Earning the National Administrator Credential (NAC) is a major step in building your career as a childcare director, but maintaining that credential is just as important. If you're unsure about how to renew your NAC credential, NICCM makes the process clear, efficient, and accessible.
Renewing your NAC ensures that you remain compliant with state licensing requirements, stay current on leadership best practices, and continue building trust with families, staff, and regulatory agencies. This blog walks you through the renewal process, timelines, training requirements, and practical tips to help you keep your credential active, without stress.
Why Renewal Matters
Like many professional certifications, the National Administrator Credential must be renewed to stay valid. Most states that recognize the NAC as part of their childcare director certification requirements expect that it remains current.
Renewal keeps your knowledge up to date in areas such as program compliance, staff supervision, budgeting, and family engagement. It also signals your commitment to excellence in childcare leadership, helping you stand out in a competitive field and helping you stay up-to-speed with best practices in childcare and early education.
How to Renew NAC Credential: Step-by-Step
NICCM has designed the NAC renewal process to be simple and achievable for working professionals. Here's what you need to know:
1. Renewal Timeline
Your NAC credential is valid for two years from the date of issuance. To avoid a lapse, NICCM recommends beginning the renewal process at least 60 days before your expiration date.
2. Training Requirements
To renew, you must complete a minimum of 20 clock hours of continuing education for early childhood directors during your two-year credential period.
Eligible topics include:
- Early childhood education
- Child development
- Administration and management
- Licensing and legal requirements
- Health, safety, and nutrition
These hours must be verifiable and documented. NICCM accepts training from various sources, including state-approved workshops or childcare training programs from NICCM such as our Leadership Retreat or video training kits.
3. Submission Process
To submit your renewal, simply complete the NAC Renewal Application on NICCM’s website. You’ll need to:
- Upload proof of your 20 training hours
- Pay the renewal fee
- Confirm your credential information
NICCM offers both standard and expedited renewal options, depending on how close you are to your expiration date. If your credential has already expired, don’t worry, NICCM provides a grace period with guidance on how to reinstate it.
Easy Options for Earning Training Hours
Not sure where to find your 20 hours? NICCM offers several convenient ways to complete them—many of which are fully online and self-paced. These include:
- Mini-courseson leadership and compliance
- Refresher sessions for NAC topics
- Training bundles aligned with childcare training hour requirements
These programs are ideal for busy directors who want to maintain their credentials without disrupting their daily schedule.
Tips to Stay on Track
To ensure uninterrupted director-level certification, here are a few tips:
- Set a reminder 6–12 months after receiving your NAC to begin collecting hours
- Keep a folder (digital or physical) of your certificates and transcripts
- Choose training that aligns with your leadership goals or licensing updates
- Contact NICCM’s support team if you need clarification or guidance
Proactive renewal not only keeps your credential current, it also helps you grow as a leader and remain a valuable asset to your center.
Stay Certified. Stay Confident.
If you’ve been wondering how to renew your NAC credential, NICCM makes it easy. With clear guidelines, flexible continuing education options, and expert support, you can maintain your certification and keep moving forward in your childcare leadership journey.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start preparing now and keep your professional status intact.