Top 11 Special Education Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for special education coordinators in the job market because they demonstrate that a candidate has received specialized training and is knowledgeable in the field. In addition, certifications can help set a candidate apart from other applicants, as they show a level of commitment to their profession and knowledge of best practices. Certifications may also be required by employers, or used as a way to distinguish candidates when hiring.

This article reviews the top certifications for Special Education Coordinators and explains how they can be beneficial to a special education coordinator's career.

What are Special Education Coordinator Certifications?

Special education coordinator certification is a professional development program that provides educators with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage special education programs. It includes topics such as legal requirements, program evaluation, instructional design and management, budgeting, staff development, and family involvement. This certification can help special education coordinators better understand the needs of students with disabilities, develop and implement effective instructional strategies, collaborate with school personnel to create an inclusive learning environment for all students, and effectively manage resources. The certification also helps coordinators stay up-to-date on current trends in special education policies and practices. Having a special education coordinator certification can provide evidence of professional competency in this area and help enhance a coordinator's career opportunities.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a special education coordinator certification, make sure to research the qualifications and requirements for the specific certification you are interested in. Each state has its own set of standards and qualifications for special education coordinators, so make sure to familiarize yourself with them before applying.

Related: What does a Special Education Coordinator do?

Top 11 Special Education Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Special Education Coordinators today.

1. Special Education Coordinator Certification (SECC)

Special Education Coordinator Certification (SECC) is a certification program offered by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). It is designed to help special education coordinators develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively coordinate and manage special education programs. The certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in special education as well as completion of a specified number of courses related to special education.

The certification process takes approximately one year from start to finish. Candidates must submit an application, which includes their resume and documentation of their prior experience in special education, as well as transcripts from any coursework they have completed related to special education. Once approved by the CEC, candidates must then complete a series of online courses that cover topics such as legal issues in special education, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation techniques, and program management. Upon successful completion of all coursework requirements, candidates will be awarded the SECC designation.

The cost for the Special Education Coordinator Certification program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether or not candidates are members of the CEC. Generally speaking, it costs between $500-$1,000 for non-members and $400-$800 for members.

2. Special Education Leadership Certification (SELC)

Special Education Leadership Certification (SELC) is a certification program designed to provide special education leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively lead in the field of special education. This certification is offered through the National Association of Special Education Leaders (NASEL).

The SELC certification program consists of two parts: a core course and an advanced course. The core course covers topics such as special education law, ethics, leadership development, and instructional strategies. The advanced course includes topics such as school improvement planning, data-driven decision making, and working with families.

In order to obtain the SELC certification, applicants must complete both courses within one year. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam at the end of each course in order to receive their certificate.

The cost for the SELC certification varies depending on which institution you choose to take the courses from. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 for both courses combined.

3. Special Education Administrator Certification (SEAC)

Special Education Administrator Certification (SEAC) is a certification program offered by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE). It is designed to provide special education administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead their school districts in providing special education services.

The SEAC certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an on-site assessment. The online course is self-paced and can be completed in as little as six months, but may take up to two years depending on the individual's availability and commitment. The course covers topics such as legal requirements, ethical considerations, instructional strategies, budgeting and personnel management.

The on-site assessment requires participants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge to actual situations encountered in the field. This assessment is conducted by a team of NASDSE assessors who observe and evaluate the participant's performance in a variety of settings.

In order to become certified, applicants must complete both the online course and the on-site assessment successfully. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience working in special education administration or related fields.

The cost for SEAC certification varies depending on whether you are taking the online course or attending an on-site assessment session. The cost for taking the online course ranges from $500-$1,000 depending on your state’s requirements; however, some states may offer discounts for those who qualify for financial aid or other assistance programs. The cost for attending an on-site assessment session is typically around $2,000-$3,000 per person depending on location and travel expenses.

4. Certified Special Education Coordinator (CSEC)

A Certified Special Education Coordinator (CSEC) is a specialized certification for educators who are responsible for providing leadership and direction in the field of special education. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery in the areas of special education policy, practice, and research.

The CSEC certification requires a minimum of three years of full-time experience in special education, as well as completion of an approved coursework program. The coursework must include topics such as: legal issues related to special education; assessment and evaluation procedures; instructional strategies; collaboration with families and other professionals; and professional ethics.

