About the CNAP Program
The Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) Program is designed to recognize excellence in the not-for-profit industry through comprehensive qualification, training, and examination. CNAP Essentials is a certification program that delivers qualification, training, and examination for nonprofit clients and community.
Professional Benefits
The program is sponsored and delivered by member firms of The Nonprofit CPAs, a Community of The Rainmaker Companies. It is highly beneficial for bookkeepers, staff accountants, and any professional charged with the financial management of a not-for-profit organization.
Eligibility
To be eligible for CNAP Essentials, participants must have at least 18 months of experience in a financial position within a nonprofit organization and submit a letter of recommendation from either a past or present employer.
CNAP Advanced
The CNAP Advanced program builds on the Essentials and is designed to go deeper into the most critical topics related to the fiscal management of a nonprofit. Participants must complete CNAP Essentials in order to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) Essentials Program?
Sponsored by member firms of The Nonprofit CPAs Alliance, the Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) program is designed to recognize excellence in the not-for-profit industry through comprehensive qualification, training, and examination. The CNAP Essentials program is the first of two courses. This course is beneficial for bookkeepers, staff accountants, and any professional charged with the financial management of a not-for-profit organization. Through a minimal time commitment, participants receive intensive training from individuals dedicated to serving not-for-profit organizations.
What type of training is offered in the CNAP Program?
Practical, relevant, and timely training is offered in two separate courses taught by experienced and knowledgeable professionals who concentrate their financial and consulting services in the nonprofit industry. The specialized hands-on curriculum – including ideas to improve the profitability of your organization – will yield immediate benefits. The curriculum also includes basic and intermediate nonprofit accounting, as well as in-depth training on more advanced issues such as internal controls and budgeting for nonprofit organizations.
What are the benefits of attaining the CNAP designation?
Improved skills and knowledge obtained via the specialized training Enhanced credibility within the industry as a professional committed to excellence in nonprofit financial management Increased professional knowledge and capability National recognition in your industry Increased value to your nonprofit organization.
Who is eligible to earn the CNAP certification?
The program is beneficial for bookkeepers, staff accountants, and any professional charged with the financial management of a nonprofit organization. These individuals are the key personnel in any industry that will gain basic and intermediate accounting and reporting skills by achieving the CNAP designation. Applicants must have at least 18 months of experience in a financial position within a nonprofit organization.
What are the requirements for certification?
Submit registration application, a letter verifying 18 months nonprofit finance experience and fees. Complete the required training course within 36 months. Pass the exam at the end of each training course.
What about the exam at the end of training?
The exam is “open book” and is the same for all candidates regardless of where they complete the training. The passing grade for the exam is 75%.
What if I do not pass the exam?
Any candidate who fails to pass the exam will be allowed one opportunity to re-take it at a mutually convenient time and location. If a candidate fails the exam for a second time, they must re-attend training before repeating the exam.
How much does it cost to become certified?
The course price varies based on location. The total program cos can range from $650-$995*. These fees are payable in full to the Nonprofit CPAs member firm hosting the program.
Who conducts the training?
Training follows a standardized curriculum and is conducted by Nonprofit CPAs member firms.
What is the Nonprofit CPAs Community?
The Nonprofit CPAs Community is a national alliance of CPA firms specifically selected for their experience in, and commitment to, servicing the nonprofit industry. Members combine their expertise to provide the highest quality services to improve the performance of nonprofit organizations. Through Nonprofit CPAs’ education program and continuous exchange of ideas and information, members say on the forefront of the nonprofit industry.
How do I register?
Visit CNAP Training Dates and Registration to find a course that works for you. Register or request information using the contact information listed with that course. For general questions about CNAP, or for assistance finding a course or a provider, contact us using the form below.