ADVANCING THE
ADMISSIONS PROFESSION

AACAP recognizes admissions professionals who serve as champions of institutions and trusted advisors in guiding students on the right path to career readiness and meaningful employment. We are high school counselors, college admissions professionals, and leaders driven by shared values and a commitment to the highest standards of integrity and excellence in our work. We invite you to explore membership, professional development, and the Certified Admissions Professional (CAP) credential.

About Us

In 2017, a group of high school guidance and college admission professionals saw a gap in serving students of all ages interested in career and technical education. As trusted advisors, primary sources of guidance for interested students, and champions of our institutions, these critical roles lacked shared best practices, national recognition, and meaningful certification.

It was time to reduce ambiguity and elevate admissions as a respected profession with a profound impact on the livelihood of students and institutions. 

So, AACAP was born! AACAP is a non-profit organization dedicated to upholding professional standards in the nationwide community of admissions professionals from non-profit colleges, for-profit colleges, private colleges, state colleges, high school career counselors, and more.

Our community of like-minded individuals takes enormous pride in serving students with the utmost standards of integrity and professionalism. The education landscape is evolving and changing rapidly. Admissions professionals need to work hard to stay abreast of best practices and education-sector knowledge.

Today, AACAP seeks to provide proven best practices and recognition for admissions and counseling through national certification. Welcome to our proud community!  

 

“With so much attention being paid to the value of college and return on investment, the role of the admissions professional has never been more important. CECU supports the work of AACAP and national certification. It is critical that admissions professionals are well-trained and qualified to offer proper counsel and sound advice to prospective students. AACAP certification demonstrates that the admissions professional is at the top of their field with the knowledge, skills, and ethics needed to succeed in the role; and the institution is committed to high standards around regulatory compliance and the delivery of best recruitment practices.

Jason Altmire, DBA

President and CEO, Career Colleges 

and Universities (CECU)

            

 

            

 

Admissions plays a vital role in guiding prospective students as they make one of life’s few decisions with such a profound impact, education. We know one size does not fit all and are privileged to assist each student in discovering their best fit by understanding their unique goals and needs and presenting relevant, career-connected pathways. AACAP membership, certification, and engagement in ongoing professional development are proof of your commitment to the highest levels of skills, integrity, and professionalism. Together, let’s further advance our profession, strengthen trust, and build awareness of accessible, rewarding opportunities for all students.”

 
Jennifer Christensen, Executive Director jchristensen@advancingadmissions.org

 

Our Mission

The mission of the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP) is to serve admissions and counseling professionals seeking to implement compliant best practices within the highest ethical standards while servicing students interested in pursuing career and technical education.

Core Values
Leadership
Quality
Innovation and Change
Service

JOIN NOW

 

Whether joining AACAP as an individual or with an admissions team,  you join the ranks of those dedicated to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in serving the goals of students and institutions.  AACAP provides a unique forum for learning from and connecting with like-minded peers, with varied backgrounds and experiences, who share a passion for all things “admissions”.

 

Members gain access to AACAP’s Certified Admissions Professional (CAP) examination and credential; and valuable professional development resources to include courses, webinars, industry speakers, and events.  AACAP Annual Membership Fee: $99.00.  Additional discounted services available to AACAP members through our esteemed partners at Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU).

Certification

Admission professionals are front line, meeting with prospective students and their families to explore options and provide information, guidance, and counseling.

Without a formal degree or standard training required to work in the admissions profession, many have long sought to raise awareness of the skills, knowledge and expertise required, and recognize exceptional talent. 

Institutions seek continuous admissions training around recruitment best practices, admissions competencies, and compliance and regulations. This professional development and recognition through certification support a commitment to employee engagement and retention and a dedication to the highest standards of conduct and ehtics in admissions.  

AACAP national certification provides a symbol of accomplishment to signify dedication to the knowledge, skills, and standards of conduct required to be proficient in college admissions.

Members of AACAP may earn the Certified Admissions Professional (CAP) credential at any time by successfully passing the certification exam (fee of $199.00)*.

*Preparation courses are encouraged but not required for the national certification exam.

get started

Once you become a member of AACAP, there are two options to take the exam:

Option 1: If you’re ready to go, simply click here to join AACAP and receive information to take the exam.
Option 2: To prepare before sitting for the exam, we offer a regulatory/compliance course and an admissions training course through our trusted partners.

Examination Areas of Focus:

  • Ethics and Standards; Regulation and Compliance
  • Reasoning; Problem Solving and Effective Communication

PREPARATION OPTIONS

Regulations and Compliance Prep
Regulations and Compliance Course This course is designed to prepare individuals for the compliance and regulation segment of the Certified Admission Professional (CAP) credential exam offered through the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Profession (AACAP). Content includes key regulations and compliance standards for admission professionals facilitating the admissions process for students interested in pursuing career and technical education.

CHEP Admissions Program

Awarded by Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), the Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP) credential supports employees of career-oriented institutions who strive for excellence in their respective positions. Participants complete competency-based courses in various concentration areas to meet functional training needs.

The Admissions Concentration is reviewed and endorsed by the Association for the Advancement of the College Admissions Professional (AACAP). To earn the CHEP in Admissions, participants must complete 12 courses with a minimum of six courses in the core training area. Upon completion participants will be able to:

• Follow the Institution’s Policy and Procedures for the Admissions Process
• Demonstrate Compliant and Ethical Behavior
• Assist Students to Pursue their Educational and Career Goals
• Serve Special Needs of Students
• Demonstrate Student Focus Beyond Admissions
• Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills
• Demonstrate Effective Self-Management Skills

EnrollMatch Admissions Training (Foundational or Advanced)
EnrollMatch Admissions Training is an award-winning and legally endorsed program providing 35 on-demand learning modules and a manual (approximately 10 hours, other delivery options available). This program has stood the test of time by providing an updated framework in working with today’s student. Imagine being equipped to advise and empower prospective students to find the best programmatic, educational, and organizational fit. The philosophy is simple. Prospective students exhibit a “Want/Need” and while other training programs stop there, EM delves deeper to help prospective students and admission professionals alike discover what created the “Want/Need,” what will fight against change, and what needs to be managed for change to happen. The result? Better informed prospective students – Better informed admission professionals = Better student fit!
Board of Directors

Thank You to our Board of Directors, Committees, Partners, Sponsors, and Members for Your Passion and Dedication to Excellence in Admissions!

Contact Us
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Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU) is the national organization serving postsecondary career education schools, staff , and most importantly, our students! We are a voluntary membership organization that serves as the national voice for the for-profit higher education sector. Today, more than 600 campuses across the nation are represented through their school’s membership.

Our member schools provide skills-based education opportunities to nontraditional students, particularly veterans, working mothers, and parents, to help them open doors and secure employment in today’s workforce. These schools equip students with the career skills they need to succeed – from allied health and nursing, to mechanics, welding, culinary arts, cosmetology, truck driving, veterinary medicine and beyond!

https://www.career.org/