Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program Frequently Asked Questions

NASFAA Staff has compiled these frequently asked questions regarding the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program. If you have any additional questions that are not answered below, please let us know.

What is the difference between the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program and the FAAC® designation?

The Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program is the certifying body of NASFAA, governed by the Commission. NASFAA created a thoroughly researched, community-based, accreditation-ready certification program. The entire program was designed with input from practitioners at colleges and universities from across the country. The FAAC® designation is awarded to individuals that have met the qualifying criteria and successfully passed the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. A certified FAA may use the FAAC® acronym to highlight their accomplishment and verify their credibility. 

To summarize, the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program is NASFAA's certification body, while the FAAC® designation refers to the individuals who have been certified. 

New designations may be added or developed in the future, such as a certification for Financial Aid Directors (FADC). More information will be made available in the future about any new designations.

What are the steps for applying to become certified?

  1. Review the Candidate Handbook to learn about the certification and review the eligibility requirements. 
  2. Check your eligibility using the Interactive Tool
  3. Update your resume, as it will be uploaded on the application.
  4. Apply online when you are ready.

Upon approval of your application, you will receive an email notification with a link to pay for the exam and schedule your exam session. You will have one year from the date your application was approved to take the exam

When and where will the certification knowledge exam be available?

The Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam will be available online through NASFAA's testing center. The exam will be proctored remotely, requiring candidates to meet basic technical requirements. Eligible candidates will be able to take the exam during established testing windows, which are the 1st-21st of each month. 

Review the Candidate Handbook or exam webpage for more detailed information.

Is travel required in order to become certified?

Travel is not required to become certified. You can apply online and the exam is administered online using remote proctors. You will not need to travel to a testing center, but you must check in advance to make sure your testing room meets the physical and technical requirements outlined in the Candidate Handbook and on the Technical Requirements Webpage. To maintain the certified designation, you can earn recertification points by attending conferences and training events, but there are many ways to earn points that do not require travel.

Is study material available for the certification knowledge exam?

Yes, to prepare for the exam, we recommend reviewing these Candidate Resources.

  1. Start your exam preparation journey by evaluating your existing Title IV knowledge using NASFAA's complimentary Self-Assessment Worksheet.
    • The worksheet includes a detailed outline of each of the twelve major content areas identified in the Exam Content Outline in the Candidate Handbook, along with the percentage range of the test devoted to each area in parentheses.
  2. Based on your self-assessment, focus your preparation on topics where you feel less confident or you've had minimal first-hand experience. Utilize NASFAA's Exam Preparation Guide for your review.  
    • The guide includes lessons which cover concepts directly relevant to the administration of Title IV aid, within the scope of the twelve major content areas — or "knowledge domains" — that guide the composition of the Exam Content Outline in the Candidate Handbook. Included are assessments to gauge both knowledge and application of principles.
  3. The Candidate Handbook includes a list of Core Resources that align with the Exam Content Outline. In addition to NASFAA resources, generally available resources provided by the US Department of Education will complement and enhance the knowledge you already possess, especially the FSA Handbook.

Note: Test candidates are expected to know all aspects of a Title IV subject, regardless of any temporary waivers of regulatory requirements announced by the U.S. Department of Education.

The best preparation is your on-the-job experience, as well as the training opportunities you take advantage of that are offered through state and regional associations, or the U.S. Department of Education, or NASFAA, for example. The exam is designed to assess knowledge after approximately 5 years of experience as a financial aid administrator. Someone can have fewer years of experience, but they will need to have earned NASFAA Professional Credentials to be eligible. 

You may choose to study on your own or you may decide to take a NASFAA U Online Course, review a NASFAA Self-Study Guide, or attend a training event at your state or region to gain a better understanding of one or more content areas. If you know other individuals in your area who are taking the test, you may want to form a study group.

How do regulatory changes affect NASFAA’s certification exam?

NASFAA continually reviews all exam questions and ensures the exam is updated by May 1 every year. We work with subject matter expert volunteers to revise or replace exam questions, which means it takes time to align exam questions with regulatory changes when they happen. In general, exam candidates should be familiar with all regulations and requirements in effect on the date the exam is taken (not the date purchased).   

How is the certification knowledge exam scored? 

Your exam score is based on your total number of correct answers. You should answer all items, as there is no penalty for incorrect responses.

The passing score for the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam is set with input from a panel of experts who represent the profession. These experts review each test question, evaluate the difficulty of the question, and make a judgment as to how a financial aid professional with foundational competence would perform on the question. These judgments are evaluated statistically using psychometric analysis to determine the appropriate passing score, which is then approved by the Commission. The passing score is not shared publicly. 