To become certified, individuals must apply to the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). Applicants must submit a completed application form, along with official transcripts from their college or university, documentation of their work experience in special education, and payment of the required fee.

The cost for the CSEC certification varies depending on the type of application submitted. For initial applicants, the fee is $250 USD; for renewal applicants, it is $150 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the CEC’s Special Education Leadership Exam.

Overall, it typically takes about two months for an individual to receive their CSEC certification after submitting their application materials to CEC.

5. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Special Education: Coordination and Administration Certificate

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) Special Education: Coordination and Administration Certificate is a professional certification program designed to recognize teachers who have achieved excellence in the field of special education coordination and administration. This certification is intended to demonstrate that an educator has advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the coordination and administration of special education services.

The NBPTS Special Education: Coordination and Administration Certificate requires applicants to complete a series of assessments that evaluate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to the coordination and administration of special education services. The assessments include a written assessment, a performance assessment, and an oral presentation. Applicants must also submit evidence of their experience in special education coordination or administration.

The NBPTS Special Education: Coordination and Administration Certificate typically takes approximately 12 months to complete. During this time, applicants must complete all required assessments as well as any additional requirements set forth by the NBPTS.

To obtain the NBPTS Special Education: Coordination and Administration Certificate, applicants must first register with the NBPTS. After registering, applicants will receive instructions on how to complete the required assessments. Once all requirements are met, applicants can submit their application for review by the NBPTS board of directors. If approved, applicants will be awarded the certificate.

The cost of obtaining the NBPTS Special Education: Coordination and Administration Certificate varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD plus any additional fees associated with completing required assessments or submitting evidence of experience in special education coordination or administration.

6. Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Special Education Coordinator Certificate

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Special Education Coordinator Certificate is an online program designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful special education coordinators. The program focuses on developing the skills needed to effectively manage and lead a special education program, including understanding the legal requirements of special education, collaborating with families and other professionals, assessing student needs, developing individualized education programs (IEPs), and monitoring student progress. The program also covers topics such as curriculum development, instructional strategies, behavior management techniques, and data-driven decision making.

The CEC Special Education Coordinator Certificate requires approximately 30 hours of coursework that can be completed at your own pace. The courses are self-paced so you can complete them in whatever order works best for you. The cost of the certificate is $399 USD plus applicable taxes. To get the certificate you must complete all required courses and pass a final exam with a minimum score of 80%. Upon completion of all requirements, you will receive your CEC Special Education Coordinator Certificate.

7. Association of Educational Therapists (AET) Special Education Coordinator Certification

The Association of Educational Therapists (AET) Special Education Coordinator Certification is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coordinate special education services. This certification is intended for those professionals who are responsible for coordinating special education services in schools, districts, and other educational settings.

In order to qualify for the AET Special Education Coordinator Certification, applicants must meet the following requirements: hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in special education or related field; have at least three years of experience in an administrative role related to special education; have completed at least 30 hours of professional development related to special education; and pass an online assessment.

The process of obtaining the AET Special Education Coordinator Certification typically takes about four months from start to finish. The first step is to complete an application form and submit it with all required documents. After submitting the application, you will need to take and pass the online assessment. Once you pass the assessment, you will receive your official certificate in the mail.

The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on where you live and what type of institution you are applying through. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $50-$200 USD.

8. International Association of Special Education Professionals (IASEP) Special Education Coordinator Certification

The International Association of Special Education Professionals (IASEP) is a professional organization that focuses on the advancement of special education professionals. The IASEP offers a Special Education Coordinator Certification program for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in special education coordination and administration.

This certification program is designed to provide special education coordinators with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage and coordinate all aspects of special education services within their school district or organization. The program includes coursework in areas such as curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment and evaluation, legal issues, communication strategies, and more.

The length of the certification program varies depending on the individual's prior experience and educational background. Generally speaking, it takes between one to three years to complete the program. To get started on the certification process, applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and transcripts from any post-secondary institutions attended.

The cost of the IASEP Special Education Coordinator Certification Program varies depending on whether or not you are an IASEP member. Non-members pay $500 for each module they take while members pay $350 per module. There is also an additional fee for taking the final exam which is $150 for non-members and $100 for members.

9. American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Special Education Coordinator Certificate

The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Special Education Coordinator Certificate is a professional development program designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coordinate special education services in foreign language classrooms. The certificate program is intended for teachers, administrators, and other professionals who are interested in working with students with disabilities in foreign language settings.

