Take your career to the next level with NASFAA Professional Credentials. This exciting program provides a nationally-recognized standard in financial aid training and allows you to earn recognition for your mastery of content. A professional credential benefits you by:

• Expanding your student financial aid knowledge
• Improving your job performance and service to students
• Providing tangible evidence of your knowledge for employers
• Differentiating between you and less qualified personnel
• Giving you and your organization a competitive edge

What NASFAA Professional Credentials Are Available?

The NASFAA Testing Center offers student aid professionals an opportunity to receive credentials on the following topics:

• Administrative Capability
• Application Process
• Campus-Based Programs
• Cash Management 
• Consumer Information
• Cost of Attendance
• Direct Loans
• Federal Pell Grants and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants
• Need Analysis
• Packaging & Notification of Awards
• Professional Judgment
• Return of Title IV Funds
• Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Student Eligibility
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants
• Verification

How Does It Work?

NASFAA offers a rigorous training experience and evaluation process. Financial aid professionals can qualify to sit for a test in the following ways:

• Complete an independent study on specific topics using a Self-Study Guide    
• Take an instructor-led NASFAA U Online Course
• Demonstrate five or more years of well-rounded professional experience 
• Attend a NASFAA U Authorized Event that uses the approved NASFAA curriculum

Tests must be completed within 40 calendar days of the purchase date. Both the first and second attempts at the test must be utilized within the 40-day testing window. If you are not successful, additional testing attempts are available, which provide an additional 40 days and two more attempts. Please see our appeal policy if you need to request a testing period extension. 

If you pass the credential test, you may download and print a certificate directly from the testing center. The certificate attests your achievement and can be included on your resume. If you sign up with the NASFAA Career Center as a candidate, your credentials will also be integrated into your Career Center profile to help you stand out in the crowd!

Credentialed professionals now have the opportunity to renew each credential. NASFAA recommends renewing credentials every three years, barring any major regulatory changes. Renewal is not mandatory; NASFAA Professional Credentials do not expire. To renew, you must successfully pass the current version of the credential test for that subject area.

Who Can Participate?

This program provides a nationally recognized standard in financial aid training and allows you to earn professional credentials. It's great for:

• Beginning aid professionals who want to differentiate themselves from the pack
• Intermediate and experienced aid professionals who seek new opportunities and career advancement

If you're an employer, when your staff earns credentials, you can feel confident they are trained to the highest industry standards. When your staff renews their credentials, you can be reassured they are keeping up to date with the legislative and regulatory changes in Title IV aid administration. You can enjoy increased employee satisfaction by providing the opportunity to grow professionally and ensuring employee training is consistent and measurable. When it's time to hire, visit our Career Center where it will be easy to locate credentialed candidates.

For More Information

Please visit our Credentials Frequently Asked Questions page or contact Membership Services with questions.