Top 10 Student Services Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a student services coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications show employers that the potential candidate has taken the initiative to learn and develop their skills, which can be beneficial when competing against other candidates. Certifications also provide assurance to employers that the candidate is knowledgeable about best practices in student services, which can be crucial for providing quality service to students. Finally, certifications can help demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide insight into the individual’s goals and interests.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Student Services Coordinators and explain how they can help enhance a student services coordinator's career.

What are Student Services Coordinator Certifications?

Student Services Coordinator Certification is a professional certification program designed to help those in the student services field develop and enhance their skills. This certification program focuses on providing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage student service programs and activities. It provides training on topics such as student development, counseling, advising, career planning, academic support, and more. The certification can also provide professionals with the opportunity to become certified in specific areas of expertise or to specialize in a certain field within student services.

The Student Services Coordinator Certification helps professionals gain recognition for their work by demonstrating their commitment to excellence in the field of student services. Professionals who are certified are seen as more knowledgeable, competent, and reliable than those without certification. This can lead to increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater advancement potential within the field. Additionally, this certification can provide a great way for employers to determine if an applicant has the necessary knowledge and skills for a position within their organization. Finally, it can also help individuals demonstrate their commitment to professional growth by staying current with best practices in student services management and development.

Pro Tip: When seeking Student Services Coordinator certification, be sure to thoroughly research the certifying organization and understand their requirements for certification. Additionally, look into any continuing education and/or professional development opportunities that may help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in student services.

Related: What does a Student Services Coordinator do?

Top 10 Student Services Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Student Services Coordinators today.

1. Certified Student Services Coordinator (CSSC)

Certified Student Services Coordinator (CSSC) is a certification program designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become successful student service professionals. The CSSC program is offered by the National Association of Student Service Professionals (NASSP). It is a comprehensive training program that covers topics such as student services, leadership, communication, and problem solving.

The CSSC program consists of three courses: Professional Development, Student Services Management, and Leadership & Communication. Each course takes approximately four weeks to complete. Once all three courses have been completed, students will be eligible to take the CSSC certification exam. Upon successful completion of the exam, students will receive their Certified Student Services Coordinator (CSSC) certification.

In order to get started with the CSSC program, students must first enroll in one of the three courses offered by NASSP. Enrollment fees vary depending on which course you choose; however, they generally range from $200-$500 per course. After completing all three courses and passing the certification exam, there is an additional fee for receiving your official certificate from NASSP. This fee typically ranges from $100-$200 depending on your location.

Overall, it can take up to 16 weeks or more to complete the entire Certified Student Services Coordinator (CSSC) program and receive your certification. The total cost for this program ranges from $500-$1,000 depending on which courses you choose and where you are located.

2. Certified Education Planner (CEP)

Certified Education Planner (CEP) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have met the highest standards of excellence in education planning. CEPs are knowledgeable and experienced professionals who specialize in helping students, families, and adults plan for their educational future.

The process to become a Certified Education Planner takes approximately six months to complete. To become certified, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements established by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). These requirements include having a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, two years of full-time experience in education planning, and passing an exam.

To get the CEP designation, applicants must first submit an application to NACAC and pay a $75 fee. After submitting the application, applicants will be required to take an online exam that covers topics such as college admissions counseling, financial aid counseling, career counseling, and educational planning. Once applicants pass the exam, they will receive their CEP certificate from NACAC.

The cost of becoming a Certified Education Planner varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. The $75 application fee is nonrefundable and does not cover any additional costs associated with taking the exam or obtaining certification materials. Additionally, applicants may incur other costs such as travel expenses for attending conferences or workshops related to education planning.

3. Certified College Admissions Counselor (CCAC)

Certified College Admissions Counselor (CCAC) is a professional certification offered by the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC). It is designed to recognize experienced college admissions counselors who have demonstrated excellence in their field.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain qualifications and pass an exam. Qualifications include having a minimum of three years of full-time experience as a college or university admissions counselor or related position, as well as completion of at least 12 hours of continuing education related to college admission counseling within the past five years.

