Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Professional Track Frequently Asked Questions:
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance administers the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. It is the only national credential that combines critical skills and knowledge, practical experience, and a national perspective in the nonprofit sector. Both experts in nonprofit studies and nonprofit practitioners joined forces to create the CNP Program. There are nearly 11,600 CNPs in the US and across the world. This means that CNPs are the largest network in the country working to strengthen the social sector.
You’ll gain the skills and tools to accelerate your career, set yourself apart from the competition, and be an asset at any organization. The CNP Credential Program is a completely virtual leadership program created for emerging leaders working in the nonprofit sector. In only six months, you will be joining an elite network of social-impact leaders.
In the upcoming year, we’ll host four programs. You will gain access to the program materials on the start dates:
- January 23, 2023 – July 28, 2023
- April 24, 2023 – October 6, 2023
- June 5, 2023 – December 8, 2023
- September start date for 2023 TBD
The program takes 3-5 hours per week; it could take less or more time, based on your familiarity with the content. The format is very flexible and allows you to fast-track through areas where you have greater knowledge or experience.
No. You may log in to learn, submit assignments, and take exams when your schedule allows. The materials are on-demand so you can learn when you are available. We have a wonderful program facilitator that will prompt you during the program. They guide you as you work through the content. They also review and provide feedback on your assignments. There are 4 – 5 live sessions hosted throughout the 6-month cohort. Attendance is highly encouraged, but not required. All live sessions are recorded so you can refer to it later.
No, this is like getting a degree or certificate, so it is not something you need to renew once you receive the credential. That said, we do encourage you to continue learning and growing!
The prerequisites for the 6-month program are:
- A bachelor’s degree.
- At least one year of professional experience (e.g., employment at a nonprofit or an internship).
- Attend Elevate, the virtual conference hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (the registration for this event is included in your initial enrollment fee).
- A 20-hour volunteer service activity such as board service or a long-term volunteer position
Please note, the Elevate attendance and volunteer service activity can be completed during your time in the program.
Yes, experience in the nonprofit sector can substitute the degree requirement. Please reach out the Ariel Kaylor (ariel@nla1.org), our CNP Programs Manager, to discuss.
Submit your prerequisite information and complete the coursework.
We offer the 6-month program quarterly.
- January 23, 2023 – July 28, 2023
- April 24, 2023 – October 6, 2023
- June 5, 2023 – December 8, 2023
- September start date for 2023 TBD
The program is 6 months long with self-paced courses and deadlines to keep you on track. This program would require 3-5 hours a week so you can make this work around your schedule and learn when you are available.
The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance partners with some of the country’s largest and most well-respected national nonprofit organizations working to create social impact, our Nonprofit Workforce Partners. The Alliance is a pipeline, connecting those social-impact organizations with our 2,000 students and 11,000+ Certified Nonprofit Professionals (CNPs). Many of our partners include a preference for CNPs in their application processes.
The total program cost is $1,700. We offer a monthly payment plan that brings the cost to $340/month for five months. Please reach out to Ariel Kaylor (ariel@nla1.org) for assistance with the payment plan.
The fee includes all course materials and resources. It also covers all fees associated with the credential, and one registration to the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s annual virtual conference, Elevate ($125 value).
Yes, we have a limited number of scholarships available for cohorts. Please contact Ariel Kaylor at ariel@nla1.org for more information on scholarship opportunities.