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ADVANCING THE
ADMISSIONS PROFESSION
AACAP is the premier community representing the admissions profession; empowering, equipping, and elevating those serving 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. We invite you to explore membership, training and professional development, and AACAP’s Certified Admissions Professional (CAP) credential.
About Us
In 2017, a group of high school guidance and college admission professionals saw a gap in the understanding of the invaluable talent and service provided by admissions. As trusted advisors, primary sources of guidance for prospective students, and champions of 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.
AACAP was born as a non-profit organization dedicated to the nationwide community of admissions professionals who represent non-profit, for-profit, private and state colleges, high school career counseling, and more.
Our community of like-minded individuals takes pride in serving students with the utmost standards of integrity and professionalism.
Today, AACAP seeks to connect admissions professionals, provide professional development and best practices in a rapidly changing landscape, and recognize excellence in the admissions profession through national certification. Welcome to our proud community!
“With so much attention on the value of college and return on investment, the role of the admissions professional has never been more important. Admissions must be trained and qualified to offer prospective students proper counsel and sound advice. CECU supports the work of AACAP and the CAP certification, demonstrating that admissions professionals are at the top of their field with the knowledge, skills, and ethics needed to succeed in the role, and institutions are committed to the highest standards of integrity and service in the delivery of exemplary student experiences.”
Jason Altmire, DBA
President and CEO, Career Colleges
and Universities (CECU)
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.
AACAP Kicks Off the Convention!
Tuesday, June 11th, 9:30 AM Download
“Getting Ahead of What Keeps Us Up at Night!”
Register for the Convention Here! 
Leadership
Quality
Innovation and Change
Service
AACAP Kicks Off the Convention!
Tuesday, June 11th, 9:30 AM “Getting Ahead of What Keeps Us Up at Night! Register for the Convention Here!
Whether joining AACAP as an individual or with an admissions team, you will join the ranks of those dedicated to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in serving 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. AACAP Annual Membership Fee: $99.00.
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.
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. Click CAP on our Member Resources page.
• 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
PREPARATION OPTIONS
Self-directed Courses:
Admissions Professional Skills
Compliance & Regulations
Professional Skills is designed as a supplement to assist in preparation for the admissions professional skills segment of the Certified Admission Professional (CAP) credential exam offered through AACAP. Content focuses on best practices around key admissions competencies and creating an exceptional student experience. AACAP members may register for this course on our Member Resources page.
Compliance and Regulations is designed as a supplement to assist in preparation for the compliance and regulations segment of the Certified Admission Professional (CAP) credential exam offered through AACAP. Content focuses on regulations and regulatory agencies, compliance in admissions, and ethics and standards of good practice for admissions professionals. AACAP members may register for this course on our Member Resources page.
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).
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Thank You to our Board of Directors, Committees, Partners, Sponsors, and Members for Your Passion and Dedication to Excellence in Admissions!
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!