The CCAC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as college admissions policies, practices, and procedures; ethical standards and best practices; student development; and technology use in college admission processes. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $200.

Once certified, CCACs are required to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

4. Certified School Counselor (CSC)

Certified School Counselor (CSC) is a professional certification for school counselors who have met the standards of practice set by their state's department of education. It is designed to provide school counselors with recognition for their knowledge, skills, and abilities in working with students in a school setting. The CSC certification is awarded by the state board of education and requires the completion of an approved program of study and experience.

The amount of time it takes to get certified as a CSC varies depending on the individual's educational background and experience. Generally speaking, it takes two to three years to complete the necessary coursework and field experience required for certification. In some states, additional testing may be required before certification can be granted.

To become certified as a CSC, individuals must first complete an approved program of study that includes courses in counseling techniques, ethics and legal issues, human development, assessment practices, career development, multicultural counseling, crisis intervention strategies and more. After completing the program requirements, individuals must then pass a comprehensive exam administered by their state board of education in order to receive their certification.

The cost for obtaining CSC certification varies from state to state but typically ranges from $100-$500 depending on the specific requirements needed for each individual's state. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking any exams or tests required for certification in some states.

5. Certified Career Counselor (CCC)

Certified Career Counselor (CCC) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in the area of career counseling. It is offered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and complete continuing education requirements. The NBCC provides a comprehensive guide to the CCC credentialing process on its website.

The process of becoming a CCC typically takes one to three years to complete. To get started, applicants must first meet the basic eligibility requirements for certification as outlined by the NBCC. These include having at least a master’s degree in counseling or related field from an accredited institution, two years of supervised post-master’s experience in career counseling, and completion of a minimum number of hours providing career counseling services.

Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply to take the CCC Examination. This exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and covers topics such as assessment techniques, career development theories, job search strategies, and ethical considerations when working with clients. The cost for taking the exam is $195 USD.

Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CCC credential from the NBCC. This credential is valid for five years and must be renewed every five years by completing continuing education activities or retaking the CCC Examination.

6. National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) Certification

The National Association of College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) Certification is a professional certification program for college admissions counselors. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills necessary to provide quality college counseling services and to ensure that those providing such services are qualified and competent. NACAC Certification is voluntary, and it is valid for five years from the date of issue.

In order to be eligible for NACAC Certification, applicants must meet certain criteria including: having at least three years of full-time experience in college admissions counseling; completion of at least 18 hours of continuing education related to college admissions counseling; successful completion of a comprehensive written examination; and agreement to abide by the NACAC Code of Ethics and Professional Practices.

To obtain NACAC Certification, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with all required documentation. Applicants must also pay a fee which varies depending on their membership status with NACAC. The fee for non-members is $150, while members pay $75. Once all requirements have been met, applicants will receive their certification within two weeks.

NACAC Certification provides recognition for those who demonstrate the highest standards in college admissions counseling and can serve as an important credential when seeking employment or promotion in the field.

7. National College Access Network (NCAN) Certification

The National College Access Network (NCAN) Certification is a professional development program designed to help college access professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve students in their pursuit of higher education. NCAN Certification is an endorsement of a college access professional’s commitment to best practices and ethical standards, as well as a recognition of their dedication to helping students succeed.

NCAN Certification takes approximately one year to complete and consists of three components: online learning modules, an assessment exam, and a portfolio review. The online learning modules provide an introduction to the core concepts and strategies of college access work, while the assessment exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of these principles. Finally, the portfolio review allows applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in practice.

To get NCAN Certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in college access or related fields, such as student support services or higher education administration. Applicants must also submit a completed application form along with payment for the certification fee (currently $500). Once accepted into the program, applicants are given one year to complete all three components before they can be certified.

In summary, NCAN Certification is a comprehensive professional development program that takes approximately one year to complete and costs $500. It is designed for individuals who have at least two years experience working in college access or related fields and provides them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively serve students in their pursuit of higher education.

8. American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Certification

The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes school counselors who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to the profession and to provide evidence of their knowledge and skills.

