NASFAA U Certificates
NASFAA U Certificates are a professional development opportunity designed to take you beyond the regulatory nature of NASFAA's Professional Credentials and the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program. NASFAA U Certificates are aimed at expanding managerial, leadership, and other competencies associated with financial aid administration and related student services professions that rely on student financial aid.
To earn a certificate, you must complete the required components of the associated NASFAA U online course and achieve a passing score. Unlike Professional Credentials, there is no additional testing beyond the course itself because the assessment occurs directly in the course.
NASFAA U Certificates do not expire, and do not require candidates to meet continuing education requirements. However, it is possible to renew a certificate to support professional development needs. These certificates will also qualify for CFAA Recertification Points (RPs).
Certificate course currently offered:
- Fundamentals of Student Financial Aid - January 2025
Starts: January 7, 2025 - Fundamentals of Student Financial Aid - July 2025
Starts: July 8, 2025
The chart below explains the differences between NASFAA's different professional development opportunities: NASFAA Professional Credentials, NASFAA U Certificates, and the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program.
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Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program |
Professional Credentials |
NASFAA U Certificates |
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Focus |
The Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam assesses the broader knowledge required of a financial aid administrator across multiple subject areas. |
Professional Credentials are a deep dive into regulatory areas associated with the administration of Title IV Aid. |
NASFAA U Certificates are professional development opportunities aimed at expanding managerial, leadership, and other competencies associated with financial aid administration and related student services professions that rely on student financial aid. |
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Pathways |
The CFAA Program application verifies you meet the eligibility criteria — that is, the education, experience, and commitment to ethical behavior — necessary to qualify to take the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. |
Any of four possible pathways help you gain access to a specific credential test: (1) Complete independent study of the topic using a Self-Study Guide; (2) Successfully complete the instructor-led NASFAA U Online Course for the topic; (3) Demonstrate five or more years of well-rounded professional experience; or (4) Attend a NASFAA Authorized Event that uses the approved NASFAA curriculum for the credential topic. |
Open. There are no prerequisites to take the instructor-led online courses associated with NASFAA U Certificates. |
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Assessment |
To become certified, you must qualify for and pass the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. |
To earn a credential, you must pass the corresponding credential test. |
To earn a certificate, you must successfully complete and pass the online course for the certificate offered. |
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Continuing Education Requirement |
Certified individuals must recertify every three years, which requires accumulating recertification points by completing various professional development activities. |
None. If you choose, you may renew any of your Professional Credentials to demonstrate continued competency despite regulatory changes over time. |
None. If you choose, you may renew any of your NASFAA U Certificates to support your ongoing professional development needs. |