In general, approximately three out of four candidates pass the certification exam.

How are reasonable accommodations made?

The Commission will make reasonable efforts to accommodate eligible candidates who provide detailed documented evidence of their disability or need for reasonable accommodations for the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. You must complete the Certification Exam Accommodation Request Form to provide a written explanation of the requested accommodations specific to the certification exam. You must include detailed supporting medical documentation from a qualified medical professional for this specific purpose, detailing the needed accommodation given the format and nature of the exam. Requests must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to an exam testing window.

NASFAA and the Commission will endeavor to furnish the requested accommodations, provided that the request is made by the required deadline, and that the accommodation would not fundamentally alter the measurement of the skills or knowledge the examination is intended to test and would not result in an undue burden.

How much does it cost to become certified?

Program fees are outlined on the Program Fees webpage. Group discounts are not available.

What is the added value of being certified?

The FAAC® designation recognizes the integral role you play in an educational institution's overall success and provides credibility to help you get ahead. This certification offers a valuable benchmark to our community, providing the foundation for increased opportunity for career growth, validation of competencies essential to effective financial aid administration, and national recognition.

Explore the remarkable achievements of certified financial aid professionals and read the Certification Insider to see what current FAACs have to say about their experiences with the program.

How can I get my institution's support? 

Make sure your institution knows about the benefits of the FAAC® designation. Ask for support from your supervisor and/or leadership using this customizable justification letter. Support can be provided in many ways, including dedicated preparation time and financial assistance. 

Is there a public list of FAACs?

Yes, NASFAA publishes a public Registry of FAACs. Note that certified individuals may have declined to be included on the Registry.

What is the recertification process?

FAACs must complete a minimum of 60 Recertification Points (RPs), representing financial aid-related continuing education, qualifying leadership, instruction, authorship, advocacy, and other activities contributing to the profession to maintain their certification. Certified individuals who earn more than 100 RPs during their three-year eligibility period will receive a special recognition. RPs must be tracked using the Dashboard. Consider these recertification strategies, as there are many factors to consider to make the process work best for you. Review the Stay Certified webpage for more information. 

Can I earn Recertification Points (RPs) for activities for which I receive financial compensation?

No. To avoid any conflicts of interest, paid work does not qualify for RPs. Examples of activities that are excluded from RPs include adjunct positions for NASFAA U Online Courses, and Standards of Excellence Program Reviewers. To see a full list of activities that qualify for RPs, review the Recertification Point (RP) Activities webpage. 

What is the difference between NASFAA Professional Credentials, NASFAA's certification program, NASFAA U Specialist Designation, and NASFAA U Certificates?

NASFAA Professional Credentials, NASFAA certification, and NASFAA U Certificates are excellent professional development opportunities for financial aid administrators. These programs complement each other, while offering unique benefits.

NASFAA Professional Credentials cover specific areas of financial aid administration, such as verification and consumer information. These credentials are a great way to build a portfolio of demonstrated knowledge in specialized financial aid topics. NASFAA credentials do not expire, but they are renewable. Given the rapidly changing nature of this profession, continued training and renewal is strongly encouraged. Credentials serve as a starting place for new financial aid administrators, and also serve as great refreshers for more experienced professionals looking to strengthen their knowledge.

To earn a NASFAA Professional Credential, the candidate must successfully complete the corresponding credential test. Four pathways enable candidates to access the credential tests:

Those who earn a Professional Credential are added to the NASFAA Credential Earners Honor Roll. Credential renewals also are reflected on the Honor Roll.

NASFAA's certification in financial aid administration covers the wide range of skills and knowledge required to perform competently in Title IV financial aid administration at any type of college or university across the country. Compared to the NASFAA Professional Credential tests, which are specific to certain subject areas, the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam assesses the broader knowledge required of a financial aid administrator across multiple subject areas. Professional Credentials may serve as a pathway to the certification, as well as a means of maintaining the certified designation.

The certification program application verifies the candidate meets the criteria — that is, the education, experience, and commitment to ethical behavior — necessary to gain access to the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Once certified, FAACs must recertify every three years, a process that will require an accumulation of points earned by completing various professional development activities. Those who earn and maintain the certification are recognized by being listed on the FAAC® Registry.

