NAPO Specialist Certificate Program vs. The CPO^® (Certified Professional Organizer) Credential

NAPO Specialist Certificates are for NAPO members who are seeking to set themselves apart in one or more specialties. NAPO Specialist Certificates do not expire and do not require Continuing Education Units hours for renewal.

The CPO (Certified Professional Organizer) credential is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and identify professional organizers who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of professional organizing. In order to earn the CPO designation, an individual must have at least 1,000 hours of paid transfer-of-knowledge organizing work experience within the five years prior to applying for and passing a challenging certification examination. To maintain certification, CPOs must recertify every three years by obtaining a minimum of 45 qualifying CEUs or re-taking the exam. An organizer does not need to be a member of NAPO to become a CPO or to maintain certification.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Once you have completed the courses for a NAPO Specialist Certificate, you hold a certificate but you are not “certified” and may not describe yourself as such.

NAPO Specialist Certificate FAQs for NAPO Members

Can I count the classes I've attended live at past conferences?
Can I use the Conference recordings that my chapter purchased? 
Can I download a class and watch it later?
Can I use a course for both CPO credit and a NAPO Specialist Certificate?
Will the certificate require reapplying periodically?
How do I receive my NAPO Specialist Certificate?
What are the advantages of the E-Learning Advantage Bundle?

Yes, if you've attended a session within the last two years at a NAPO Conference that is now offered as a class towards a NAPO Specialist Certificate, and you have your certificate of attendance for that particular session.

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All classes have to be taken and documented through NAPO University. If your chapter purchased the Conference recordings and one of those classes is now offered as a class towards a NAPO Specialist Certificate, you would be able to listen to it through NAPO University.

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Can I download a class and watch it later?

No, you cannot download a NAPO University class to watch or listen to at a later time. In order to receive credit for the class and maintain our intellectual property policies, classes will retain their streaming format and will not be available for download.

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Yes, you may use courses for the NAPO Specialist Certificate and for CPO credit hours (as long as they are eligible according to the BCPO Handbook).

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No, it will not. When you earn a NAPO Specialist Certificate it does not require any upkeep or renewal.

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How do I receive my NAPO Specialist Certificate?
After completing the coursework in NAPO University, you will unlock your digital certificate which can be downloaded, as well as access to a digital badge which can be added to your website, email signature, etc.

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