Get Ready to Change the World

Certified Nonprofit Professional

The CNP credential is the only nationally recognized credential in nonprofit management that provides learning and real world experience. Our program means you will perform better in your job and be seven times (7x) more likely to be a leader where you work.

Why get a credential?

The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance knows the skills that hiring managers want to find. The CNP credential on your resume quickly signals employers you’ve got what it takes to be a leader at their organization. When you connect-the-dots between your experience and what you know from studying our 10 core competencies, you are prepared to rise to leadership faster and earn more throughout your career.

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential Logo: The only nationally recognized credential in nonprofit management

Become a CNP

.

Answer A Few Questions To Find The Right Track.

CNP Program Selection Workflow (CNP Sorting Hat) V2
How much experience do you have in the nonprofit sector?

Our Collegiate Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Collegiate track.

Our Professional Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s workforce track.

Our Professional Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s workforce track.

Our Accelerated Professional Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Advanced track.

Have you completed any college courses?
Are you currently enrolled in a college program?

Our Collegiate Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Collegiate workforce track.

Our Service Organization Track may be the right one for you.

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Student Organization track.

Our Campus Partnership Track may be the right one for you.

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Student Organization track.

Our Collegiate Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Collegiate track.

Our Collegiate Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Collegiate track.

Do you have 2 or more years of military experience?
Please reach out to our CNP Programs Manager, Ariel to find the best solution for you. Email Ariel at  cnpcredential@nla1.org.
Do you have a high school diploma or GED certificate?
 

The CNP credential requires a minimum of a high school diploma or GED with five years professional experience.

Check out our Leaderosity catalog of nonprofit courses for more training offerings from NLA.
Learn more about our leadership tracks.

Do you have 5 or more years of professional experience at a nonprofit organization?
Please reach out to our CNP Programs Manager, Ariel to find the best solution for you. Email Ariel at  cnpcredential@nla1.org.

Our Professional Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s workforce track.

Have you completed a Bachelor’s Degree or higher?

Our Collegiate Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Collegiate track.

Our Professional Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s workforce track.

Our Accelerated Professional Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Advanced track.

We have several CNP tracks that may be right for you! Please contact us to talk to someone to guide you through. Email Ariel at cnpcredential@nla1.org.

Our Professional Track may be the right one for you!

Click here to learn more.
Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Collegiate track.

Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s workforce track.

Professional Track

The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Professional Track is a six-month facilitator-led program that will elevate your skills and equip you with the tools needed to be a successful social impact leader.

Certified nonprofit professional (CNP) Advanced Track

Accelerated Professional Track

For professionals with significant experience in the nonprofit sector, our Accelerated Professional Track values your on the job learning and provides a shorter path to earning the CNP.

Bundle the CNP and Advanced CNP credential

Bundle your CNP & Advanced CNP

Perfect for nonprofit professionals with significant experience looking to earn both the nationally recognized Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) and Advanced Certified Nonprofit Professional (ACNP) in an expedited manner.

Certified nonprofit professional (CNP) collegiate track

Collegiate Track

We offer students on any campus a path to earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential.

Certified nonprofit professional (CNP) Campus Partnership Track

Campus Partner Track

Students can earn the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential while completing a degree at one of our affiliated campuses.

Earn your nonprofit leadership certificate through Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s student service organization track.

Service Organization Track

Are you an Alpha Phi Omega or AmeriCorps NCCC service organization member or alumni driven to do good in the world? Earn the CNP credential and be prepared to change the world!

CNP Competencies and Learning Topics

Since 1948, the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance has focused its certification on the competencies required for the success of nonprofit managers and leaders. While the list has evolved over the years, competencies remain at the center of the knowledge, skills, and abilities recognized by the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) credential. Test your knowledge by taking the CNP Sample Quiz.

What does it take to earn a CNP?

When you earn your CNP, you will be part of a global network of professionals leading teams that make our world better. Every person who wears a CNP badge meets five requirements. Hover over each icon to learn more.

volunteer service

Volunteer Service

professional experience

Professional Experience

nonprofit knowledge skills

Nonprofit Knowledge and Skills

leadership development

Leadership Development

general learning

Education

Meet with a NLA Staff Member!

Have some questions? Schedule a 1:1 with NLA Staff!


Questions?

How can we help you?

Submit your question to Ariel, our CNP Programs Manager.