Certified Trainer Program

A professional certificate of training for Head Start programs qualifies an individual who have demonstrated expertise for a particular content area and maintain the necessary instructional skill set demanded in today's learning environment for Head Start. Being a certified trainer means you can deliver superior training on Head Start programs and requirements.  HSU's certified trainer maintain a high standard of preparedness. They have exceptional access to resources.  They are skilled in several aspects of the content area chosen.  The certified trainer program focuses on helping professionals achieve this vision.  Student can get certified in eight core area:

1. Early Childhood Development

2. Health and Safety

3. Family and Community Development

4. Program Design and Management

   1. ERSEA Certification

5. Fiscal Management

6. Special Education Management

7. Human Resource Management

8. Technology Management

(Printable guide)

A. Why should I get certified? 

When you earn a certification, you are demonstrating your expertise with current policies and procedures, while validating real-Head Start skills and job-related experiences that are used every day. HSU's Certification aids in improvement of your agency's ability to meet requirement and NEW Head Start Act procedures. Being certified is the best way to stay up to date with compliance because—we continually update our certification program and measure it for relevance in the federal regulations.

B. What are the benefits of certification?

HS University's certification helps improve your agency's compliance. Head Start programs need to ensure their program is meeting federal requirements and these requirements changed with the passing of the HS Act of 2007.  Head Start employees simultaneously, need to ensure management that their skills will keep compliance issues from appearing in federal reviews.  HSU'S Certification exams are always relevant because they are continuously tested and revamped to reflect the most current Head Start trends. Head Start professionals review the exams before they are published, which allows us to always have a finger on the pulse. Our Certification exams are an efficient way to measure the skill set and they provide a reliable benchmark for ensuring compliance.

C. What are the certification requirements?

In order to meet certification program requirements, candidates must acquire a premier  certification level.  In order to accomplish this, you must:

1. Complete an application

2. Pay an fee

3. Attend a certification preparation course

4. Meet a certification program requirements

5. Take the exams

6. Demonstrate training ability through course presentation

To earn your certification, you must pass several exams.   The exams are developed with the input of professionals in the Head Start system, the exams reflect how federal regulations and requirements must be implemented throughout the Head Start system.  The exams are administered by HS University professionals in locations around the US. 

D. What are the exam requirements? 

In order to meet certification requirements, candidates must acquire a certification level.  To accomplish this, you must complete an application, pay an annual fee, and meet a program requirements, attend a certification preparation course and take the exams.  To earn your HSCT certification, you must pass two core exams and one elective exam.   HSCT exams are developed with the input of professionals in the Head Start system, the exams reflect how Federal regulations and requirements must be implemented throughout the Head Start program.  The exams are administered by HS University professionals in locations around the US. 

E. What other types of certifications are offered? 

HS University's offers two other certification levels.  

Certified Administrator program is designed for professionals who want to implement, manage, and monitor regulations in a particular area of Head Start environment based upon requirements set forth by the Performance Standards and Head Start Act. This certification program was developed with the input of Head Start professional and reflect how regulations and procedures are best implemented. HSU's Certified Administrators (CA) candidates typically have 1 to 2 years experience administering a program area at a Head Start program.  They are knowledgeable about policy and regulations and understand about implementing, managing and maintaining procedures in accordance to Federal requirements. 

Certified Professional program is designed for professionals qualifies an individual to plan, implement and develop services and resources for a particular content area. Being a certified professional means you are recognized as the best professional in a chosen content area in Head Start.  HSU's certified professionals maintain a high standard of preparedness. They have exceptional access to resources.  They are skilled in several aspects of the content area chosen.  The certified professional program focuses on helping professionals achieve this vision.

F. How do I get certified? 

HS University offers a four step procedure to getting certified

1. Decide which field of expertise is right for you

2. Meet the certification requirements

3. Take the necessary certification training

4. Take your required exam(s).

5. Demonstrate your training ability with a live presentation.