Top 10 Superintendent Certifications

Certifications for a superintendent are important in the job market because they demonstrate that they have the necessary qualifications and skills to lead a school district. Certified superintendents are more likely to be considered for higher-level positions and can often command higher salaries. A certification also signifies that the superintendent has met certain standards of excellence and is committed to continuing education and professional development. This gives employers confidence in their ability to lead a district, as well as providing assurance that their staff is up-to-date on best practices for teaching and leading. Certifications also show potential employers that the superintendent is dedicated to improving student achievement in their district.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certification programs for Superintendents and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Superintendent Certifications?

Superintendent certification is a certification program offered by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) that is designed to help school superintendents develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead their schools and districts. This certification is based on the AASA's standards for effective school district leadership and provides a comprehensive set of competencies that are essential for successful superintendent performance. The program includes an assessment process, an introduction to the AASA standards for superintendent performance, and a series of courses designed to increase superintendent proficiency in areas such as curriculum development, budgeting, personnel management, strategic planning, communications, and community relations.

The primary benefit of obtaining a superintendent certification from AASA is that it offers evidence-based proof that the individual has met the high standard of excellence necessary to become an effective school leader. The certification also serves as a signal to employers that they are hiring someone who has demonstrated mastery in areas related to leading schools and districts. Finally, having this credential indicates that the individual has taken their professional development seriously and has invested in their own career growth.

Pro Tip: Pursuing superintendent certification can be a lengthy process, but the rewards are worth it. Make sure to start early and create a plan of action that encompasses all requirements such as coursework, testing, and field experience. Additionally, look into any available resources or grants that can help cover the costs associated with certification.

Related: What does a Superintendent do?

Top 10 Superintendent Certifications

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

1. Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP)

Certified Educational Facilities Professional (CEFP) is a certification awarded by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). It is designed to recognize professionals in the field of educational facilities management who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and have achieved a high level of expertise.

The CEFP certification process takes approximately six months, and involves completing an application form, passing an exam, and submitting letters of reference. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as facility planning, design, construction, maintenance, safety, energy management, and budgeting.

To be eligible for the CEFP certification program, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the field of educational facilities management or related areas. They must also be members in good standing with ASBO for at least one year prior to applying for the CEFP certification.

The cost for the CEFP certification program is $450 USD for ASBO members and $550 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of the exam, application processing fees, and other administrative costs associated with obtaining the CEFP certification.

2. National Superintendent Certification (NSC)

National Superintendent Certification (NSC) is a program designed to provide school district leaders with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to lead their district effectively. This certification is offered by the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and is recognized nationally as a mark of excellence in educational leadership.

The NSC program consists of four components: an online self-assessment, an online professional development course, a written examination, and a portfolio assessment. The self-assessment helps participants assess their current knowledge and skills in areas such as budgeting, communication, curriculum development, school law, personnel management, and more. The professional development course provides an overview of the most important topics related to educational leadership. The written examination tests participants’ knowledge of these topics. Finally, the portfolio assessment requires participants to demonstrate their ability to apply the concepts they have learned through case studies and other activities.

The entire NSC program typically takes about six months to complete. However, this timeline may vary depending on each individual participant’s background and experience level. To get started on the NSC program, interested individuals must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts or letters of recommendation. Once accepted into the program, participants will be sent instructions on how to access the online components of the program.

The cost for obtaining National Superintendent Certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of AASA. For non-members, there is an initial fee of $500 plus additional fees for each component (self-assessment $50; professional development course $200; written examination $100; portfolio assessment $150). For AASA members there is only an initial fee of $250 plus additional fees for each component (self-assessment $25; professional development course $100; written examination $50; portfolio assessment $75).

3. School Business Official Certification (SBOC)

School Business Official Certification (SBOC) is a certification program for school business officials. It is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of school business professionals. The certification is offered by the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).

The SBOC program consists of three levels of certification: Certified School Business Official (CSBO), Advanced Certified School Business Official (ACSBO), and Master Certified School Business Official (MCSBO). To obtain any level of certification, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and complete continuing education requirements.

