NASFAA U Certificates

NASFAA U Online Course LogoNASFAA 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:

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. 

 

Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program 

Professional Credentials

NASFAA U Certificates

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.

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.

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.  

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.

 

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