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. The program is sponsored and delivered by member firms of The Nonprofit CPAs, a Community of The Rainmaker Companies.
The CNAP program 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.
Professional benefits
- National industry recognition
- Enhanced industry knowledge and skills via specialized training
- Access to industry resources via participating Nonprofit CPAs member firms and other CNAPs
- Increased value to your 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 to verify work experience.
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 organization. Participants must complete CNAP Essentials in order to participate in CNAP Advanced.
CNAP Training Dates and Registration
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 leas 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 FAIL THE EXAM?
Any candidate who fails 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.
Note: Payment for re-attending will be at the discretion of the trainer.
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 hosing the program.
* This amount is based on training location/State.
WHO CONDUCTS THE TRAINING?
Training follows a standardized curriculum and is conducted by Nonprofit CPAs member firms.
WHAT IS THE NONPROFIT CPAS ALLIANCE?
The Nonprofit CPAs Alliance is a nationwide network 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 organization. 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.
If you have any additional questions, please contact CNAP@therainmakercompanies.com or call 615.208.3170.
CNAP Testimonials
“Good course. Answered questions I had. I am anxious to participate in Phase II-more hands-on information.
It was a great training course-both as a review and clarifying for me FASB 116. The review of 990 was excellent too. Resources presented were great. I will be purchasing both books offered. Great interaction with other non-profit professionals! Thank you for this opportunity. I will refer many other CPA’s and non-profit staff to this program so keep me on the mailing list please.
I am looking forward to Phase II. Many of the participants were colleagues working at organizations that our organization interfaces with on a regular basis. This was a nice opportunity to gather and get to know each other more personally. Thank you.
Wendy was good. I just wish she would have had more time. The course was great! I’m not heavily involved with the accounting activities but I learned a lot and would like to learn more. Thanks Barry and Wendy. I am looking forward to Phase II.
Supporting a sound financial infrastructure for grant recipients has long been a priority for Robin Hood. CNAP is the first training program to set national standards for accounting knowledge for nonprofit fiscal personnel. The certification is accessible to staff at many levels of an agency.”
Michael J. Park, Director | Management Assistant
The Robin Hood Foundation
“CNAP really does motivate you. It captures everything that you need to know in terms of internal control, and audit cash flow and recognizing revenue. It is important.”
Diane Cross | Director of Administration
HIV Law Project, Inc.
“My first class went great! Everyone LOVED the course and would highly recommend it to their peers. Thanks for getting us involved in this!”
April G. Swartz | Senior Manager
Varney & Associates, CPAs, LLC