Professional Organizers

There are no licensing requirements for professional organizers. Likewise, certification is not necessary, but the Certified Professional Organizer credential provides credibility and a way to document advanced skills, knowledge, and experience. Certification is available from the National Association of Professional Organizers; this certification is granted to those organizers who have 1,000 or more paid hours (in a five-year period) and have passed the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO^®) examination. Re-certification is required every three years.

The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) provides five levels of certificates and certification ranging from a Foundation Certificate in Chronic Disorganization to specialized certificates focusing on aging, hoarding, attention deficit disorder, and chronic disorganization, to a Certified Professional Organizer—Chronic Disorganization Certification. Their offerings also include a Certificate of Study in Time Management and Productivity. ICD Certification requires membership in the ICD, as well as the completion of a series of tele-classes and exams.