The Path to the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) Certification 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 Nonprofit Leadership Alliance’s (NLA) 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’s
(NLA) office in collaboration with the EMU’s NLA office.
Requirements:
1. An earned Bachelor’s degree in any field of study
2. Complete at least four online workshops offered through EMU’s Professional
Programming Nonprofit Leadership Excellence Series
(http://www.emich.edu/extended/training/nonprofitcourses.php)
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 4 of the online
workshops but are encouraged to take more. The workshops cost $149 each or $99
each if you register for four or more at once.
*Those looking to transition to the nonprofit sector and who have little to no nonprofit
administrative experience will be required to take at least 8 of the online workshops.
3. 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,
serving on a nonprofit board, 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 Development Conference, and being a guest speaker at student association
meetings.
Other activities approved by the campus executive director
4. 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 (for example, being a member of and
participating in activities/workshops/working groups offered by the organizations
such as 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 campus executive director
5. Pass 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 rate. 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 CNP.
Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Program
Eastern Michigan University
332A King Hall
734.487.1612
www.emich.edu/nonprofit
nonprofit@emich.edu
(revised May 2015)