What Is the NAC? Everything You Need to Know About the National Administrator Credential

If you’re aiming to become a childcare center director or elevate your role in early childhood education, chances are you’ve come across the National Administrator Credential—better known as the NAC. But what exactly is it, why is it important, and how can you earn it?

This blog will walk you through the essentials of the NAC and explain how NICCM’s streamlined, multi-state approved version helps professionals meet director qualifications faster and more affordably than traditional routes.

What Is the National Administrator Credential (NAC)?

The NAC is a nationally recognized credential designed for current or aspiring child care administrators. It demonstrates your readiness to manage early childhood education programs and meet state-level licensing and leadership requirements.

The credential is often required (or strongly recommended) for those pursuing:

• Preschool director certification
• Child care center leadership positions
• Licensing compliance in multiple U.S. states

In short, the NAC helps formalize your training in child care management, staffing, operations, and leadership—making it a smart next step for professionals who want to lead, not just assist.

Where Is the NAC Recognized?

NICCM’s version of the National Administrator Credential is accepted or approved for use in all 50 states. More specifically:

• Texas:Approved by TDPRS to meet the “Texas Director Credential” requirement
• Florida:Approved by DCF to meet the Florida Director Credentialcourse requirements
• Louisiana:Accepted by Pathways and DCFS for licensing
• Oklahoma:Meets the administrative section of the Bronze Oklahoma Director’s Credential
• Utah:Approved as an Educational Credential for director qualification
• New Mexico:Used to meet childcare directorrequirements

If you’re unsure how it applies in your state, NICCM’s support team can walk you through what you need and how to qualify.

Even if your state doesn’t require the NAC, earning it through NICCM can significantly boost your professional credibility. The credential serves as a trusted signal that you’re prepared to manage staff, maintain compliance, and lead with confidence across diverse early childhood settings.

Why Choose NICCM for Your NAC?

While multiple organizations may offer administrative training, NICCM stands out for one major reason: simplicity.

NICCM’s NAC is not only highly regarded across the country, but also designed to be user-friendly, time-efficient, and cost-effective—without compromising quality.

You can earn your credential in just 2.5 days through a live event or complete it over time via web-based distance learning. Unlike semester-long college courses, NICCM’s version is tailored for working professionals who need structure, support, and flexibility.

What You’ll Learn in the NAC Program

NICCM’s Director Credential course is organized into five core sessions plus a final Praxis component. Each session covers practical, director-level knowledge needed to run a successful childcare program and meet state licensing expectations.

Session	Topics Covered
Session A	- Budget Planning for Directors - Understanding Liability and Center Insurance
Session B	- Staff Recruitment & Onboarding Best Practices - Creating Effective Employee Policies and Performance Tools
Session C	- Operational Oversight and Daily Center Management - Key Concepts in Child Growth & Development
Session D	- Managing Difficult Team Dynamics - Leading with Confidence: Admin & Leadership Essentials
Session E	- Adapting to Industry Shifts in Today’s Economy - Techniques for Training Staff and Building Internal Capacity
Praxis Component	- Complete your credential with a structured take-home assessment, supported by tutoring if needed—online or at a live event

Professionals who take NICCM’s NAC course often become more efficient in their management and leadership roles. The real-world training provides actionable strategies that help directors streamline daily operations, lead stronger teams, and meet compliance goals with greater clarity and confidence.

Online or In Person—You Choose

NICCM is the only national credential provider to offer a fully web-based NAC program. If you can’t attend an in-person session, you’ll receive the same high-quality training through a self-paced online course, complete with:

• A 350-page training manual
• 6 months of course access
• Instructor support via phone or email

Whether you attend a weekend event or complete your training online, NICCM gives you the tools to succeed.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re serious about advancing your career in child care administration, the National Administrator Credential is a powerful investment—and NICCM makes it achievable.

Whether your state requires it or not, earning your NAC adds valuable professional credibility and can set you apart in competitive hiring environments. Individuals who complete the training and apply the tools consistently report greater efficiency in managing staff, handling operations, and leading their programs more effectively.

NICCM’s streamlined, multi-state-approved NAC program is designed with flexibility in mind. You can complete your training in just 2.5 days at a live weekend event or choose the distance learning option to work at your own pace. Both formats offer full support, a comprehensive training manual, and practical leadership insights.

Still have questions? Whether you’re pursuing preschool director certification or a Florida Director Credential online course, contact NICCM for expert guidance and discover how easy it is to confidently meet your credentialing goals.

It’s your move—from classroom to leadership.