Process for attaining the NCRW certification:

1. CEUs

Accumulate 10 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in the three years prior to submitting a sample resume and cover letter. Click here for a list of approved CEUs.

Have your CEUs recorded by sending an e-mail to the CEU Admin Manager.

Important: Please maintain your own personal CEU file so that any record-keeping discrepancies can be quickly resolved.

2. Sample Submission

Take and pass the NCRW Study Guide Review Module (at no charge).

Submit to the CEU Admin Manager:

1. A self-authored resume and matching cover letter for review ($50.00 fee).
2. A justification explaining client's job search objectives, target industry, and strategies incorporated in your documents.
3. An executed and signed Study Guide Checklist (found at the end of the Study Guide) indicating thoroughness in the sample submission process.

The documents submitted must be in compliance with the NCRW Certification Study Guide available for download directly from our Web site.

Samples must also be in compliance with The Gregg Reference Manual – 10th Edition.

Check with the Administrative Manager to pay fee for submissions at (877) THE-NRWA (877-843-6792).

1. Two graders will review your samples using the same criteria used when grading NCRW reviews. Comments will be inserted directly into your Word documents. Results of your sample review will be delivered in 3-4 weeks.
2. If your samples are not up to NCRW standards, the Certification Chairperson will give you advice for strengthening your skills before your next sample submission. You will be asked for your feedback in an attached survey when you get your sample submission results. Second submission of samples is ($50.00) the same fee as the first.
3. If your samples are up to NCRW standards you have three months after the sample review to begin the review process.


3. Review Process after Successful Submission of Samples

If your samples comply with the NCRW Certification Study Guide you may take the NCRW review ($140.00 fee). The review is divided into two segments:

Part One: Proofreading Review

The first part is a one-hour timed proofreading review, comprised of a good-looking resume that is full of errors and a second page asking you to identify 25 specific mistakes. This portion of the review is graded within 1-2 days.

Part Two: Resume and Cover Letter Writing Review

For the second part you will be given a candidate profile and asked to write a resume and cover letter based on the profile. The documents (both resume and cover letter) must be submitted to the Certification Chair in three formats: Word, PDF, and ASCII. You will have three days to complete the project which is handled via e-mail.

Your work will be reviewed by three graders who are not aware of the NCRW candidate’s identity. It is a pass / fail review, but you will receive the graders’ comments either way. Timeline for grading Part Two of the review in 2-3 weeks.

Suggestions for successful review sample submissions

1. Read your resume and cover letter submission for each one of the checklist factors (listed in the NCRW Certification Study Guide), correcting and making improvements as you go. Check each item on the checklist as you complete it.
2. QUESTION EVERYTHING. Mark each questionable item with a question mark and return with your Gregg Reference Manual and/or NCRW Certification Study Guide to check them all at once.
3. After making corrections, leave it for another day and review again. Have someone else proofread your submission, too. Sometimes we just don't see the obvious.

While this is a time-consuming process, it is likely to make you a winner!

4. Failure of the NCRW Review
1. If you fail Part One of the review you must wait six months to retake it ($70.00 fee). If you do not pass it we strongly recommend that you take a grammar course.
2. If you fail Part Two of the review you must wait six months to retake it ($70.00 fee). If you fail this part a second time you must wait one year to retake ($70.00 fee).
3. The three graders will give you recommendations that you will need to complete before retaking the exam.

If you wait a year to retake the exam, you will have to comply with the CEU requirements.

5. To Maintain Certification
1. NCRWs are required to earn 15 CEUs every three years and maintain continuous membership with The NRWA.