Certification News
Keep up-to-date on all Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program news here.
Recent Certification News
February 24, 2026 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities.
February 18, 2026 - Join this webinar to hear from a panel of experienced financial aid professionals who will share expert advice and real-life examples for cultivating the skills and abilities of financial aid office staff. You'll also gain valuable insights into the recent efforts of several NASFAA Task Forces to define key financial aid competencies and promote career path awareness within the profession.
January 28, 2026 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities.
January 20, 2026 - NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Online Workshops offer motivated financial aid professionals an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the knowledge exam. Led by experienced financial aid administrators who are certified FAACs, this facilitated virtual experience includes weekly online sessions that provide a high-level review of the 12 content areas covered on the exam. Learn more and be sure to reserve your seat by February 16.
January 15, 2026 - There are still seats available during the current testing window, which remains open through the 21st of this month. Be sure to schedule your exam session soon to secure the time that works best for you. FAAC® candidates preparing to take the certification exam can use these candidate resources. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online today. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements.
Janaury 5, 2026 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
December 23, 2025 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities. Inspired to become an FAAC®? The next testing window opens on the 1st, with more to follow. Check your eligibility today using our free interactive eligibility tool. Your path to certification begins now.
December 22, 2025 - Curious about the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program and how it differs from NASFAA’s professional credentials? Join Skylar Back, NASFAA’s Certification and Credentialing Specialist, for this webinar, now available on demand, for a detailed overview of the program—exploring its value to the financial aid profession and the various pathways to certification.
December 17, 2025 - NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Online Workshops, starting February 17, offer motivated financial aid professionals an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the knowledge exam. Led by experienced financial aid administrators who are certified FAACs, this facilitated virtual experience includes weekly online sessions that provide a high-level review of the 12 content areas covered on the exam. Learn more and reserve your seat today!
December 12, 2025 - There are still seats available during the current testing window, which remains open through the 21st of this month. Be sure to schedule your exam session soon to secure the time that works best for you. FAAC® candidates preparing to take the certification exam can use these candidate resources. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online today. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements.
December 9 , 2025 - Curious about the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program and how it differs from NASFAA’s professional credentials? Join Skylar Back, NASFAA’s Certification and Credentialing Specialist, on December 16 at 2 p.m. ET, for a detailed overview of the program — exploring its value to the financial aid profession and the various pathways to certification. Reserve your seat today!
December 1, 2025 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
November 25, 2025 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities.
November 20, 2025 - Curious about the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® (CFAA) Program and how it differs from NASFAA’s professional credentials? Join Skylar Back, NASFAA’s Certification and Credentialing Specialist, on December 16 at 2 p.m. ET, for a detailed overview of the program — exploring its value to the financial aid profession and the various pathways to certification. Reserve your seat today!
November 6, 2025 - Big impact starts with a strong team. Strengthen yours through NASFAA’s professional credential and certification programs, which validate Title IV knowledge and experience. Prepare together through online courses, training events, and exam preparation workshops, then highlight your team’s achievements for your school and students. With financial aid regulations constantly evolving, having a team aligned on regulatory knowledge and compliance has never been more valuable. For details or strategic guidance, contact our Certification & Credentialing Team.
November 3, 2025 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
October 23, 2025 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities. Inspired to become an FAAC®? The next testing window opens on the 1st, with more to follow. Check your eligibility today using our free interactive eligibility tool. Your path to certification begins now.
October 20, 2025 - Driven by a passion for student success, Elizabeth Amador, FAAC® has dedicated her career to financial aid. A first-generation graduate, Elizabeth began in the field as a work-study student and has spent nearly two decades serving students at the University of New Mexico. She currently serves as SWASFAA president and was recently elected as the SWASFAA Representative on NASFAA’s 2025-26 Board of Directors.
October 10, 2025 - Are you ready to level-up your career by pursuing certification and want your institution’s support? Take advantage of NASFAA’s new Certification Justification Toolkit, which provides you with ready-to-use resources like customizable letters, informational materials, and talking points that make it easier to communicate the value of certification and request support from stakeholders. Explore the toolkit, learn more about certification and apply online today.
October 8, 2025 - NASFAA is pleased to announce the election of Bretta Carithers, FAAC® from the SASFAA region as 2025-26 Chair-Elect of the CFAA Commission. Joining the Commission this year are Chad Olson, FAAC® from the MASFAA region, Juan Chico Dimas, FAAC® from the RMASFAA region, Lee Bray, FAAC® as Representative-At-Large, and Adrienne Sutton, IOM as Public Representative. NASFAA is grateful to all of these volunteers for serving in this oversight role and representing the interests of the entire financial aid community.
