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 1,500 or more paid hours (in a three year period) and have passed the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO^®) examination. Re-certification is required every three years. NAPO also offers specialty certifications in household management, life transitions, residential organizing, and workplace productivity.

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.