Maintaining Certification for Individuals

How Do I Renew My NTA Certification?

Your NTA certification must be renewed every two years. At the first two year renewal date, you need only pay the renewal fee and complete the renewal form. At the four-year renewal, you must complete the required number of CCU’s for your certification type and level. This two year rotation of fees and CCU’s then continues throughout the life of your certification.

For example:
2012 Receive original certification
2014 Renew with form and fee only
2016 Renew with fee, form, and CCU’s
2018 Renew with form and fee only
2020 Renew with fee, form, and CCU’s


There are 4 main steps to certification renewal:

  1. Maintain current NTA membership each year.
  2. Complete a renewal application.
  3. Complete the required amount of Continuing Certification Units (CCU) as required for your level of certification or provide proof of continuing training
    as required.
  4. Attach required documentation and fees as noted on the application checklist.

    NOTE: If you are moving to a higher certification level during the two year period of your initial certification, there is no charge for certification upgrade. If you are certifying in a different area, then you must pay initial certification fees for that new certification (for example, you are certified as a tutor and now you are applying for certification as an academic coach).

How Many Continuing Certification Units (CCU) Do I Need?

The number of CCU needed for certification renewal depends on the level of renewal you are seeking.
  1. Basic Certification Renewals require 3 CCU.
  2. Intermediate Certification Renewals require 5 CCU.
  3. Advanced Certification Renewals require 7 CCU.
  4. Master Certification Renewals require 9 CCU.
  5. Tutor Trainer Certification Renewals require 15 CCU.
  6. Master Tutor Trainer Certification Renewals require 18 CCU.
  7. Academic Coach Certification Renewals require 7 CCU.

How Do I Earn Continuing Certification Units?

Continuing Certification Units (CCU) toward certification renewal may be earned in a variety of ways:
  1. Attend the NTA Professional Development Conference (12 CCU).
  2. Attend local, regional or national workshops, seminars, and conferences focusing on tutorial assistance, developmental education,
    or literacy programs as approved by the NTA. (3-9 CCU). 
  3. Successfully complete a web based NTA subject specific seminar (3 CCU).
  4. Successfully complete a web based NTA developed or approved tutor training course (6 CCU).
  5. Successfully complete a face-to-face NTA tutor training course (6-9 CCU).
  6. Present at local, regional or national workshops, seminars and conferences focusing on tutorial assistance, developmental education, or literacy programs
    (3-5 CCU).
  7. Write a minimum 750 word article for the NTA Newsletter  (9 CCU).
  8. Document community service or volunteerism for tutorial assistance, developmental education, or literacy programs (up to 6-10 CCU).
  9. For Tutor Trainers, Academic Coach Trainers, and Master Tutor Trainers, hold trainings (5 CCU per training).