How to Apply
Applying for Certification
Becoming a Certified Student Affairs Educator is an exciting career milestone! This page offers several resources to help you get started in your certification application journey. Click the tabs below to explore information on getting started, virtual info sessions, application steps, scholarships and exam prep, required documentation, and application/exam cycles. Visit the Candidate Handbook as the definitive source for information on earning and maintaining certification!
Getting Started - Certification Pathways
Learn about the different pathways to certification and determine the best fit for you. Visit this section for more details.
Virtual Info Sessions
Join an upcoming live session to learn about certification's value, components, and exam preparation. Details and registration links are available for upcoming sessions here.
Applying for Certification
Follow our step-by-step guide for completing your certification application. Start the process here.
Scholarships & Exam Prep
Explore multiple access scholarships and exam preparation resources. Details are available here.
Documentation Required
Ensure you have all necessary documents ready. See the full list here.
Application and Exam Cycles
Review upcoming application and exam dates here.
Getting Started - Certification Pathways
"What does it take to earn certification?" is a very common question! The Certification Pathways Simple Guide and corresponding infographic offer an easy, step-by-step process for you to determine the preparation approach that works best for you. Click the image below to access the Guide.
Use the following infographic to follow the steps for the corresponding application and exam cycle. The are four cycles every year with four chances to apply and take an exam.
Virtual Info Sessions
The Consortium offers virtual information sessions timed with upcoming application and email cycles. Subscribe to our email list to get the latest updates on future information and exam preparation sessions.
Applying for Certification
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are required to complete and submit the online application within the Consortium’s certification management system, Prolydian. If approved, they will be able to schedule an exam for the certification(s) for which they applied.
Applicants will need to first create a profile in the Prolydian system. All elements of the application and certification maintenance will be maintained in the Prolydian system. Applicants with a documented disability who request assistance in completing the application should contact the Consortium at applications@studentaffairscertification.org.
Applicant Checklist:
The Consortium has created the following Applicant Checklist document to assist individuals with preparing to complete their online application in Prolydian. Applicants are welcome to use this checklist as a resource in gathering eligibility materials for their online application.
Application Documentation Required
Applicants will need to be prepared to submit the following supporting documentation at the time of their application. The Consortium recognizes that obtaining such documentation may be difficult or detrimental for individuals to acquire. Should you have a question or concern about the application documentation, please contact applications@studentaffairscertification.org to have a confidential conversation with a member of our staff.
- Verification of Qualifying Education: Applicants must submit official or unofficial transcripts from the degree-granting institutions in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format.
- Verification of Employment Experience: Applicants must provide contact information for an individual who can confirm employment for each employer listed. The Prolydian system will send an email form to these individuals for verification. It is highly recommended to notify them in advance.
- Identity Verification: Candidates must complete the application using their name exactly as it appears on a current approved government-issued or college/university-issued staff photo ID, which may include:
- Government-issued driver’s license
- College/university-issued staff photo ID
- Passport
- Non-US Military issued identification card
- Any Physical Government-Issued Identification Card (must include photo)
Review of Application and Notice of Status
Individuals will be notified of their application status within 30 business days of submitting a complete application. If approved, you will receive a verification email with instructions on how to register for your exam. If not approved, you will receive notification of next steps. If you have not received a confirmation email within 30 business days following online application submission, please contact applications@studentaffairscertification.org.
Application and Exam Cycles
The next application and exam cycle is planned for Fall 2025! Join our email list to be the first to learn when dates are announced, and get updates on scholarships, study resources and more.