The Student Affairs Educator Certification (CSAEd) validates the knowledge of professionals, informs intentional professional development, offers a formal type of recognition, and supports career advancement. The core certification exam covers the following domains:

  • Foundations of the Profession
  • Student Learning, Development and Success
  • Assessment & Evaluation
  • Social Justice & Inclusion
  • Leadership
  • Talent Management
  • Crisis & Risk Management
  • Financial & Facility Management

Eligible professionals can register for and take the certification exam in one of four quarterly exam windows. NASPA provides a FREE, self-paced virtual preparation program that includes information about the eight (8) domains and test preparation.

In addition to the CSAEd, there are six (6) additional specialty certifications that can be obtained in conjunction with the core certification.  

  • Eligibility for the CSAEd and all specialty certifications is either: a Masters’ degree + three (3) years full-time experience OR a Bachelor’s degree/Associate’s degree + four (4) years full-time experience.

Pilot Preparation Program

ACUHO-I, ACUI & NIRSA are excited to host a FREE preparation program for the following specialty certifications: CHRL (Campus Housing and Residential Life), CU (College Unions) and CR (Campus Recreation). We are doing this in-person, multi-day preparation program as a pilot. The three associations have offered various preparation programs but feel that having an in-person cohort would provide synergy and support for success and could be replicated on additional campuses.

The program will take place June 2-4, 2025 in The Ohio Union. A detailed agenda will be available closer to the program, but the hours will be daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (with a lunch break included).

Next Steps

  • Register here for ACUI/NIRSA/ACUHO-I Prep Program to be held June 2–4, 2025.
  • Once registered, the participants should review the Student Affairs Educator Certification Candidate Handbook and attend or view a Virtual Q & A session. The date and time will be announced, and a video recording will be available.
  • Register for the NASPA Certification Exam Prep Self-Study (strongly suggested). All participants must create a NASPA account (free) to register for the program. There is no charge for members of NASPA and partner associations.
  • Register to take the Core exam and Specialty exam in the spring or summer cycle (could be one in each). The window to register is prior to the window to take the exam.
    • Spring Cycle: Application window between April 1 – May 16, 2025; Exam window between May 19 – June 30, 2025
    • Summer Cycle: Application window between July 1 – August 15, 2025; Exam window between August 18 – September 30, 2025
Register here

Questions? Contact Lynda Wiley at lwiley@acuho-i.org.