Pursuit of the certified designation is an investment that motivated financial aid professionals should make. NASFAA ensures that the certification is priced fairly and competitively among other professional certification programs. Ask for support from your supervisor using the customizable justification letter. Visit the Recognition & Benefits webpage for more perks of becoming certified.

The following information relates to the fees associated with certification:

• All fees are nonrefundable.
• The Exam Retake Fee applies to a candidate who does not pass the Knowledge Exam on the first attempt and wishes to retake the exam.
  • Candidates take the exam once within the same testing window.
  • One exam retake is allowed within the same exam eligibility period, which begins on the date the candidate’s most-recent application was approved.
• The Recertification Fee must be paid by certified individuals to renew the designation on or before the date their three-year certification period expires.
• The Inactive Status Fee is paid by a certified individual who is not yet ready to recertify and chooses to extend their certified status for up to one year. Inactive Status cannot be applied consecutively.
• The Reactivation Fee is paid by a certified individual on Inactive status who is ready to recertify, instead of the Recertification Fee. The Reactivation Fee must be paid within one year of going on Inactive Status.
• Candidates and certified individuals must reapply and take the knowledge exam again if:
  • The candidate does not pass the Knowledge Exam—and retake exam, if necessary—before their one-year exam eligibility period expires; or
  • The certified individual does not recertify or go on Inactive Status before their three-year certification designation period expires.
• Certified individuals concerned about recertifying or reactivating on time should contact [email protected] prior to expiration of their current status. As of July 1, 2026, a short extension may be possible.
• Fees are subject to change.

*Regional and state associations also may offer exam preparation in-person workshops' contact your association for more information about dates, locations, and costs. 

**FAACs that accumulate 100 or more Recertification Points (RPs) during their certification period qualify for a 40 percent discount on recertification. Entrance into the 100+ Club is officially conferred when you recertify. 

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