FAQs – Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional Training Program

Below is a series of frequently asked questions regarding the CNAP program. Please contact trainer Julia Lafferty via email with any questions. 

What type of training is offered in the CNAP program?

Practical, relevant, and timely training taught by experienced and knowledgeable professionals who concentrate their financial and consulting services in the not-for-profit industry. Whether used as a “refresher” course or as means to gain industry-specific knowledge, 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 not-for-profit accounting, as well as in-depth training on more advanced issues such as internal controls and budgeting for not-for-profit 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 not-for-profit financial management
• Increased professional knowledge and capability
• National recognition in your industry
• Increased value to your not-for-profit organization

Who is eligible to earn the CNAP Certification?

The program is beneficial for bookkeepers, staff accountants, executives, consultants and any professional charged with the financial management of a not-for-profit 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.

What are the requirements for certification?

• Registration application, letter verifying not-for-profit finance experience and course fees
• Complete the required training course
• Pass the exam at the end of the training course

What about the test at the end of the training?

A requirement for certification is that candidates pass a test given at the end of the training session. The test is “open book” and is the same for all candidates regardless of where they complete the training. The passing grade 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, he or she must attend the training again before repeating the exam.

Who conducts the training?

The training follows a standardized curriculum and is conducted by Nonprofit CPAs member firms.

How do I earn CPE credits?

The CNAP course provides eligible CPE credits in the Accounting area for CPAs. Given the virtual environment in which CNAP has been conducted since 2020 and its impact on the length of the training program, the exact number of CPE credits is uncertain. However, the CNAP training program typically lasts from between a day and a half to close to two days.

If you are a CPA and would like to receive these credits, you must indicate so during the sign-up process, attend the all sessions, be an active participant and complete the exam and all course evaluations. CPE credits are not transferable and are only available to the participant who signed up for the course. All participants must sign the sign in sheet.

Who is NonprofitCPAs?

NonprofitCPAs is a nationwide network of CPA firms specifically selected for their experience in, and commitment to, servicing the not-for-profit industry. Nonprofit CPAs members combine their expertise to provide the highest quality services to improve the performance of not-for-profit organization. Through Nonprofit CPAs’ educational program and continuous exchange of ideas and information, members stay on the forefront of the not-for-profit industry. For more information, please visit the NonprofitCPAs website at: www.nonprofitcpas.com.