Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Best activities director certifications
Activities director certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an activities director to employers. However, not all activities director certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an activities director are Activity Director Certified (ADC), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Below is a list of the best activities director certifications. Obtaining an activities director certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for activities directors
| Rank | Activities director certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Activity Director Certified (ADC) | NCCAP |
| 2 | Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) | American Red ... |
| 3 | Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) | NCTRC |
| 4 | Medical Assistant | ASPT |
| 5 | Activity Consultant Certified (ACC) | NCCAP |
| 6 | Medication Aide Certification (MACE) | NCSBN |
| 7 | Activity Director - Provisionally Certified (ADPC) | NCCAP |
| 8 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 9 | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) | NHA |
| 10 | First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor | NSC |
| 11 | Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) | NBCOT |
| 12 | Director of Nursing in Long Term Care Certification (DON-CLTC) | AADNS |
| 13 | Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) | NHA |
| 14 | Certified Director of Safety (CDS) | NATMI |
| 15 | Long-Term Care Certification (CLTC) | NAPNES |
| 16 | Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) | PMI |
| 17 | Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP) | IPMA-HR |
| 18 | Certified Planning Engineer (CPE) | AAPM |
| 19 | Dental Assistant (RDA) | AMT |
| 20 | Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med) | CSA Group |
20 best activities director certifications
1. Activity Director Certified (ADC)
The National Certification Council for Activity Professionals is a credentialing body which sets standards and criteria for those working to meet the leisure needs of those in their care. A Certified Activity Director meets NCCAP standards to direct an activity staff and program.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Train to be a certified nurse assistant working with other health care professionals to provide quality care for elderly or sick individuals in nursing homes and hospitals and at home.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
3. Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)
Established in 1981, the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) is a non-profit, international organization dedicated to professional excellence for the protection of consumers through the certification of recreation therapists. Professional recognition is granted by NCTRC to individuals who apply and meet established standards for certification, including education, experience, and continuing professional development. The Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) credential is offered to qualified individuals based on these stringent requirements. NCTRC supports quality human service and health care standards and maintains recognition by the Joint Commission and the Commission for Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). NCTRC provides credential verification services to employers and health care agencies. These services are strongly encouraged by NCTRC to monitor personnel adherence to the standards of the Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Medical Assistant
The medical assistant job description varies depending on the employer's needs. A medical assistant is a multi-skilled professional and an asset to a physician.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
5. Activity Consultant Certified (ACC)
The National Certification Council for Activity Professionals is a credentialing body which sets standards and criteria for those working to meet the leisure needs of those in their care. A Certified Activity Consultant (ACC) meets NCCAP standards to be a consultant or educator for an activity program, staff, or department.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Medication Aide Certification (MACE)
The Medication Aide Certification Examination (MACE) is a national medication aide certification examination administered to nurse aides who choose to receive additional training to become certified medication aides. NCSBN develops the MACE examination and administers the exam with the contractual assistance of Pearson VUE. Once certified, these medication aides serve an important role in hospitals and long-term care facilities by helping distribute medications and monitoring for adverse reactions.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
7. Activity Director - Provisionally Certified (ADPC)
The National Certification Council for Activity Professionals is a credentialing body which sets standards and criteria for those working to meet the leisure needs of those in their care. The Activity Director - Provisionally Certified is one who is working towards requirements to meet NCCAP standards for ADC certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
8. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)
The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
9. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
10. First Aid, CPR and AED Instructor
Knowing how to respond to a first aid or CPR emergency is one of the most important skills a person can possess. The Standard First Aid, CPR and AED course meets the OSHA requirements and is your tool for training employees or the general public on the latest skills, techniques and expertise in life-saving procedures. The practice and feedback of using related skills in a realistic situation is integrated into the actual teaching experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
11. Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA)
Is a not-for-profit credentialing agency that provides certification for the occupational therapy profession. NBCOT® serves the public interest by developing, administering and continually reviewing a certification process that reflects current standards of competent practice in occupational therapy. We also work with state regulatory authorities, providing information on credentials, disciplinary actions, and regulatory and certification renewal issues.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
12. Director of Nursing in Long Term Care Certification (DON-CLTC)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
13. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
14. Certified Director of Safety (CDS)
Certified Director of Safety (CDS) is for individuals with five years experience in the safety field or, four years in the safety field with a 4-year college degree. Candidates must serve as full-time administrators demonstrating their capability of handling a position which involves establishing programs and policies, setting standards, developing materials, and providing leadership to achieve the goals set. The certification includes two exams: Motor Fleet Safety Basics (Testing option available) and Managing Motor Fleet Safety Programs.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
15. Long-Term Care Certification (CLTC)
Long-Term Care certification is comprehensive in that it covers the entire life-span, from cradle to grave, for people that are chronically ill. So whether your patients and clients are babies, seniors, or in-between, this is the certification to have. This certification replaced the NAPNES Gerontology Certification program. It is more comprehensive because while it certainly covers nursing care in geriatrics, it has a much broader appeal for excellence in nursing care for all age groups with chronic illnesses. The LPN, CLTC, designation confirms to employer that you engage in national skill-building.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
16. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
17. Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP)
IPMA-HR strives to encourage excellence in public sector human resources, promote continuous learning and develop the next generation of leaders. To that end, IPMA-HR offers two internationally recognized certification programs to the public HR community: the IPMA-CP and the IPMA-CS.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
18. Certified Planning Engineer (CPE)
Our AAPM Global Board of Standards issues the CPE Certified Planning Engineer - Board Certification to qualified applicants who have met our commission requirements of: Education, Training, Experience, Industry Knowledge, Ethics, and Continuing Education.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
19. Dental Assistant (RDA)
A Dental Assistant is an integral member of the dental health team, competent via education, experience, and understanding of patient welfare. The Dental Assistant is qualified to provide support in administrative duties: chairside, laboratory, and radiological procedures, as defined by existing state laws. As an agent of the Dentist, the Dental Assistant strives to cultivate good will and confidence within the dental practice.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
20. Medical G.A.S. Installer (Med)
Certifies minimum performance criteria for personnel maintaining medical gas pipeline systems in hospitals and health care facilities.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required?
