Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Open House

Summary

The video script is a detailed presentation about the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential, administered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. It introduces the CNP program's value, requirements, and two professional tracks, highlighting the benefits for working professionals in the nonprofit sector. The script also discusses the importance of continuous education, networking, and resources available through CNP Central, emphasizing the program's accessibility and support for career development in the nonprofit industry.

Takeaways

• 📅 The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential is administered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
• 🔑 The CNP is a nationally recognized leadership and management credential in the nonprofit sector, with no continuing education requirements or annual renewal fees.
• 🎓 There are two tracks for professionals to earn the CNP: the Professional Track and the Accelerated Professional Track, each with different experience requirements and program lengths.
• 💼 The Professional Track is a six-month cohort-based program with courses, applied projects, and opportunities for networking and feedback from a facilitator.
• 🚀 The Accelerated Professional Track is a faster, three-month self-study program with a 100-question exam, suitable for professionals with more experience.
• 🏆 The CNP is built on 10 core competencies, including nonprofit leadership, management, fundraising, and more, which are peer-reviewed and validated regularly.
• 🌐 The credential is awarded as an online digital badge that can be showcased on professional profiles like LinkedIn, potentially increasing leadership opportunities.
• 🤝 The Alliance offers networking events, mentorship programs, and continuing education opportunities for CNP holders through the Association of CNPs.
• 📈 Research indicates that CNP credential holders are seven times more likely to rise to leadership positions and stay longer in the nonprofit sector.
• 📚 The CNP program includes access to resources like CNP Central, which provides a job board, discussion forums, and professional development tools.
• 💰 The cost for the Professional Track is $1,800, with a payment plan option available, and $875 for the Accelerated Professional Track, with scholarships and financial support options discussed.

Q & A

What is the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential?

The CNP credential is a nationally recognized leadership and management credential in the nonprofit sector, administered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. It is a durable credential with no continuing education requirements or annual renewal fees.

What is the value of the CNP for professionals in the nonprofit sector?

The CNP credential provides a broad-based understanding of the nonprofit sector, covering competencies such as leadership, management, programming, budgeting, fundraising, and marketing. It can help professionals advance their careers and is associated with a higher likelihood of rising to leadership positions.

How does the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance support CNP credential holders post-certification?

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance offers various resources and opportunities for CNP credential holders, including access to CNP Central, a platform for networking, job boards, and professional development events. They also host monthly webinars and provide access to mentorship programs and continuing education opportunities.

What are the two professional tracks available for earning the CNP credential?

There are two professional tracks for earning the CNP credential: the standard professional track, which is a six-month cohort-based program, and the accelerated professional track, which allows for self-paced study and a 100-question exam within a three-month period.

What is the structure of the professional track program for the CNP credential?

The professional track program is a six-month cohort-based program that covers six different courses, one per month. Each course ends with an applied project and an exam, with opportunities for discussion and feedback from a professional facilitator.

What is an applied project in the context of the CNP professional track program?

An applied project is a component of the CNP professional track program where learners apply the concepts and knowledge from each course to a real-world nonprofit organization of their choice, demonstrating their understanding and ability to implement the learned material practically.

What are the requirements to enroll in the CNP professional track program?

To enroll in the CNP professional track program, learners need to have at least one year of professional nonprofit experience, although this can be satisfied through various forms of relevant experience. Other requirements include completing six months of coursework, attending a national conference, completing 20 hours of volunteer work, and meeting education requirements, which can be demonstrated through a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

How is the CNP credential earned through the accelerated professional track different from the standard professional track?

The accelerated professional track is a self-paced, three-month program that provides access to a condensed study guide covering the same competencies as the standard track. Learners can sit for a 100-question exam at their convenience within the three-month period, and there is no professional facilitator involved in this track.

What is Elevate, and how does it relate to the CNP credential requirements?

Elevate is an annual national conference hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Attendance at Elevate or another national nonprofit conference is one of the requirements for both the CNP professional track and accelerated professional track, as part of the leadership development component.

Are there any financial assistance options available for the CNP program?

Yes, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance offers scholarships for the CNP program, as well as payment plans that allow learners to spread out the cost of the program over several months.

How can international nonprofit professionals benefit from the CNP credential?

International nonprofit professionals can benefit from the CNP credential by gaining a deeper understanding of the U.S. nonprofit sector, which can be valuable for working with U.S.-based funding opportunities or collaborating with U.S. nonprofits. The credential can also enhance their leadership and management skills applicable in an international context.