If you’re eyeing the NICCM NAC online course but still wondering what it’s actually like from the inside—this is the blog for you. Whether you’re a full-time professional, a busy parent, or someone who simply can’t attend a live training weekend, NICCM’s web-based version of the National Administrator Credential (NAC) offers flexibility without compromise.
Here’s your no-fluff, behind-the-scenes breakdown of what to expect—and how to make the most of it.
Format: Designed for Real Life
The NAC online course mirrors the live program in quality and content, but is tailored for ultimate flexibility. Once you register, you’ll receive access to a secure online platform, where you’ll complete five core sessions and the final assessment (Praxis + Final Exam). Each session includes two in-depth video units, giving you 10 total units and 45 contact hours/4.5 CEUs.
You’ll also receive a printed 350-page conference book by mail, which acts as your study guide and reference companion throughout the course. That means you’re not just staring at a screen—you’re working through real material with clear learning outcomes.
Pacing: Go Fast or Take Your Time
One of the best parts of the NAC online course is that you control the pace. Want to finish the entire program in a weekend? You can. Need six months to fit the training around your job or family commitments? That works too.
Participants can start and stop sessions as needed, revisit videos, and complete each session when they’re ready. As long as you meet the core requirements, you’ll be eligible to earn your full Director Credential on your own timeline.
Instructor Support: You’re Not Alone
Distance learning doesn’t mean doing it all by yourself. Every participant is assigned an instructor to help guide them through the course—especially during the Praxis and Final Exam. You can contact your instructor by email or phone, ask questions, and receive clarification on any part of the process.
If you ever need replacement materials, resubmission forms, or clarification on a session requirement, you can also visit NICCM’s forms portal for quick access to everything you need.
What the Coursework Looks Like
Here’s a sneak peek into what you’ll be covering:
- Session Acovers budgeting and insurance.
- Session Bdives into hiring, orientation, and employee policies.
- Session Cexplores center management and child development.
- Session Dfocuses on leadership and managing difficult staff situations.
- Session Etackles training strategies and navigating marketing with today’s economic challenges.
- Session Fwraps up the course with the Final Exam and Praxis.
Each session counts for 4 contact hours (.4 CEUs), and the final exam/praxis is worth 25 contact hours (2.5 CEUs). Whether you’re working through the units solo or pairing it with optional tutoring, the NAC online course keeps everything structured and achievable.
Bonus: It’s Widely Accepted
Thousands of professionals across the U.S. have used the NAC online course to meet credentialing requirements in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Utah, and beyond. It’s accepted as a recognized Director Credential training program in all 50 states—and it’s TEACH scholarship approved in many.
NICCM is also one of the few providers to offer this credential online with robust support and a user-friendly experience.
Your Next Step: Start from Anywhere
If you’re ready to level up your career from wherever you are, the NAC online course is the most accessible, trusted path forward. The cost is $594 (including shipping), and you can begin anytime. Ready to enroll? Register here and get started at your own pace.
And if you ever decide you’d rather attend a live weekend event, you can always explore upcoming events for the in-person option that best fits your schedule.
The NICCM NAC online course offers more than just convenience—it offers a complete, well-supported, and nationally recognized pathway to leadership in early childhood education.