Certification Process

Step 1:Complete a program application found on the web site labeled "Application" or contained in the Certification booklet and return it along with a non-refundable ten (10) dollar application fee to the NIAAA Certification Committee. Make your check payable to NIAAA. (For CAA applicants only: The NIAAA office must be in receipt of the application 30 days prior to the scheduled exam date.) Following processing of the application, you will receive a packet of additional information including a "Personal Data Form" (PDF). CAA applicants will also receive an examination study guide and sample exam questions.

Step 2: Complete the "Personal Data Form" (PDF) which provides a systemic method of documenting your educational background and professional experiences. The completed PDF is is then submitted with the requested documentation and the appropriate fee (listed below) to the NIAAA office.

Step 3: The certification committee will review your PDF and documentation to confirm attainment of the minimum number of required points/criteria. The committee will notify the Registered Athletic Administrator and the Certified Master Athletic Administrator candidate/applicant of their status. The PDF form for the CAA applicant must reach the NIAAA office 21 days prior to the CAA examination date. The CAA candidate/applicant will then be notified of their qualifying status to sit for the written examination along with specifics of the examination location, date and time. The CAA candidate's/applicant's final step is to correctly answer at least 75 of 100 multiple-choice questions covering a broad spectrum of topics relevant to secondary school athletic administration.

Step 4: Selection Process - The committee will award certification after a candidate has met all criteria for that level of certification. The committee will notify each candidate by letter of his or her individual status. Unsuccessful applicants for the CAA may retake the test without charge. Unsuccessful RAA, CAA and CMAA applicants may appeal the decision. Each appeal will be reviewed on its own merits. It should also be understood that an appeal does not guarantee a waiver of the prerequisites or a decision upholding the appeal.

USE of RAA, CAA and CMAA DESIGNATION

As a certified athletic administrator, an individual may use the designations of RAA, CAA or CMAA, whichever is applicable, on his or her business cards and all forms of correspondence. Certification is for individuals only. The certification is not to be used to imply that an association, school or school district is certified.

WHY BECOME CERTIFIED IN ATHLETIC ADMINISTRATION?

Certification "means different things to different people." For some, there is a narrow concern of additional requirements for a position that is already over-burdened. For others, certification may serve as a practical vehicle for attaining continuing education requirements or salary enhancements. The process of certification certainly has the potential to provide systematic, professional growth in a profession that has been characterized by various educational preparations.

The NIAAA Certification Program is intended as a service to athletic administratiors with various levels of experience and preparation. The athletic administrator may earn certification as a Registered Athletic Administrator (RAA), Certified Athletic Administrator (CAA) and/or Certified Master Athletic Administrator (CMAA). Inexperienced athletic administrators, master coaches and graduate students may choose to make themselves more marketable with the RAA designation. The more experienced athletic administrator will still be able to earn the designation of CAA as a result of involvement in the NIAAA Leadership Training Program as well as other professional growth opportunities and services. Finally, through additional leadership training coursework, education, experience, leadership and the development of school/community-based programs, an athletic administrator can attain the designation of CMAA.

The NIAAA certification program has received "full registration" from the National Certification Commission.

The NIAAA Certification Program is based on the premises of continuing education, professional growth and program development in the field of athletic administration. It recognizes and incorporates the benefits of the structured, professional development opportunities that are provided by the NIAAA Leadership Training Program. The attainment of professional certification demonstrates the completion of a comprehensive plan for self-improvement that will enhance the abilitiy of the athletic administrator to serve school, community and professional organizations. Professional certification will result in a genuine sense of accomplishment and confidence in self.

The implementation of three levels of NIAAA Certification affords every athletic administrator with a "blueprint" for achieving professional growth through a systematic, progressive process of developmental experiences.

You will need to print a copy of the application form to send along with your payment to the NIAAA to begin the certification process.