In order to be eligible for ASCA Certification, individuals must meet certain prerequisites, including having a master’s degree in counseling or related field from an accredited college or university, two years of full-time professional experience as a school counselor, and successful completion of the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) exam. Once these requirements are met, applicants can apply for certification through the ASCA website.

The certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. During this time, applicants must submit all required documents and complete an online application. Once all materials are received, they will be reviewed by the ASCA Certification Committee and applicants will be notified if they have been approved or denied within four weeks of submission.

The cost of ASCA Certification varies depending on the type of membership you have with the organization. Non-members pay $150 for certification while members pay $100. Additionally, there is a $50 fee for each additional year that you renew your certification.

Overall, obtaining ASCA Certification is an important step in demonstrating your commitment to the profession and providing proof of your knowledge and skills as a school counselor.

9. National Career Development Association (NCDA) Certification

The National Career Development Association (NCDA) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have achieved proficiency in the field of career development. It is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those working in the career development field.

To obtain NCDA Certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include having a master’s degree or higher in a related field; two years of experience in career development; and completion of at least 20 hours of continuing education credits related to career development within the past five years.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as career counseling, job search strategies, assessment instruments, and other aspects of career development. The exam can be taken online or at a Pearson VUE testing center. The cost for taking the exam is $265 USD.

Once an applicant has passed the exam and met all other eligibility requirements, they will receive their NCDA Certification. This certification must be renewed every three years by completing additional continuing education credits related to career development.

10. American College Testing Program (ACT) Certification

The American College Testing Program (ACT) Certification is a comprehensive evaluation of the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in college. It is designed to measure academic readiness for college-level work, and it is accepted by thousands of colleges and universities across the United States.

The ACT consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science. Each test is scored on a scale from 1-36, with 36 being the highest score possible. The composite score is an average of the four individual scores.

It typically takes two to three hours to complete the entire exam, though some students may take longer depending on their level of preparedness. Students can register for the ACT online or through their high school guidance counselor's office. The cost of taking the ACT varies depending on where you take it, but generally ranges from $50-$90 USD.

In order to get certified in the ACT program, students must achieve a minimum composite score of 22 or higher on all four sections. This certification demonstrates that a student has achieved a certain level of academic proficiency and is ready for college-level courses.

Do You Really Need a Student Services Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and objectives. Generally speaking, a Student Services Coordinator Certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to start or advance their career in student services. The certificate provides an overview of the principles and best practices associated with the student services field, as well as guidance on how to effectively provide support and guidance to students. Additionally, it can help individuals develop skills such as communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking that are essential for success in the field.

Ultimately, whether or not someone should pursue a Student Services Coordinator Certificate is up to them. If they believe that having this certification will help them achieve their career goals in student services then it may be worth pursuing. It is important to remember though that there are other opportunities available for those looking to break into or advance within the student services field without obtaining a certification.

Related: Student Services Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Student Services Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Student Services Coordinator Certification?

Answer: A Student Services Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in providing services to students. It involves taking courses, passing assessments and demonstrating competencies related to student services such as orientation, counseling, advising, career development, and financial aid.

2. How do I become certified as a Student Services Coordinator?

Answer: To become certified as a Student Services Coordinator, you must complete a program of study that includes courses in student services, pass assessment exams to demonstrate proficiency in the areas covered by the certification program, and demonstrate mastery of the competencies associated with the certification.

3. Is there an exam requirement for certification?

Answer: Yes, there is an exam requirement for certification. You must take an assessment exam to demonstrate your proficiency in the areas covered by the certification program. The exam covers topics such as student services theory, practice, and research; student development theory; and counseling techniques.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The amount of time required to become certified depends on how quickly you can complete the courses necessary for certification and pass your assessment exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years or more depending on your level of dedication and commitment to completing the program requirements.

5. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Student Services Coordinator provides numerous benefits including increased job opportunities in higher education institutions; potential salary increases; increased credibility among colleagues; recognition within professional organizations; improved ability to provide quality services to students; and greater job satisfaction due to increased knowledge and expertise in student services-related fields.