A NAP Certification is granted when an individual has demonstrated his/her knowledge and abilities relevant to the information and computer industries. Each candidate is reviewed by the NAP Certification Board to ensure that the member has met certain requirements and merits certification. Not all certified members are programmers. Some are consultants, developers, students and others in the computer/IT industry.

Certified NAP members represent an elite group who are dedicated to pride and professionalism and perform their duties pursuant to the NAP Professional Code of Ethics. Certifications are not given, they are earned.

Certified members are entitled to use the "NAPC" designation in their titles.

• NAP Certified Certificate for your office
• NAP Wallet Card declaring your credentials
• Right to use credentials (NAPC designation) and NAP logo on resume and business cards
• Gain enhanced status for a job interview or to attain promotion
• Enhance business in your area of expertise
• Registration in NAP Certified database and NAP Programmers Directory
• Opportunity for committee and board member positions
• Publication opportunities
• NAP member discounts and all other membership benefits
• Membership dues may be tax deductible

NAP's minimun criteria for certification was established by NAP's Certification Board whose mission is to certify candidates based upon the candidate's experience, knowledge and/or education. This may include such non-traditional sources as self-taught programming languages and/or self-study guides. The basic minimum requirements for NAP Certification include, but are not limited to, any one of the following or combinations thereof:

• Two (2) or more years of related IT education
• Two (2) or more years of related practical IT experience
• Professional certifications, e.g., MCSE, CNA, NCE, etc.
• Completion of self-study guides
• Evidence of directing or coordinating computer/IT projects
• Technical expertise, i.e., networking, telecommunications, hardware, etc.

NAP reserves the right to investigate any and all claims made on your portfilio submission to ensure its accuracy and completeness.

As you acquire more skills and experience, you always have the option of updating your portfolio. NAP strongly encourages Certified members seek continuing education. NAP provides member discounts for members wishing to enhance their skills from leading educational companies such as New Horizons and Gateway.

Candidates for NAP Certification must submit a portfolio to be reviewed by the NAP Certification Board. This portfolio will contain the following:

• Education history
• Work history
• All current certifications
• Languages/Operating Platforms
• Certification summary

Candidates will submit their portfolios and any pertinent documentation on-line or by postal mail, email or fax. Certifications and awards must be documented. A copy of the certification or award is acceptable. Email: certification@napusa.org

The Certification Board will evaluate all information in determining eligibility for certification. The Board may request additional information prior to granting certification. Additional information submitted at Board request is not considered a resubmission.

If a candidate is denied certification, regular membership shall be granted. Candidates denied certification may resubmit their portfolios upon meeting the requirements for certification. Resubmissions shall be assessed an additional fee.

The Certification Board will grant or deny certification based entirely upon the information contained in your portfolio. Any information you feel would be helpful in determining your eligibility should be included. Items to include would be a degree from any accredited college or university, other courses completed, certifications and/or awards you have earned (MCSE, CNA, etc.) and languages you have learned. All information must be dated.

Please be comprehensive about your education and work histories and please feel free to expand upon these. Instead of just saying you are a "programmer," explain what kind of programming you do. If you consult, explain what you consult and your typical clientele. Successful candidates must be able to demonstrate their skills and abilities.

The Certification Summary should briefly describe the overall portfolio and why you feel you should be granted certification. If you have information that doesn't fit anywhere else, include it in the summary.

The more complete and comprehensive your portfolio, the better your chances are for being granted certification.

Certified NAP candidates must agree to abide by the NAP Professional Code of Ethics.