Certification Frequently Asked Questions

When did the NSGCD Certificate Program begin?

The NSGCD Certificate Program began in October of 2001.

How many people have earned their Certificates?

Over 49 percent of our subscribers have earned their Level I certificates (Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization). Graduates from any NSGCD educational program are listed on our website by levels. Please visit our Graduate pages to check out the graduates.

Why must I be a member of the NSGCD to work on the Certificate and Certification programs?

Certificates and NSGCD certification are currently only available to NSGCD subscribers. This is because our program requires participation in our teleconferences. Teleconferences are a benefit of subscribership. Tracking and registering subscribers for teleconferences is a difficult and time consuming process, therefore we restrict certificates and certification only to subscribers. To become a member, please visit our subscribership page.

Why should I consider becoming a Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic disorganization (CPO-CD)?

A Level III Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD ® ) (Level III) is a professional organizer who has been educated in depth on the issues of chronic disorganization. The CPO-CD ® student spends 17-20 months of intensive time studying and applying this learning in practical application with current clients. The purpose of the NSGCD CPO-CD ® program is to develop a Professional Organizers skills and knowledge by utilizing a coaching style relationship. This program allows the intermediate and advanced Professional Organizer an environment and forum to discuss client issues, problems and challenges. Participation in the CPO-CD ® program develops honesty, trust and improves an organizer's communication skills. The CPO-CD ® program is specifically geared to improve the quality of service, techniques and knowledge a Professional Organizer provides to their CD clients.

You can listen to our recording on "So You Want to be a CPO-CD" to get more detailed information.

What is the difference between the NSGCD CPO-CD® certification and the Certified Professional Organizer (CPO®) credential offered through The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO)?

NSGCD's certification is based on its own highly structured, intensive educational programs specific to our client work, with follow-up exams and assignments to prove earned proficiency for certification designation. BCPO offers a certification exam based on proof of independent education and prior organizing experience; both are needed in order to qualify to take the exam. The certifications are different in approach and structure, and both are available to professional organizers depending on their own needs, purpose and educational/professional focus.

What is the difference between the various Level I - Study Series Certificates?

Within the Level I Study Series, we have one foundation certificate and eight focused or specialized certificates.

The Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization is the foundation certificate as it includes the Basic CD Class. The four other Certificate of Study - Study Series Certificates are focused on specialized topics.

The Certificate of Study in Basic ADD issues with the CD Client gives an overview of issues relating to Attention Deficit Disorder in the client.

The Certificate of Study in CD Client Administration gives specialized knowledge to help administer the special needs and conditions of working with CD Clients.

The Certificate of Study in Basic Physical Conditions and Challenges Affecting the CD Client gives an overview of issues relating to physical health of the CD client.

The Certificate of Study in Understanding the Needs of the Elderly CD Client focuses on the special needs and concerns of the Elderly CD Client.

The Certificate of Study in Basic Mental Health Conditions and Challenges Affecting the CD Client explores a limited range of mental health conditions and challenges. This overview certificate allows an introduction and presents some strategies, resources and collaboration techniques for professional organizers working with these clients.

The Certificate of Study in Learning Styles and Modalities explores a variety of learning styles, modalities and differences.

The Certificate of Study in Understanding the Needs of the Student Client covers the specialized needs and issues of working with the CD Student client.

The Certificate of Study in Basic Hoarding Issues with the CD Client covers the specialized needs and issues of working with the CD client with hoarding issues.

The Certificate of Study in Life Transitions covers the specialized needs and issues of working with the CD client during a time of transition. Life transitions include but are not limited to entry into the work force, single to married, widowed, empty nest, divorce, death, and moving.

How long will it take me to earn a Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization?

A Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization can currently be achieved in about two weeks to six months. The exact time depends on the frequency with which you take the recorded and/or live teleclasses.

How do I find a Certificate application?

The Certificate applications are on the website under each corresponding Certificate. They can be downloaded and printed in PDF format. Use this link to see the Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization. Click here.

When is the next Basic CD Class?

The Basic CD class is currently scheduled at least four times a year. Please check our upcoming teleconference list for the next scheduled class. Click here.

How long will it take me to become a CD Specialist?

It is estimated to take between eight months to two years to earn your CD Specialist Certificate. The CD Exam must be taken and passed to complete this program. The CD Exam can be taken anytime after you have attended the Basic CD Class and read the required reading. You must complete the requirements and apply for your CD Specialist credential within two years of passing the CD Exam.

What is the "foundation" certificate?

The Level I Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization is sometimes referred to as the foundation certificate.

What is the CD Exam?

The CD Exam is a test required to be taken in order to receive your CD Specialist Certificate. The CD Exam is offered several times a year. The CD Exam is a 20 question multiple choice exam based on the required readings. The CD Exam must be taken in person and is not offered in any other way.

When can I take the CD Exam?

The CD Exam can be taken as long as you are an NSGCD member and have taken the Basic CD class and read the required material. The passing of the CD Exam is not considered completion of the CD Specialist Certificate, only a component. The Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization and 9 additional teleconferences must be taken and an application must also be submitted for the Level 2 CD Specialist Certificate. Please visit the CD Exam page for upcoming dates and locations. For our CD Exam page, click here.

Do teleclass credits expire?

Teleclasses are good for two years.

Can I apply teleclasses for which I have received credit to multiple Level I Certificates of Study and/or to Level II Specialist Certificate requirements?

Teleclasses can be applied to a maximum of two certificates. Although many classes can be associated with multiple Level I or Level II Certificates, the subscriber can choose only two to which to apply each teleclass. Options include two Level I Certificates of Study or one Level I Certificate of Study and one Level II Specialist Certificate or two Level II Specialist Certificates. There is one exception to this rule: the same teleclass can't be applied to the Level II Specialist Certificate equivalent of a Level I Certificate of Study. For instance, the nine additional teleclasses required for the Level II CD Specialist Certificate must be different from the six teleclasses submitted for the Level I Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization. Similarly, the six additional teleclasses required for the Level II ADD Specialist Certificate must be different from the six teleclasses submitted for the Level I Certificate of Study in Basic ADD Issues with the CD Client.

What are the corresponding icons for each Level I - Study Series Certificate?

Please visit this page for visuals and descriptions. Click here.

Are there recertification requirements?

Level I and II certificates never expire. To maintain Level III-V credentials, recertification every three years is required.

How much does it cost to receive a Certificate or Certification?

See our current certificate price list. This does not include any phone charges you will receive from your long distance phone company provider for attending teleconferences. We encourage our subscribers to search out a low rate or purchase pre-paid calling cards to keep costs down.

How will I know if I have achieved a Level I or II certificate?

Once your application is received, it will take six weeks for you to receive your certificate and for your new credential to be listed on the NSGCD website.

How many people have earned their Certificates?

Over 49 percent of our subscribers have earned their Level I certificates (Certificate of Study in Chronic Disorganization). Over 29% of our subscribers have earned their Level II CD Specialist Certificate. Graduates from any NSGCD educational program are listed on our website by levels. Please visit our Graduate pages to check out the graduates.

Do you have any payment plans?

We offer a payment plan on Level III only. For details, please see the current Level III CPO-CD ® Application. Click here.

Would you like to know more about the Certification Program?

You can listen to the online recording to Understanding the Certification Program by clicking here.

If I have additional questions, who do I contact?

For inquiries about teleclass topics or offerings, please contact the NSGCD Teleclass director at teleclassdir@nsgcd.org. For information about the NSGCD Certification Program, please contact that Certification Program Director at CertificationDir@nsgcd.org.