Certification News
Keep up-to-date on all Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program news here.
Recent Certification News
June 15, 2026 - Please join us in welcoming our newest NASFAA staff member, Natalie Wong, our community engagement manager. Most recently, Natalie was the senior assistant director of financial aid at Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She's also been heavily involved in RIASFAA and EASFAA, and served as the conference co-chair for EASFAA. Natalie is a first-generation college graduate and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Rhode Island before earning her master’s degree in strategic planning and innovation from Salve Regina University in Rhode Island. She currently lives in Rhode Island with her fiancé, Kyle, who is also from Rhode Island, and their dog, Archie.
June 11, 2026 - NASFAA is pleased to announce the election of Chico Dimas, FAAC® from the RMASFAA region as 2026-27 Chair-Elect of the CFAA Commission. Joining the Commission are Tayler Kreutter, FAAC® from the EASFAA region, Kim Wellman, FAAC® from the WASFAA region, and Lauren Greider, FAAC® as Commissioner-At-Large. Chad Olson, FAAC® from the MASFAA region will serve for an additional two years. Sincere thanks to Jessica Flogaites, FAAC®, Shawn Domingo, FAAC®, and Lee Bray, FAAC® as their terms end June 30, 2026. NASFAA appreciates all CFAA Commissioners for serving in this oversight role and representing the interests of the entire financial aid community.
June 5, 2026 - During June, current and future candidates may reserve a 1-on-1 Strategy Session with a Certification Team member. These sessions are designed to help you develop a plan tailored to your needs, explore potential exam preparation strategies, and build confidence as you approach exam day. Strategy Sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Reserve your Strategy Session today!
June 2, 2026 - Ready to earn the FAAC® designation? NASFAA’s CFAA Exam Preparation Workshops offer the most effective path to certification—with higher success rates than independent study and built-in support to boost your confidence. Registration includes complimentary access to the Exam Preparation Guide and knowledge exam, as well as a practice exam available only to workshop attendees. You can register now for one of NASFAA’s online workshops or look for an in-person workshop offered by your regional or state association. Apply online and then secure your spot at a future workshop today. Got questions? Contact us.
May 22, 2026 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities.
May 21, 2026 - NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Online Workshops offer motivated financial aid professionals an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the knowledge exam. Led by experienced financial aid administrators who are certified FAACs, this facilitated virtual experience includes weekly online sessions that provide a high-level review of the 12 content areas covered on the exam. Weekly meetings begin in July, learn more and be sure to reserve your seat by July 20.
May 7, 2026 - With the NASFAA 2026 National Conference just a couple of months away, Today’s News caught up with Patti Kohler, FAAC®, chair of the 2026 Conference Program Task Force, to discuss what attendees can expect and also provide a preview of the NASFAA 2026 Virtual Summit. Read on to learn more about the NASFAA 2026 National Conference and Virtual Summit.
May 8, 2026 - As of May 1, 2026, NASFAA’s professional credential tests and the certification exam align with the 2026-27 rules and regulations. As an exception, the Direct Loans credential test remains offline until June 1, 2026, for updates. You will be presented with the version that is active on the date you take the test or exam, regardless of when you purchased it, so be sure to prepare accordingly. If you have any questions, contact [email protected].
April 30, 2026 - Are you ready to level-up your career? The Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program offers financial aid professionals the opportunity to validate their knowledge and experience by earning the FAAC® designation. Get started with the newly updated Candidate Handbook—your go-to resource for understanding the program, exploring exam content, and identifying preparation tools. Have questions or need a strategy? Contact us at [email protected].
April 24, 2026 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities. Inspired to become an FAAC®? The next testing window opens on the 1st, with more to follow. Check your eligibility today using our free interactive eligibility tool. Your path to certification begins now.
April 23, 2026 - NASFAA’s credential tests will be offline for maintenance from April 27 - 30, 2026. By May 1, NASFAA’s professional credential tests and the certification exam will reflect the legislative and regulatory requirements for the 2026-27 award year. You will be presented with the version that is active on the date you take the test or exam, regardless of when you purchased it, so be sure to prepare accordingly. If you have any questions, contact the certification program staff.
April 21, 2026 - Are you watching session recordings from the 2026 FSA Training Conference (FSATC)? This free event is a great opportunity for FAACs to earn up to 10 recertification points (RPs) while keeping up to date on changes to regulatory requirements. Points are approved at 1 RP per recorded session. Simply save screenshots of your progress and submit your viewed sessions via Certification Dashboard under the "FSA Training Conference" category. Need help creating a recertification strategy? Feel free to contact us. Not certified yet? Explore your eligibility using our free interactive tool and apply online today.
April 17, 2026 - During April, current and future candidates may reserve a 1-on-1 Strategy Session with a Certification Team member. These sessions are designed to help you develop a plan tailored to your needs, explore potential exam preparation strategies, and build confidence as you approach exam day. Strategy Sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Reserve your Strategy Session today!
April 14, 2026 - NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Online Workshops offer motivated financial aid professionals an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the knowledge exam. Led by experienced financial aid administrators who are certified FAACs, this facilitated virtual experience includes weekly online sessions that provide a high-level review of the 12 content areas covered on the exam. Weekly meetings begin in May, learn more and be sure to reserve your seat by May 11.
April 8, 2026 - The 2026-27 Certification Exam Preparation Guide is now available for candidates preparing to take the certification exam, which will transition to reflect 2026-27 rules and regulations as of May 1, 2026. Based on recommendations from experienced workshop facilitators and subject matter expert volunteers, the guide includes updated information and new resources. Financial aid competencies are identified and changes related to the January 5, 2025 Final Rule and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 are highlighted. The Guide is included with workshop registration or can be purchased separately for independent study.
April 7, 2026 - NASFAA’s credential tests will be offline for maintenance from April 27 - 30, 2026. By May 1, NASFAA’s professional credential tests and the certification exam will reflect the legislative and regulatory requirements for the 2026-27 award year. You will be presented with the version that is active on the date you take the test or exam, regardless of when you purchased it, so be sure to prepare accordingly. If you have any questions, contact the certification program staff.
April 1, 2026 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
March 24, 2026 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities. Inspired to become an FAAC®? The next testing window opens on the 1st, with more to follow. Check your eligibility today using our free interactive eligibility tool.
March 12, 2026 - NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Online Workshops offer motivated financial aid professionals an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the knowledge exam. Led by experienced financial aid administrators who are certified FAACs, this facilitated virtual experience includes weekly online sessions that provide a high-level review of the 12 content areas covered on the exam. Weekly meetings begin in May, learn more and be sure to reserve your seat by May 11.
March 2, 2026 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
February 24, 2026 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities.
February 18, 2026 - Join this webinar to hear from a panel of experienced financial aid professionals who will share expert advice and real-life examples for cultivating the skills and abilities of financial aid office staff. You'll also gain valuable insights into the recent efforts of several NASFAA Task Forces to define key financial aid competencies and promote career path awareness within the profession.
Publication Date: 6/15/2026
