Certification FAQ

This page is designed to answer frequently asked questions regarding the SWANA certification process. If you don’t find the answer you are seeking on this page, please submit your question to certifications@swana.org.

Do I have to pay for renewal of my certification?

Yes, the current fee for renewal is US $250.00.
Do I need to complete the entire SWANA Training course to take the certification exam?

No, SWANA does not require you to take any courses to take a certification exam. SWANA training courses are a great way to help you prepare to take our exams. Passing a certification exam requires amassing knowledge, skills, and abilities over time from a variety of sources; no one course provides all of the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to pass a certification exam. Knowledge is gained over time from years of experience in the field; online courses, webinars, and podcasts; in-person seminars and events; hands-on workshops; on-the-job training; local, regional, and national conferences; mentoring programs; trade publications; and more.
Does my recertification fee cover my SWANA membership renewal?

Certification and recertification fees do NOT cover your SWANA membership fees. Recertification fees are due before the expiration of the three-year certification term and membership fees are due annually.
Does my SWANA membership fee cover my recertification?

SWANA membership fees do NOT cover your certification or recertification fees and vice versa. Membership fees are due annually while recertification fees are due before the expiration of the three-year certification term.
How do I recertify?

To recertify, you must have 30 Professional Development Hours (PDH), formerly known as CEUs, submit your Certification Renewal Application, and $250 USD renewal fee before your certification expiration date.
How long is the certification period?

The certification period is good for three (3) years. During those years, you are responsible for accumulating 30 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) in order to be eligible for recertification.
How long will I have to complete the certification exam?

Once you start taking the exam, you have a maximum of three (3) hours to complete it. You cannot pause, leave and come back.
How many SWANA Professional Development Hours (PDHs) can I earn from non-SWANA related courses?

Hours are determined by the Certification Staff—usually on an hour-for-hour basis if the materials relate directly to a specific discipline. Individuals seeking to receive credit for non-SWANA courses must submit an agenda prior to the event and the Certification Staff will provide the individual with a PDH form. Send the agenda/program with detailed descriptions and timelines of the sessions of the event to certification@swana.org.
How much does it cost to take a SWANA certification exam?

The current fee for taking a certification exam is US $250.00 for SWANA members and US $400.00 for non-members.
I've just passed my certification exam. When can I expect my certificate?

SWANA sends a digital copy of your certificate, along with your score via email upon grading your test. You can request a digital copy of your certificate by sending a request to certification@swana.org.
What happens if my certification expired?

Once a certification expires, the only way to become recertified in the discipline again is to retake the certification exam and pass it with a 70% or more.

Visit the SWANA Online Testing Page for more information about SWANA certification and to register for the exam.
What if I only want to learn about one specific topic that is included in a SWANA training course, can I register?

You can register for single sessions. It is not necessary to register for the complete training package.
What is a SWANA PDH?

A SWANA PDH stands for Professional Development Hour. Essentially, 60 minutes of education equal one PDH. To become eligible for recertification, you need 30 PDHs within your three-year SWANA certification term. PDHs can be earned by attending SWANA and non-SWANA industry training courses, events, conferences, etc.
Will SWANA PDHs count toward my non-SWANA certification?

Not necessarily. Prior to attending a SWANA training, you should check with the certifying organization to ensure it will approve or grant you credit toward your certification.

Ready to Get Certified?

Visit our Become Certified page and follow three easy steps to register for certification.

Apply for certification online

Application Costs*

Members: $250.00
Non-members: $400.00

* Certification and recertification fees do NOT cover your SWANA membership fees.