NASFAA U Specialist Designation in the Return of Title IV Funds is reserved for those who can correctly apply the knowledge of the treatment of R2T4 concepts across a variety of challenging scenarios, each involving multiple facets to consider. This designation is very difficult to earn and represents an in-depth knowledge and understanding of R2T4 as a result of hard work and study. 

To earn the R2T4 Specialist designation, individuals must: 

  1. Complete the Return of Title IV Funds NASFAA U course* with a passing grade of at least 93%;
  2. Hold the NASFAA Credential in Return of Title IV Funds; and 
  3. Complete the Return of Title IV Funds NASFAA Specialist exam with a passing score.

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. This opportunity goes beyond the regulatory nature of NASFAA's Professional Credentials and the certification program. 

To earn a certificate, you must successfully complete the required components of the associated online course. Unlike Professional Credentials, there is no additional testing beyond the course itself because the assessment component occurs directly in the course.

NASFAA U Certificates do not expire, and do not require candidates to meet continuing education requirements. If you choose, you may renew a certificate to support your ongoing professional development needs. These certificates also qualify for Recertification Points (RPs). 

The chart below depicts the differences among these professional development opportunities.

  Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program NASFAA U Specialist Designation 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. The NASFAA U Specialist designation is reserved for those who can correctly apply the knowledge of the treatment of Title IV aid concepts across a variety of challenging scenarios, each involving multiple facets to consider. 

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.

To earn the Specialist designation, individuals must: 

(1) Complete the corresponding online course with a passing grade of at least 93%; (2) Hold the corresponding NASFAA Credential; and (3) Complete the scenario-based Specialist exam with a passing score.

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 the Specialist designation, you must qualify for and pass the corresponding scenario-based test. 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 Specialist designations to demonstrate continued competency despite regulatory changes over time.

(12 RPs/Designation)

None. If you choose, you may renew any of your Professional Credentials to demonstrate continued competency despite regulatory changes over time.

(10 RPs/Credential)

None. If you choose, you may renew any of your NASFAA U Certificates to support your ongoing professional development needs.

(8 RPs/Course)

 

How can our state or regional association help financial aid administrators prepare for and earn the FAAC® designation?

State and regional associations will play a significant role by continuing to help their members learn about Title IV aid and their responsibilities as financial aid administrators. Training events, such as conferences and webinars, help certification candidates build the knowledge they need to be successful. Associations also may offer events, such as webinars, workshops, or study groups to help candidates prepare for the knowledge exam. 

Associations and individual candidates should utilize the Candidate Handbook. In the handbook, you will find a list of reference materials in the Core Resources section. You also will find the Exam Content Outline describing the foundational knowledge that your peers determined a financial aid administrator with approximately five years of experience can reasonably be expected to know. The handbook is the main resource for candidates and for those who are supporting them in their pursuit of the certified designation.

In addition, NASFAA's Exam Preparation Guide may be used in conjunction with the Candidate Handbook and other generally available resources, including regulatory guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Education. This guide is not required to prepare for or to pass the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Candidates may choose to use this guide as part of a group or personal study plan, based on individual needs and knowledge.

State and regional associations will also be especially helpful during the three-year recertification period, which will require certified individuals to earn points through ongoing participation in various professional development and leadership activities. These activities include, but are not limited to, attendance at Title IV aid-related conferences, instruction or participation at an institute or Authorized Event workshop, and elected leadership experience at the state and regional level.

Your association can support your members who are interested in becoming certified in several crucially important ways: by continuing to provide excellent Title IV aid-related training, by welcoming and mentoring new members to the profession, and by helping to build awareness of this new opportunity for financial aid professionals to earn the recognition they deserve.

Is the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program accredited?

Yes, NASFAA's Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program meets the qualifications of the Credentialing Quality Standards (CQS) of accreditation, both in operations and psychometrics. This accreditation addresses the quality and defensibility of certification programs. The successful outcome of this accreditation process is a testimony to the work and dedication of the financial aid community that contributed to the development and maintenance of this program.

How can I contribute to NASFAA's CFAA Program? 

Once you are certified, there are many ways you can participate. FAACs are eligible to serve as volunteers contributing to various stages of the certification process ranging from item writing and review, development of preparation materials, to serving on the CFAA Program Commission. Volunteers may also be eligible for RPs. Complete this form if you are interested in volunteering.

You can also support the program by sharing with your colleagues why you became certified. NASFAA would be happy to feature any FAAC interested in sharing their certification experience -- you can nominate yourself or someone else by reaching out to [email protected].

Publication Date: 12/21/2023

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