The CSBO requires a minimum of two years experience in school business management or related field, completion of an approved course in school business management or equivalent experience, and passing the CSBO exam. The ACSBO requires five years experience in school business management or related field, completion of an approved course in school business management or equivalent experience, passing the ACSBO exam, and completing at least 30 hours of professional development activities within the past three years. The MCSBO requires seven years experience in school business management or related field, completion of an approved course in school business management or equivalent experience, passing the MCSBO exam, completing at least 45 hours of professional development activities within the past five years, and submitting a portfolio demonstrating mastery-level competencies.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete all requirements for each level of SBOC certification. To get started on obtaining your SBOC certification you will need to first register with ASBO International and submit all required documentation including transcripts and proof of work experience. You will then need to take and pass the appropriate exam for your desired level of certification. Lastly you will need to complete any necessary continuing education requirements before being awarded your SBOC certificate.

The cost for registering with ASBO International varies depending on membership type but typically ranges from $50-$200 annually plus any additional fees associated with taking exams or completing continuing education courses.

4. Certified School Administrator (CSA)

Certified School Administrator (CSA) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). The CSA certification recognizes school administrators who have demonstrated the highest level of professional excellence and commitment to their profession. It is an internationally recognized credential that validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities of school administrators.

The CSA certification process involves completing a series of online courses, passing an assessment exam, and submitting documentation that demonstrates successful completion of the requirements. The entire process typically takes 6-12 months to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must first meet certain eligibility criteria. These include having at least five years of experience in educational administration or related fields, holding a master’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university, and being currently employed as a school administrator.

The cost for the CSA certification program varies depending on the number of courses taken and other factors. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500 - $2,000 USD.

5. National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a nonprofit organization that sets high and rigorous standards for what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. It offers certification to teachers who meet these standards through its National Board Certification program. This voluntary certification is recognized across the United States as the mark of accomplished teaching.

The process of obtaining National Board Certification typically takes two years or more and involves completing an extensive application process, including submitting evidence of teaching practice, student work samples, and videotapes of classroom instruction. Candidates must also pass a series of assessments designed to measure their knowledge and skills in teaching.

The cost of applying for National Board Certification varies depending on the state in which you live; however, it can range from $2,000 to $4,500. Financial assistance may be available through your school district or state department of education.

Once certified, teachers receive a certificate and are eligible for salary supplements in some states. In addition, they are part of a network of accomplished educators who are dedicated to improving student learning outcomes through professional development activities such as mentoring new teachers or leading workshops on best practices in teaching.

6. Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC)

The Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) is an organization that provides leadership development and professional support to educational leaders in the United States. It is a voluntary, non-profit organization that was founded in 1975 by a group of educators from across the country. The ELCC works to promote excellence in education and to foster collaboration among educational leaders.

The ELCC offers a variety of programs and services for its members, including an annual conference, professional development workshops, webinars, publications, and networking opportunities. Members also have access to resources such as job postings, research studies, and best practices.

It typically takes between six months and one year to become a member of the ELCC. To join the ELCC, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as letters of recommendation from current or former employers or colleagues. The application fee is $50 for individuals and $100 for institutions. Once accepted into the ELCC, members are required to pay annual dues of $125 for individuals or $200 for institutions.

Membership in the ELCC provides numerous benefits including access to exclusive resources and networking opportunities with other educational leaders around the country. Additionally, members can take advantage of discounted rates on conferences and workshops hosted by the ELCC as well as discounts on publications produced by the organization.

7. International Association of Facilitators Certified Education Administrator (IAFCEA)

The International Association of Facilitators Certified Education Administrator (IAFCEA) is a certification program designed to recognize and promote excellence in educational administration. The IAFCEA credential is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of effective school leadership, including instructional leadership, organizational management, and communication.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the program requirements for the IAFCEA certification. The process involves completing an online application, submitting official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, passing a written assessment, and attending a 3-day seminar.

The cost for the IAFCEA certification varies depending on the provider and location of the seminar. Generally speaking, it costs between $2,000-$4,000 USD for tuition and materials.

8. American Association of School Administrators Leadership Certification Program (AASA-LCP)

The American Association of School Administrators Leadership Certification Program (AASA-LCP) is a comprehensive program designed to provide school administrators with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively lead their schools. The program is based on AASA’s National Standards for School Leaders, which are designed to help school leaders create a positive learning environment, foster collaboration among stakeholders, and ensure that all students have access to quality education.

The AASA-LCP consists of four components: professional development, an assessment process, mentoring, and certification. Participants must complete a minimum of 60 hours of professional development in order to be eligible for the certification process. This includes courses such as educational leadership theory and practice; instructional leadership; human resource management; finance and budgeting; technology integration; legal issues in education; and organizational change management.

