Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Credential
for Nonprofit Professionals
The following describes how the CNP can be obtained for nonprofit professionals who have their
bachelor’s degree and are not necessarily seeking another degree. The program is designed to help
professionals meet and develop skills within the NLA’s Ten Core Nonprofit Competencies. Developed
and endorsed by our National Nonprofit Partners, the competencies outline the knowledge, skills, and
abilities needed to work and build a successful career in nonprofit organizations.
The CNP program for professionals was developed by the national Nonprofit Leadership Alliance office
in collaboration with Eastern Michigan University’s NLA office.
Requirements:
1. Register on the national Nonprofit Leadership Alliance website
2. Earn a Bachelor’s degree in any field of study
3. Complete at least four online workshops offered through EMU’s Professional Programming
Nonprofit Leadership Excellence Series
Online workshops are available in several of the competency areas, with more to be added as
the program develops. Nonprofit professionals seeking the CNP must complete at least four of
the online workshops but are encouraged to take more. Those looking to transition to the
nonprofit sector and who have little to no nonprofit administrative experience will be required
to take at least eight of the online workshops. The workshops cost $149 each or $99 each if you
register for four or more at once.
4. Demonstrate appropriate nonprofit administrative work experience and leadership activities
Professional candidates for the CNP should have at 1-3 years of nonprofit administrative
experience and evidence of leadership in the sector. Those looking to transition to the nonprofit
sector and who have little to no nonprofit administrative experience will work with the EMU
Campus Director for an internship placement into a nonprofit organization.
Leadership activities include but are not limited to the following:
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Demonstrated current or past leadership within a nonprofit organization (this could include
things such as holding a supervisory or leadership title, chairing a committee, nonprofit
board membership, planning an event, leading a project, etc.).
Activities through EMU’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program, for example, mentoring
NLA undergraduate and graduate students, presenting at EMU’s Nonprofit Leadership
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Development Conference, and serving as a guest speaker at NLA Student Association
meetings.
Other activities approved by the NLA Campus Director.
5. Personal and professional development
Professional candidates for the CNP should be able to demonstrate efforts in networking
communication and ongoing professional development. Activities include but are not limited to
the following:
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Participating in local professional associations (Ex. Serving as a member of and participating
in activities/workshops/work groups offered by organizations such as the Michigan
Nonprofit Association, NEW Center, Chamber of Commerce, or any nonprofit collaborative).
Attendance within the past three years at a local, regional, or national nonprofit-related
conference.
Other activities approved by the NLA Campus Director.
6. Pass a comprehensive exam
Once the online workshops are completed and appropriate nonprofit experience, leadership
activities, and professional development has been approved, the final requirement is to
complete the competency exam with an 80% or better passing grade. The exam will test your
knowledge in all ten of the NLA competencies. Exam fee: $50
Contact EMU’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance for more information about your path to the Certified
Nonprofit Professional credential.
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance
Eastern Michigan University
332-332A King Hall
734.487.1612
www.emich.edu/nonprofit
nonprofit@emich.edu
Revised: September 2015