Have questions about NASFAA Professional Credentials? Find answers to common questions below. If you don't see your question answered, contact the NASFAA Credentialing Team.  

• About Professional Credentials
• Choosing a Credential
• Preparing for a Credential Test
• Taking the Test
• Maintaining Your Credential
• Recognition & Benefits
• Comparing Professional Development Opportunities
• Getting Involved

About Professional Credentials

What are NASFAA Professional Credentials?

NASFAA Professional Credentials recognize financial aid professionals who demonstrate knowledge in specific areas of Title IV administration. Credentials allow professionals to showcase expertise in specialized topics while supporting continued growth and development.

Who can earn a NASFAA Professional Credential?

Professional Credentials are designed for financial aid professionals at all experience levels. Candidates may qualify to take a credential test by:

• Completing an independent study using a NASFAA Self-Study Guide;
• Successfully completing a NASFAA U Online Course;
• Attending a NASFAA Authorized Event; or
• Demonstrating five or more years of professional experience.

Choosing a Credential

Which credential topics are available?

NASFAA offers Professional Credentials in a variety of Title IV subject areas. Visit the credential topics section to explore available options. 

How do I know which credential is right for me?

Credential tests are organized into three parts that reflect a typical progression of knowledge and experience. Candidates may choose the topics that best align with their current role, responsibilities, and professional goals.

Preparing for a Credential Test

How should I prepare for a credential test?

Candidates should review available preparation resources, including Self-Study Guides, training materials, and Test Previews.

Are test previews available?

Yes. Free Test Previews are available for each credential topic and provide sample questions to help candidates become familiar with the format and content areas assessed.

Are credential tests open-book?

Candidates may reference materials during the test; however, the test must be completed independently. Additionally, relying heavily on outside resources may reduce the time available to complete the assessment. Each test includes a limited completion time of 90 minutes.

Candidates may not use AI tools, including generative AI platforms, chatbots, or automated answer-generating services, to generate or suggest answers.

For additional guidance, review NASFAA's Guidance on Study Resources and Use of AI. 

Taking the Test

What does a credential test include?

Credential tests include 45-55 multiple-choice questions, including scenario-based questions. Each test must be completed within the allotted testing time, typically 90 minutes. 

Some credential tests may include a small number of unscored trial questions that are being evaluated for future use.

These trial questions:

• Do not affect your score.
• Include additional testing time when applicable.
• Are not identified separately within the assessment.

How long do I have to complete my test?

Each credential test includes two attempts within a 40-day testing window beginning on the date of purchase or grant. 

If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from completing your test before it expires, please contact the NASFAA Credentialing Team before your testing window ends to discuss your situation. Extension requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.

If additional attempts are needed, candidates may purchase another testing opportunity.

Visit the Testing Policies & Support for details.

What happens after I complete my test?

Immediately after completing your credential test, you'll receive a pass/fail result. You'll also receive a Diagnostic Report that provides feedback on your performance in each content area.

If you earn a passing score, you'll be able to download your credential certificate through the credential testing center. Credential earners are also recognized with a digital badge, inclusion on the NASFAA Credential Earner Honor Roll, and, if you have a NASFAA Career Center candidate profile, your earned credentials will be displayed in your profile.

For more information about credential recognition and benefits, see How will I be recognized after earning a credential?

If you are not successful after both attempts, you may purchase an additional testing opportunity, which includes a new 40-day testing window and two additional attempts. Before retesting, we encourage you to take time to review your Diagnostic Report, revisit study materials, and strengthen your understanding of the subject area to improve your chances of success.

Maintaining Your Credential

Do NASFAA Professional Credentials expire?

No, NASFAA Professional Credentials do not expire; however, NASFAA recommends renewing credentials every three years—or more frequently if significant regulatory changes occur—to demonstrate continued knowledge of current requirements.

How do I renew a credential?

Credentialed professionals may renew a credential by successfully passing the current version of that credential test.

Recognition & Benefits

How will I be recognized after earning a credential?

Credential earners receive several benefits that allow them to showcase their professional achievement, including:

• A downloadable credential certificate available through the credential testing center.
• A digital badge that can be shared with professional networks, email signatures, and online profiles.
• Recognition on the NASFAA Credential Earner Honor Roll.
• Integration of earned credentials into your NASFAA Career Center profile, if you have created a candidate profile, helping employers recognize your expertise and accomplishments.

Comparing Professional Development Opportunities

What is the difference between NASFAA Professional Credentials, the CFAA^® Program, the Return of Title IV Funds Specialist designation, and NASFAA U Certificates?

NASFAA offers several professional development opportunities that support financial aid professionals at different stages of their careers. Each serves a distinct purpose:

These opportunities complement one another and are not mutually exclusive. Many financial aid professionals earn Professional Credentials to build expertise in individual topics, pursue the FAAC^® designation through the CFAA^® Program to demonstrate broad competency, earn the R2T4 Specialist designation to showcase advanced mastery in a specialized area, and complete NASFAA U Certificates to continue developing their professional skills.

What is the FAAC^® designation?

The FAAC^® (Financial Aid Administrator Certified) designation is awarded to individuals who successfully complete the CFAA^® Program and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of financial aid administration.

The FAAC^® designation recognizes broad professional competency across the financial aid profession, while NASFAA Professional Credentials recognize expertise in specific Title IV subject areas.

Learn more about getting certified. 

Getting Involved

How can I get involved with the Professional Credential Program?

Credential earners play an important role in keeping NASFAA Professional Credentials current and relevant.

Once you've earned a credential in a specific topic, you're eligible to volunteer in the ongoing maintenance of that credential test. Volunteer opportunities may include:

• Reviewing existing test questions for accuracy and relevance.
• Evaluating the difficulty and effectiveness of test items.
• Developing new test questions to reflect current regulations and best practices.

If you're interested in serving as a test development volunteer, please complete the Test Development Volunteer Interest Form.

You can also support the program by sharing your credentialing experience with colleagues. If you'd like to share your story with NASFAA, please contact [email protected].