Once participants have completed the required professional development courses, they must take an assessment exam in order to demonstrate their mastery of the material. Upon successful completion of the assessment exam, participants are matched with a mentor who will guide them through the remainder of the certification process. The mentor will provide feedback on their progress and provide support as needed throughout the certification process.

Finally, once all requirements have been met, participants will receive their AASA-LCP certification from AASA. This certification is valid for three years from the date it is issued and can be renewed by completing additional coursework or passing an updated assessment exam.

The cost for the AASA-LCP varies depending on how many courses participants decide to take and whether or not they choose to use a mentor during the certification process. In general, however, it typically costs between $2,000-$4,000 USD for all four components of the program.

9. Academy for Educational Leadership and Management Certification Program (AELM-CP)

The Academy for Educational Leadership and Management Certification Program (AELM-CP) is an online certification program designed to help educators gain the skills and knowledge needed to become effective school leaders. The program consists of six modules, each focusing on a different aspect of educational leadership and management. The modules cover topics such as instructional leadership, school finance, personnel management, legal issues in education, and more.

The AELM-CP can be completed in approximately three months if taken at a full-time pace. However, students may take up to one year to complete the program if they choose to take it part-time. To get certified through the AELM-CP, students must complete all six modules with a passing grade and submit their final project for evaluation by an Academy faculty member.

The cost of the AELM-CP varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the Academy for Educational Leadership and Management (AELM). Nonmembers pay $1,995 for the entire program while members pay only $1,495. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking certain courses or exams that are required for certification.

10. Education Leaders Licensure Assessment (ELLA)

Education Leaders Licensure Assessment (ELLA) is an online assessment that measures the knowledge and skills of individuals who are seeking licensure as school leaders. It is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations. The exam consists of two parts: a written component and a performance component.

The written component consists of multiple-choice questions that measure the candidate’s understanding of educational leadership concepts, such as school law, curriculum development, management, and finance. The performance component requires candidates to complete tasks related to school leadership practices.

The ELLA exam takes approximately four hours to complete. To get the ELLA certification, candidates must first register for the exam with their state board of education or other appropriate agency. After registering, candidates can then schedule their exam at a testing center or take it online.

The cost of the ELLA exam varies by state but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per attempt.

Do You Really Need a Superintendent Certificate?

The answer to whether you need a superintendent certificate depends largely on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are looking to pursue a career in school administration, then having a superintendent certificate is likely to be beneficial. This type of certification demonstrates to employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the operations of a school district, including budgeting, personnel management, curriculum development, and other related tasks.

In addition to providing proof of your qualifications for administrative positions within the educational sector, having a superintendent certificate can also open up doors for other opportunities such as consulting or working with government agencies. A superintendent certificate can also provide an edge when applying for higher-level positions within an organization or district.

For those who are already employed in education but looking for advancement or additional responsibilities, earning a superintendent certificate can be invaluable. It shows that you are committed to developing your knowledge and skillsets further and provides tangible evidence of this commitment.

Ultimately, obtaining a superintendent certificate is not necessary for everyone but it can certainly be beneficial for those who wish to pursue administrative roles in education or advance their career in education-related fields.

Related: Superintendent Resume Examples

FAQs About Superintendent Certifications

1. What is a superintendent certification?

Answer: A superintendent certification is an educational credential that verifies that the holder has met certain professional standards for school district leadership. It generally requires successful completion of a professional development program and passing of a state-administered exam.

2. How do I obtain a superintendent certification?

Answer: Generally, you must complete an approved professional development program and pass a state-administered assessment to obtain your superintendent certification. Requirements vary by state, so you should contact the appropriate education authority in your jurisdiction for specific details.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a superintendent certification?

Answer: Superintendent certifications demonstrate that an individual has acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to lead school districts successfully. Having this credential can also lead to greater job opportunities and higher salaries in educational administration roles.

4. How long does it take to get a superintendent certification?

Answer: The length of time needed to obtain your superintendent certification depends on the requirements in your state and how quickly you are able to complete them. In general, it can take around one year or more from start to finish, including completing any required coursework or training, preparing for and taking the assessment, and receiving official notification of passing results from your state’s department of education.

5. Are there continuing educational requirements after obtaining a superintendent certification?

Answer: Yes – most states require that certified superintendents pursue ongoing professional development activities throughout their career in order to maintain their credentials. For example, some states may require superintendents to participate in workshops or seminars every few years or complete specific classes or credits each year as part of their recertification process.