What is the best certification for an activities director?
The best activities director certification is Activity Director Certified (ADC). The Activity Director Certified (ADC) is awarded by the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals. This certification corresponds to a specialty within a recognized occupation.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this activities director certification:
- To become a certified Activity Director Certified (ADC), you don't need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for activities directors?
The most in-demand activities director certification is Activity Director Certified based on all active job postings. Having this activities director certification will give you access to more activities director jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an activities director career and salary?
The Activity Consultant Certified certification will help you to secure an activity coordinator position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An activity coordinator's average salary is $36,632 whereas activities directors make an average salary of $44,982.
The most common combination of activities director certifications include: Activity Director Certified (ADC), Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS).
Online courses for activities directors to earn certifications
1. Sit Less, Get Active
Physical inactivity and sedentariness are “silent killers”. Do you feel like you spend too much time sitting? Do you feel like you would like to be more active? Are you unsure about how to incorporate physical activity into your daily life? We are here to help. Join us on a journey to learn about how to sit less and become more active. Use this FREE course to learn how to monitor your own activity and set physical activity goals. We will feature various examples of how physical activity could...
2. Active Directory & Group Policy Administration for IT Techs
Active Directory & Group Policy Administration Basics for Helpdesk and Desktop / IT Support Technicians...
3. Azure Active Directory Masterclass
Learn to be a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on Azure Active Directory...
4. PowerShell for Active Directory Administrators
Use Power Shell to manage Active Directory users, computer, groups, security settings and more on Windows Server...
5. Active Directory on Windows Server
Learn how to deploy and manage all aspects of Active Directory, Group Policy, DNS and many more technologies...
6. Azure - Active Directory
Learn Azure as it pertains to Active Directory...
7. [Active Directory] Management using Windows PowerShell
[Power Shell] Simplified practical knowledge for automation & management of [Active Directory] using Windows Power Shell...
8. Azure Active Directory And Azure AD Domain Services
Learn how Azure Active Directory, On-Premises Active directory and Azure AD Domain Services (AADDS) integrate together...
9. SAP Activate Project Manager Masterclass (C_ACTIVATE_22/13)
Learn SAP Activate Methodology (Act100) Learn Agile Methodology (Act200) Based on Activate 22 and Activate 13...
10. Identity & Access Management - Azure Active Directory
Learn about Identity, Directory , SAML , OAUTH , Open ID Connect , Identity Security and Azure Active Directory...
11. Active Directory & Group Policy Lab
Learn REAL job skills and stack your resume with the experience you will gain in this course!...
12. Become an expert in the NEW Agile SAP Activate Methodology
Learn how to successfully implement SAP projects using the NEW Agile SAP Activate Methodology from top SAP experts...
13. Active Directory and Windows Server 40+ Hour with Labs
Domain Controllers (DC), Global Catalog, FSMO, Groups, Users, Security, Domains and Forests ,Trusts, GPO, much more....
14. Active Directory Pentesting Full Course - Red Team Hacking
Attacking and Hacking Active Directory...
15. TOTAL: Active Directory with Windows Server 2016
Identity, Access, and Authentication with Microsoft AD and Identity with Windows Server 2016...
16. How to automate active directory labs for pentesting
How to automate active directory based demo labs for pentesting, hacking and training requirements...
17. Azure Active Directory: An Introduction to Azure AD
An Intro to Azure AD through Interactive Labs, Video Demos, Lectures, Flashcards, & 200+ Downloadable Slides...
18. Azure Active Directory for.NET Developers (AD and B2C)
Learn how to authenticate API and .NET Web Application with Azure Active Directory and B2C (external logins)...
19. Active Directory Pentesting With Kali Linux - Red Team
Attacking and Hacking Active Directory With Kali Linux Full Course - Red Team Hacking Pentesting...
20. Windows Server 2019: Active Directory, GPO, R. Server Access
Training For Beginners - Become a Network Administrator in Microsoft Windows Server 2019 with Remote Server Access!...