Student Affairs Educator Certification

The Certified Student Affairs Educator (CSAEd™) is the core certification credential and intended for mid-level educators and above. The CSAEd™ designation signifies continuous learning, knowledge, and competency in the certification domain areas of foundations of the profession; student learning, development, and success; assessment and evaluation; social justice and inclusion; leadership; talent management; crisis and risk management; and financial and facility management.

This credential is for eligible student affairs educators regardless of functional area or institution type. The CSAEd™ credential is a foundation and required prerequisite for all specialty area credentials. The CSAEd's™ development was led by NASPA in partnership with Certification Consortium member association subject matter experts.

Eligibility Requirements
 

• Educators with a master’s degree and five years of student affairs/services work experience; educators whose highest degree earned is a bachelor's or an associate's and seven years of student affairs/services work experience.
• Eligibility requirements are the same for both core and speciality student affairs educator certifications. The core certification is a prerequisite for all specialties. 
• Click here for detailed eligibility requirements.

Maintaining Certification and Recertification

Certification includes demonstrating competencies and knowledge in established domains, as well as dedication to ongoing learning. Student affairs work is complex and regularly changing. Certified student affairs educators are expected to engage in continuing education about new and emerging trends in the profession. Recertification occurs every five years. It involves demonstrating the minimal amount of continuing education credits and ethical practice. Full details on certification maintenance and recertification are available here.