Professional development
Earn an ASU Nonprofit Management Certificate while completing the training requirement for the Certified Nonprofit Professional credential (CNP). You'll gain immediate leadership credibility in this accelerated online program from the ASU Lodestar Center.
Our CNP Pathway program brings together the institutional credibility of the ASU Lodestar Center's Nonprofit Management Certificate with the nationally recognized Certified Nonprofit Professional credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Register now.
The CNP Pathway Program is an accelerated, cohort-based online program from the ASU Lodestar Center to earn an ASU Nonprofit Management Certificate — while also preparing you for the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) exam from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.
The program is designed for nonprofit professionals and those seeking to transition into the nonprofit sector. Through applied learning, expert instruction and exam-aligned preparation, our learners build core nonprofit management competencies that support career growth and professional credibility in the social sector.
Flexible asynchronous modules with some synchronous online sessions led by a trusted ASU instructor
Prepares learners for the CNP exam
The CNP Pathway Program is designed for learners at different stages of their nonprofit journey, including:
No matter your educational or professional background, the program is built to be accessible, practical and welcoming.
Our program fulfills the nonprofit knowledge and skills requirement for the CNP credential and prepares you for the CNP exam. To earn the credential, issued by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, you'll need to:
Time commitment: Approximately 8–10 hours per week. The entire program can be completed in one year.
Delivery: Online, cohort-based program. You'll learn alongside nonprofit peers.
Learning format: Asynchronous, self-paced modules with two virtual sessions per course led by a trusted instructor from the ASU Lodestar Center's Nonprofit Management Institute.
Cost: Introductory pricing for the CNP Pathway program is $2,832. Regular pricing begins January 1, 2027, at $2,995.
Credentialing fee: Our learners receive preferred pricing of $450 on the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance's exam and credentialing fee.
Since 1993, the ASU Lodestar Center's Nonprofit Management Institute has provided the knowledge, tools and connections for you to become an effective nonprofit leader and to help your organization grow. Our real-world experts know how to make strategic planning, marketing, fundraising and resource development work for you. The institute now draws learners from around the globe.
With our program, you're not simply meeting a minimum requirement for the CNP — you're learning from a leading provider of nonprofit education and an official partner of the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.
This ASU Lodestar Center program meets the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance's knowledge and skills requirement to sit for the Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) exam. Additional education, volunteer, leadership development and nonprofit experience requirements must also be completed to earn the credential. The CNP exam is optional at the end of our CNP Pathway Program, but eligible graduates may take it once all requirements are met and the exam fee is paid.
The CNP Pathway Program's introductory cost is $2,832 with a one-time payment option, or four payments of $742.25. Regular pricing of $2,995 begins January 1, 2027.
With this program, you get prepared for the CNP exam, fulfill the training requirement to receive the CNP credential, and also earn the Nonprofit Management Certificate from the ASU Lodestar Center.
The Certified Nonprofit Professional credential is issued by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. ASU Lodestar Center learners receive preferred pricing of $450 on the exam and credentialing fee. This fee includes access to the CNP Study Guide (3-month access), the CNP Exam (2 attempts to pass by achieving 76% or higher), and credentialing.
Yes, we can accept both. Please complete our Segal or GI Bill form to start the enrollment process.
Yes, you can pay in four installments of $742.25. Payments will be spaced over the duration of your enrollment.
CNP Exam Preparation is a six-week asynchronous course designed to provide an overview of the topics to review for the NLA CNP exam. Learners may register after completing the core courses. To get the most out of this course, it is essential to register for the NLA exam, which also gives you access to the CNP Study Guide. There is no grade given for the CNP Exam Preparation course.
Our program fulfills the nonprofit knowledge and skills requirement for the CNP credential and prepares you for the CNP exam. To earn the credential, issued by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, you'll need to:
The program is designed to be accessible to early-career professionals and career changers. To receive the CNP credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, you will need one year of professional experience.
Yes. The program is delivered online with a mix of live sessions and flexible self-paced modules.
Expect to spend approximately 8–10 hours on coursework per week. The program can be completed in one year.
The ASU Lodestar Center's Nonprofit Management Institute offers courses in an interactive online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
If you have questions related to this program, please complete an interest form and a program manager will get in touch with you directly.
