid teaching license or equivalent credential
• Demonstrate mastery of online instruction through the completion of coursework and/or professional development activities related to online instruction
• Pass the iNACOL Certified Online Educator Exam with a score of 80% or higher.

The process typically takes between three to six months to complete. The cost for the certification exam is $150 USD.

8. National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Certified Data Manager

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Certified Data Manager (CDM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to manage data in an education setting. The CDM credential is intended to provide assurance that certified individuals possess the necessary qualifications to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and security of education data.

It typically takes approximately 6-8 weeks to obtain the CDM credential after all application materials are submitted. To become certified, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience working with educational data. Applicants must also pass a written exam administered by NCES.

To apply for the CDM credential, applicants must submit a completed application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, references, and proof of work experience. The cost of obtaining the CDM credential is $150 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

9. National Institute for Urban School Leaders (NIUSL) Certified Urban Education Leader

The National Institute for Urban School Leaders (NIUSL) Certified Urban Education Leader (CUEL) is an advanced professional development program designed to help school leaders in urban settings become more effective and efficient. The program is offered by the National Institute for Urban School Leaders, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving urban education through leadership development.

The CUEL program consists of four core courses and one elective course. Each course focuses on a different aspect of urban school leadership, such as developing a vision for success, managing resources effectively, understanding the needs of diverse student populations, and building relationships with stakeholders. The courses are delivered online and can be completed at the participant's own pace.

It typically takes about 12 months to complete all five courses required for the CUEL certification. During this time, participants will gain knowledge and skills in areas such as instructional leadership, data-driven decision making, community engagement, and organizational change management.

To get the CUEL certification, participants must successfully complete all five courses within 12 months and pass a final exam with a score of 80% or higher. Participants must also submit their application materials to NIUSL for review before they can receive their certification.

The cost of the CUEL program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not you are eligible for any discounts or scholarships. Generally speaking, it costs around $2,500 - $3,000 to complete all five courses required for certification.

10. Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Program on Negotiation Certification in Conflict Resolution and Mediation

The Harvard Graduate School of Education's Program on Negotiation Certification in Conflict Resolution and Mediation is a professional development program designed to give participants the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful mediators and conflict resolution professionals. The program is offered online and can be completed in as little as one year.

The program consists of six courses, each focusing on a different aspect of negotiation, mediation, and conflict resolution. These courses include: Introduction to Negotiation & Conflict Resolution; Negotiating with Difficult People; Understanding Conflict Dynamics; Facilitating Group Processes; Mediating Disputes; and Advanced Negotiation & Conflict Resolution. Each course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the topics covered, including strategies for managing difficult conversations, techniques for resolving disputes, and the ethical considerations involved in mediation.

In order to receive the certification from Harvard Graduate School of Education's Program on Negotiation Certification in Conflict Resolution and Mediation, students must complete all six courses with a passing grade. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate from Harvard Graduate School of Education that recognizes their achievement.

The cost of the Program on Negotiation Certification in Conflict Resolution and Mediation varies depending on whether or not you are enrolled as a student at Harvard University. For those who are not enrolled at Harvard University, the total cost for all six courses is $2,800 (USD).

11. National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certified Athletic Administrator

The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and honor those interscholastic athletic administrators who have met the highest standards of knowledge, skill, and commitment to their profession. The CAA credential is the only professional certification program for interscholastic athletic administrators in the United States.

To become a NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator, an individual must meet certain criteria and complete a rigorous application process. The criteria include: having at least three years of full-time experience as an interscholastic athletic administrator; completing at least 30 hours of continuing education credits in areas related to interscholastic athletics; and passing a comprehensive written examination.

The application process can take up to six months to complete, depending on how quickly all required documents are submitted and approved. The cost of becoming a NIAAA Certified Athletic Administrator is $150 for members of the NIAAA and $250 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a School Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual needs and goals. If you are looking to pursue a career in education, a school director certificate can be an invaluable asset. It can open doors to higher-level positions, such as principal or superintendent, which require specialized knowledge and skills. Furthermore, the certificate can give you an edge over other applicants who do not have the same level of expertise in educational administration.

On the other hand, if you are already established in your current role as an educator or administrator and do not plan on changing jobs anytime soon, then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a school director certificate. However, depending on your goals and current job responsibilities, such a certification could still be beneficial. For instance, if you want to take on greater responsibility within your school district or gain access to new opportunities outside of it, having a school director certificate could help make that happen.

In short, whether or not you need a school director certificate will depend on your specific situation and career aspirations. Taking the time to research what types of certificates are available and what benefits they offer can help you decide if obtaining one is the right decision for you.

Related: School Director Resume Examples

FAQs About School Director Certifications

1. What is a school director certification?

Answer: A school director certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual has met the qualifications and standards to serve as a school director, or administrator. It is typically obtained through completing an approved educational program and passing an examination.

2. What are the requirements to become certified as a school director?

Answer: Requirements vary by state, but typically include completing an approved educational program, such as an advanced degree in education administration or leadership; passing a school director certification exam; and meeting any additional state-specific requirements.

3. How long does it take to obtain school director certification?

Answer: The amount of time required to obtain school director certification varies depending on the individual's prior experience and educational background. However, it typically takes between 12-18 months to complete all requirements for certification.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining a school director certification?

Answer: Yes, most states require certified school directors to complete ongoing professional development activities in order to maintain their credentials. These activities may include attending conferences, taking online courses, or participating in other professional development opportunities related to leadership and education administration topics.

5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining or maintaining a school director certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be costs associated with obtaining and maintaining a school director certification, including tuition fees for educational programs; registration fees for exams; and costs related to continuing education activities such as conferences and online courses.