October 7, 2025 - From October through November, current and future candidates may reserve a 1-on-1 Strategy Session with a Certification Team member. These sessions are designed to help you develop a plan tailored to your needs, explore potential exam preparation strategies, and build confidence as you approach exam day. Strategy Sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't miss your chance to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity. Reserve your Strategy Session today!
October 1, 2025 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
September 23, 2025 - Congratulations to the latest group of financial aid professionals who have earned the FAAC® designation! They join an exclusive community of certified professionals recognized for their dedication to the field of financial aid. Want to see if any of your colleagues are among the newly certified? Visit the Registry to celebrate their achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator Commission, these professionals now enjoy access to valuable benefits and opportunities.
September 2, 2025 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
August 26, 2025 - More financial aid professionals recently joined hundreds of financial aid professionals across the country who now hold the FAAC® designation. Check the Registry to see if any of your colleagues have been certified and congratulate them for this achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Commission, these individuals now qualify to receive a multitude of benefits. Would you like to become certified, too? The next testing window opens on the 1st — or take advantage of any of the upcoming testing windows. Start by exploring your eligibility today using our free interactive eligibility tool.
August 21, 2025 - Are you ready to level-up your career and pursue certification? Our Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Program offers financial aid professionals the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and validate their expertise by earning the FAAC® designation. Start the application process and you’ll be ready to take advantage of any of the upcoming testing windows. Learn more about certification and apply online today. Got questions? Contact us at [email protected].
August 15, 2025 - There are still seats available during the current testing window, which remains open through the 21st of this month. Be sure to schedule your exam session soon to secure the time that works best for you. FAAC® candidates preparing to take the certification exam can use these candidate resources. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online today. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements.
August 1, 2025 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
July 29, 2025 - Ready to earn the FAAC® designation? NASFAA’s CFAA Exam Preparation Workshops offer the most effective path to certification — with higher success rates than independent study and built-in support to boost your confidence. Registration includes complimentary access to the exam preparation guide, a practice exam only available to workshop attendees, and the knowledge exam. Weekly meetings will occur online from 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. ET and begin on September 30, 2025. Secure your spot for the fall workshop today. Got questions? Contact us
July 23, 2025 - More financial aid professionals recently joined hundreds of financial aid professionals across the country who now hold the FAAC® designation. Check the Registry to see if any of your colleagues have been certified and congratulate them for this achievement! Certified by the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Commission, these individuals now qualify to receive a multitude of benefits. Would you like to become certified, too? The next testing window opens on the 1st – or take advantage of any of the upcoming testing windows. Start by exploring your eligibility today using our free interactive eligibility tool.
July 18, 2025 - NASFAA is pleased to announce that Juan Chico Dimas, FAAC®, from the RMASFAA region will join the CFAA Commission for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2025. NASFAA also is pleased to welcome Lee Bray, FAAC®, from the SASFAA region as Representative-At-Large for one year, and Adrienne Sutton, IOM as Public Representative to the Commission for the next three years. NASFAA is grateful to all of these volunteers for serving in this oversight role and representing the interests of the entire financial aid community.
July 15, 2025 - There are still seats available during the current testing window, which remains open through the 21st of this month. Be sure to schedule your exam session soon to secure the time that works best for you. FAAC® candidates preparing to take the certification exam can use these candidate resources. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online today. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements.
Starting Next Week: Summer 2025 CFAA Exam Prep Online Workshop
July 9, 2025 - NASFAA Certification Exam Preparation Online Workshops offer motivated financial aid professionals an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the knowledge exam. Led by experienced financial aid administrators who are certified FAACs, this facilitated virtual experience includes weekly online sessions that provide a high-level review of the 12 content areas covered on the exam. This workshop begins July 15. Reserve your seat today!
FAAC® Spotlight: Daniel Barkowitz Shatters the Recertification Points Record
July 8, 2025 - Daniel T. Barkowitz, FAAC®, has made CFAA Program history by earning 760 Recertification Points in a single certification cycle—a record previously held by JoEllen Price who recertified last year with 717 RPs. Daniel earned more than 12 times the required minimum. With 35 years in financial aid, Daniel’s record-breaking achievement reflects his unwavering commitment to professional development and service. From shaping national policy to mentoring peers, his contributions span decades and reach across the country. Please join us in celebrating this incredible milestone with Daniel!
Certification Testing Window Opens Today
July 2, 2025 - Get the recognition you deserve by earning the FAAC® designation. If your application has already been approved, purchase the Certified Financial Aid Administrator® Knowledge Exam. Schedule your session online until the 21st of this month, or any of the upcoming testing windows. If you haven’t applied yet, take advantage of the waived application fee and complete your application online right away. Learn more about the testing process and make sure you meet all of the technical requirements. Utilize candidate resources to review for the exam.
Publication Date: 2/27/2026