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Best social services assistant certifications

Social services assistant certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an social services assistant to employers. However, not all social services assistant certifications provide the same value for job seekers.

The best certifications for a social services assistant are Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant, and Activity Director Certified (ADC).

Below is a list of the best social services assistant certifications. Obtaining an social services assistant certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for social services assistants

RankSocial services assistant certificationOrganization
1Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)American Red ...
2Medical AssistantASPT
3Activity Director Certified (ADC)NCCAP
4Certified Professional - Human Resource (IPMA-CP)IPMA-HR

4 best social services assistant certifications

1. 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.

Certification details
  • 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? 
Certifying website
Certified Nurse Assistant

2. 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.

Certification details
  • 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)
Certifying organization
American Society of Phlebotomy...

3. 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.

Certification details
  • 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)

4. 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.

Certification details
  • 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)

What is the best certification for a social services assistant?

The best social services assistant certification is Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). The Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) is awarded by the American Red Cross. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this social services assistant certification:

  • To become a certified Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every year.

What certifications can impact a social services assistant career and salary?

The Certified Nurse Assistant certification will help you to secure a certified nursing assistant position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A certified nursing assistant's average salary is $28,738 whereas social services assistants make an average salary of $37,445.

Best certifications

The most common combination of social services assistant certifications include: Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant, and Activity Director Certified (ADC).

Online courses for social services assistants to earn certifications

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