The ACTFL Special Education Coordinator Certificate Program consists of four online courses, which can be completed over the course of one year. The courses cover topics such as: understanding special education laws; developing individualized education programs (IEPs); creating an inclusive classroom environment; and developing instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.

In order to obtain the certificate, participants must complete all four courses and pass a final exam. The cost of the program is $399 USD, which includes access to all four courses as well as a certificate upon successful completion.

Participants who successfully complete the program will receive an official ACTFL Special Education Coordinator Certificate that can be used for professional development purposes or as evidence of their expertise in this field.

10. National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Special Education Coordinator Certificate

The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) Special Education Coordinator Certificate is a professional certification for school psychologists who want to specialize in special education. The certificate is designed to provide school psychologists with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively coordinate special education services in schools.

To obtain the NASP Special Education Coordinator Certificate, individuals must complete a two-year program of study that includes coursework in special education law, assessment, collaboration and consultation, and program evaluation. The program also requires completion of an internship or practicum experience. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals are eligible to take the NASP Special Education Coordinator Certification Exam.

The cost of obtaining the NASP Special Education Coordinator Certificate varies depending on the institution offering the program. Generally, tuition costs range from $3,000-$10,000 for the two-year program. In addition to tuition costs, students may be required to purchase textbooks and other materials related to their studies.

11. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Education Coordinator Certificate

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Special Education Coordinator Certificate is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the areas of special education coordination, program development, and consultation. This certificate is designed to provide professionals with the necessary skills to effectively coordinate and manage programs for students with special needs.

To obtain the ASHA Special Education Coordinator Certificate, applicants must complete a minimum of 30 hours of coursework. The courses must be approved by ASHA and cover topics such as legal issues in special education, assessment procedures, instructional strategies, consultation techniques, and program evaluation.

Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ASHA that covers all of the topics covered in the coursework. After successfully completing the exam, applicants will receive their certificate from ASHA.

The cost to obtain the ASHA Special Education Coordinator Certificate varies depending on the courses taken and other fees associated with taking the exam. Generally speaking, obtaining this certification can range from several hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars.

Do You Really Need a Special Education Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a special education coordinator certificate to become a special education coordinator. However, having a special education coordinator certificate can certainly help you on your way to becoming a successful special education coordinator.

A special education coordinator certificate can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills you will need in order to be an effective leader in the field of special education. The coursework typically focuses on topics such as understanding the legal requirements for providing services to students with disabilities, developing programs that are tailored to meet individual student needs, and working collaboratively with parents and other professionals in developing appropriate interventions and accommodations. Additionally, you may learn how to effectively advocate for students and their families within the school system or public policy arena.

Having a special education coordinator certificate can also open up more job opportunities in the field of special education. Many employers prefer applicants who have completed specialized training or coursework related to this field. Furthermore, having this certification may make it easier for you to advance within your current position or move into higher-level administration positions within the field of special education.

In conclusion, while having a special education coordinator certificate is not required for becoming a successful special education coordinator, it can certainly help give you an edge when applying for jobs or seeking advancement in your current position.

Related: Special Education Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Special Education Coordinator Certifications

Q1: What is a special education coordinator certification?

A1: A special education coordinator certification is a credential that is earned by completing educational and professional requirements in the field of special education. It demonstrates specialized knowledge and skills in designing, managing, and implementing programs for students with disabilities.

Q2: How do I become certified as a special education coordinator?

A2: To become certified as a special education coordinator, you must complete an approved program of study, such as an associate’s degree or higher in a related field. You must also pass an examination administered by the state or other agency that oversees the certification process.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming certified as a special education coordinator?

A3: Becoming certified as a special education coordinator can open up many career opportunities, including teaching positions and administrative roles at schools or other organizations that provide services to students with disabilities. Additionally, it can provide you with more job security and the potential to earn higher salaries than those who are not certified.

Q4: Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

A4: Yes, most states require that you complete continuing education courses in order to maintain your certification. The number of hours required varies by state, so it’s important to check with your state’s board of education for specific requirements.

Q5: Are there any fees associated with becoming certified as a special education coordinator?

A5: Yes, there may be fees associated with obtaining and renewing your certification. These fees vary depending on your state or other certifying agency; contact them for specific information about costs and payment options.