About CASP
Keep your campus current and competitive with a CASP professional leading your auxiliaries.
Certified Auxiliary Services Professional. The only benchmark certification that measures the needed competencies of college and university executives who oversee multiple auxiliary services.
CASP adds value to your institution by:
Easing leadership succession and staff transitions, Improving cross-departmental collaboration and decision making, Minimizing conflict when auxiliary services integrate, Increasing operational efficiencies and revenues, Enhancing campus-wide upgrades in contemporary ways
This certification offers an accelerated track to obtain necessary cross-functional knowledge and fills competency gaps to build confidence in new leaders and in those who hire them.
Select an option below:
- About CASP
- Prepare For CASP
- Apply For CASP
- CASP Recertification
- CASP Directory
Purpose
NACAS created CASP so universities can responsibly prepare for leadership succession planning, benefit from operational efficiencies, and stay current in auxiliary-related practices that must adapt to emerging technologies and trends.
By placing the right leaders into executive auxiliary roles who have been validated by a rigorous and reputable certification program, valuable collaboration increases on campus and higher education institutions experience eased staffing transitions, quicker decision making in cross-departmental meetings, and less conflict when various service functions integrate.
Promise
CASP provides specialized education and exposure to resources that one can’t gain from a degree or professional experience in one-to-few auxiliary service areas. It provides an accelerated track for a high-performing candidate to obtain the cross-functional knowledge that is necessary to perform at an executive level. Designed to offer candidates their own skills assessment and pathways to develop in the areas needed, CASP fills competency gaps to build confidence in new leaders and in those who hire them.
History of CASP
CASP began in 2004 when NACAS members requested that the association establish a process to validate the knowledge of professionals who lead multiple campus auxiliaries.
After five years of extensive industry research, NACAS took a bold step in 2009 and began to create a certification. Today, CASP is the only certification that validates the competencies that one operating at the level of director of above must demonstrate to successfully oversee the delivery of multiple auxiliary services found on a college or university campus.
The Exam: The CASP program includes a 150-question, multiple-choice exam that demonstrates specialized expertise as campus auxiliary service leader – giving those that pass and their institutions the confidence to set sophisticated strategy, forge business partnerships, and make transformative decisions to benefit campus communities.
The Benefit: Vast in responsibilities, the Auxiliary Services profession requires leaders to bring new meaning to multi-tasking, foresight, and problem-solving as these skill sets relate to business operations and service design. CASP provides a unique opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the delivery of the following auxiliary services:
- Management
- Leadership
- Marketing, Communications, and Business Relations
- Student Development
- Operational Areas: Physical Facilities, Food Services, Bookstores/Commercial Retail, Card Services, Automated Vending
Eligibility Requirements
CASP proves proficiency, and there are certain milestones exam takers must achieve before their testing date.
They must:
- Be employed or contracted on a college or university campus and directly provide auxiliary/ancillary services
- