Top 11 School Principal Certifications

Certifications for school principals are important in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's knowledge, skills and abilities in educational leadership. Certification also indicates that a principal has met specific standards set by the state or other accrediting body and is qualified to lead a school. Additionally, certification can provide evidence of professional development and expertise, which can be attractive to employers. Finally, certification can provide a competitive edge in the job market, as it is often required for certain levels of school administration positions.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for School Principals and explain how they can contribute to a school principal's career growth.

What are School Principal Certifications?

School principal certification is a certification program designed to prepare individuals for the role of school principal. This type of certification typically requires that applicants have at least three years of teaching experience and a master's degree in educational leadership or a related field. Additionally, applicants must complete an approved program of study and pass a state-administered exam.

Once certified, school principals are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively lead their schools. Principals are responsible for providing instructional leadership, developing school policies, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines. As such, having the proper certification is essential for any aspiring administrator.

Having the appropriate credential can help individuals stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs. It can also provide them with access to more job opportunities, as many districts prefer to hire certified administrators. Furthermore, it demonstrates commitment to professional growth and provides evidence of an individual’s mastery of the concepts associated with school administration. Finally, having this type of certification can open up pathways for career advancement within education administration roles.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the school principal certification requirements in your state or district before beginning the certification process. This will help ensure that you are aware of all the necessary qualifications and steps needed to become a certified school principal.

Related: What does a School Principal do?

Top 11 School Principal Certifications

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

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

The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) is a professional organization dedicated to the support and development of elementary school principals. The NAESP Certification is a voluntary certification program designed to recognize the skills, knowledge, and experience of elementary school principals. It is a mark of distinction that validates an individual’s commitment to excellence in leadership and management.

It takes approximately 18 months to complete the NAESP Certification process. To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least three years of successful experience as an elementary school principal;
• Complete the NAESP Leadership Development Program;
• Pass the NAESP Certification Exam;
• Complete a professional portfolio demonstrating mastery in key areas of leadership; and
• Submit two letters of recommendation from colleagues or supervisors who can attest to your professional accomplishments.

The cost for obtaining NAESP Certification varies depending on which components you choose to pursue. The Leadership Development Program costs $1,400 for members and $1,750 for non-members. The exam fee is $100 for members and $150 for non-members. Additionally, there may be fees associated with submitting your portfolio and letters of recommendation.

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

The National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and experience of school principals. The program is designed to ensure that school principals have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage their schools.

To get NASSP Certification, applicants must first complete an online application and submit it to NASSP for review. Once approved, applicants must then complete a series of courses related to school leadership and management, which can take up to two years to complete. After completing the courses, applicants must pass an exam in order to receive the certification.

The cost of the program varies depending on the courses taken and the number of credits earned. Generally speaking, it will cost around $2,000 - $3,000 for the entire program.

Overall, obtaining NASSP Certification is an excellent way for school principals to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in educational leadership and management.

3. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes teachers who have achieved an advanced level of professional knowledge, skills, and practices. It is the highest credential available in the teaching profession and is recognized nationally as a mark of excellence.

To become certified, teachers must complete a rigorous process that includes completing an application, submitting evidence of their teaching practice, and participating in a day-long assessment. The process typically takes two to three years to complete.

In order to be eligible for certification, teachers must hold a valid state teaching license or certificate and have at least three years of full-time teaching experience. They must also meet the NBPTS standards for their area of certification.

The cost of certification varies depending on the state in which you are applying. Generally speaking, it can range from $2,500 to $4,000 USD.

4. International Baccalaureate (IB) Principal Leadership Certificate

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Principal Leadership Certificate is a professional development program for school administrators. It is designed to help school leaders develop the skills and knowledge needed to lead an IB World School. The program consists of five online modules, which focus on topics such as developing a vision for an IB school, creating a culture of inquiry, and understanding the impact of the IB curriculum on student learning.

The program takes approximately three months to complete and requires participants to commit at least 10 hours per week of study time. Participants must also attend two face-to-face workshops in order to receive their certificate.

In order to get the certificate, participants must first register with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Once registered, they can access the course materials online and complete all five modules within three months. After completing all five modules, participants must submit their final assessment and attend two face-to-face workshops in order to receive their certificate.

The cost of the program depends on where you are located. In North America, it costs $2,500 USD plus applicable taxes; in Europe it costs €2,000 EUR plus applicable taxes; and in Asia Pacific it costs $3,000 AUD plus applicable taxes.

5. American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification

The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes the highest levels of leadership and management in K-12 education. The AASA Certification is designed to provide school administrators with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead their schools effectively.

To obtain the AASA Certification, applicants must meet several requirements including having at least three years of successful experience as a school administrator, completing a minimum of 30 hours of approved professional development activities within the past five years, and passing an online assessment. Once these requirements are met, applicants can submit an application for review by the AASA Certification Board.

The AASA Certification process typically takes between four to six weeks from start to finish. The cost for obtaining the certification varies depending on the type of membership purchased. For example, individual members pay an annual fee of $295 while district members pay an annual fee of $595.

6. Council of Great City Schools (CGCS) Certification

The Council of Great City Schools (CGCS) Certification is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the highest standards of excellence in urban education. It is designed to recognize and reward urban school districts for their commitment to providing quality educational opportunities for all students.

The CGCS Certification process takes approximately one year to complete and involves a rigorous review of the district’s policies, practices, and programs. The process includes an on-site visit by a team of experts who evaluate the district’s performance against the CGCS Standards of Excellence. After the evaluation is completed, the district will receive either a provisional or full certification status depending on its level of achievement.

In order to get CGCS Certification, school districts must submit an application which includes information about their educational goals, strategies, and initiatives; evidence of student achievement; evidence of staff development; evidence of fiscal management; and other relevant information. Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by a panel of experts from the Council's Board of Directors. If approved, the district will then proceed with completing the CGCS Certification process which includes an on-site visit by a team of experts who will evaluate the district’s performance against the CGCS Standards of Excellence.

The cost for CGCS Certification varies depending on several factors including size and complexity of the school district as well as its geographic location. Generally speaking, however, it can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more.

7. Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Certification

The Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) Certification is a professional certification for educational leaders. It is offered by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), which is an organization that provides leadership training and development for school administrators, teachers, and other educational professionals. The ELCC Certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of professional knowledge, experience, and commitment to the field of education.

In order to obtain the ELCC Certification, applicants must meet certain criteria. This includes having at least three years of successful experience in a leadership role in an educational setting, such as a school district or college/university; having completed an approved program of study in educational administration; and passing the ELCC Certification Exam. The exam consists of four parts: two multiple-choice sections on general principles of educational administration, one essay section on a topic related to educational leadership, and one case study section that requires candidates to analyze and respond to a given scenario.

The entire process typically takes about six months from start to finish. Applicants should expect to spend approximately 10 hours preparing for the exam and then another 3-4 hours taking it. In addition, there are fees associated with applying for certification and taking the exam. The application fee is $75 USD and the exam fee is $150 USD (as of 2021).

Overall, obtaining the ELCC Certification can be an excellent way for educators to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in education leadership roles while also expanding their professional network and credentials within the field.

8. National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) Certification

The National Institute for School Leadership (NISL) is a professional development organization that provides certification programs for school leaders. The NISL Certification Program is designed to prepare aspiring and current school leaders to become effective, results-oriented instructional leaders. It is an intensive, two-year program that combines online learning with face-to-face instruction and on-site coaching.

The NISL Certification Program includes four core courses: Leading Instructional Improvement, Leading Organizational Change, Leading Professional Learning Communities, and Managing Resources and Finances. Each course consists of 10 modules that cover the essential skills needed to lead an effective school. In addition to the core courses, participants can choose from elective courses such as Data Analysis for School Leaders or Coaching for School Leaders.

In order to receive the NISL Certification, participants must complete all four core courses and at least one elective course within two years. Participants also must pass a final assessment in order to be certified.

The cost of the NISL Certification Program varies depending on the number of courses taken and the length of time it takes to complete them. Generally speaking, it costs around $4,000-$5,000 per year for tuition and fees. Additionally, there are travel expenses associated with attending face-to-face instruction sessions and coaching sessions in different locations throughout the country.

9. American College of Education (ACE) Principal Preparation Program

American College of Education (ACE) Principal Preparation Program is an online program designed to prepare aspiring school principals for the challenges of leading a school. The program is offered in both an accelerated and traditional format and can be completed in as little as one year. It consists of six courses, each focusing on a different aspect of educational leadership, such as instructional leadership, school law, and budgeting.

The ACE Principal Preparation Program is open to anyone who holds a valid teaching license or has at least three years of full-time teaching experience. Students must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in order to enroll in the program.

The cost of the ACE Principal Preparation Program varies depending on the number of credits taken per semester and whether students are enrolled in the accelerated or traditional track. Generally speaking, tuition for the program ranges from $7,000-$9,000 per semester for those enrolled in the traditional track and $8,500-$10,500 per semester for those enrolled in the accelerated track.

In addition to tuition costs, students must also factor in additional fees such as technology fees ($50/semester), registration fees ($100/semester), and textbook costs (varies).

10. Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Principals Center

The Harvard Graduate School of Education's Principals Center is an online professional development program designed to help school leaders develop their skills in educational leadership. The program provides access to a wide range of resources and tools, including webinars, podcasts, and articles on topics such as instructional leadership, school culture and climate, data-driven decision making, and more.

The Principals Center is a self-paced program that can be completed in anywhere from 6 months to a year or more depending on the individual’s availability. To get started with the program, participants must first register for an account at the Harvard Graduate School of Education website. Once registered, participants will have access to all the resources available through the Principals Center.

The cost of the Principals Center depends on which level of membership you choose. There are two levels: Basic ($99/year) and Premium ($199/year). The Basic membership gives you access to all the resources available in the Principals Center but does not include any one-on-one coaching or personalized support. The Premium membership includes all basic features plus one-on-one coaching sessions with experienced educators who can provide personalized guidance and feedback on your progress in the program.

11. University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s Principal Leadership Program

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education’s Principal Leadership Program (PLP) is a comprehensive, two-year program designed to prepare aspiring school leaders for successful careers in educational leadership. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of the principal, including curriculum and instruction, budgeting and finance, personnel management, legal issues, and technology.

The PLP consists of two parts: an intensive summer institute followed by a year-long apprenticeship. During the summer institute, participants attend classes on topics such as instructional leadership, school law and policy, curriculum design and assessment, data-driven decision making, school culture and climate change, and budgeting. After completing the summer institute portion of the program, participants are placed in a school district for an eight-month apprenticeship where they gain hands-on experience working with principals and other school staff.

In order to apply to the PLP program at Penn GSE applicants must have at least three years of teaching experience or equivalent professional experience in education. Applicants must also submit GRE scores along with three letters of recommendation from current or former employers or supervisors.

The cost for the two year program is $30,000 which includes tuition costs for both the summer institute and apprenticeship as well as books and materials. Financial aid may be available to those who qualify.

Do You Really Need a School Principal Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. A school principal certificate may be beneficial for some individuals who wish to pursue a career in school leadership or administration. However, for others, it may not be necessary.

For those who are considering a career in school leadership or administration, a school principal certificate can provide valuable knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in their chosen field. The certificate can provide the training and education needed to become an effective leader and administrator of a school. It can also open up opportunities for advancement within the educational system.

On the other hand, if an individual is already employed as a teacher or educator but wishes to move into a leadership role within the educational system, they may not need to obtain a school principal certificate as they already have experience in teaching and leading students. They may find that their current qualifications and experience are sufficient for them to progress into a leadership role within their organization.

In conclusion, whether an individual needs a school principal certificate or not depends on their own circumstances and goals. For those wishing to pursue a career in school leadership or administration, obtaining such a certificate may be beneficial and open up opportunities for further advancement within their organization. However, for those already working as educators but wishing to move into higher-level roles, their current qualifications and experience may be enough for them to progress without needing additional training or certification.

Related: School Principal Resume Examples

FAQs About School Principal Certifications

1. What are the requirements for school principal certification?

A: The specific requirements to become a certified school principal vary by state, but generally include a minimum of a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration and passing a state-approved exam. Additional requirements may include completing an approved principal preparation program, passing additional exams, and having several years of teaching experience.

2. How long does it take to become a certified school principal?

A: It typically takes two to three years to complete the necessary coursework and field experience to become a certified school principal. This timeline can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific requirements of each state.

3. Do I need any special certifications or qualifications to be a school principal?

A: Yes, most states require that school principals hold at least a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration and have passed an approved exam in order to be certified as a school principal.

4. Is there any way to get an accelerated certification program for becoming a school principal?

A: Depending on the state you live in, there may be accelerated programs available that offer credit for prior education or experience that can help you obtain your certification faster than traditional programs. It is best to contact your local education authority for more information on accelerated programs in your area.

5. What type of job opportunities are available for certified school principals?

A: Certified school principals can find job opportunities in public schools, private schools, charter schools, universities, colleges and other educational institutions across the country.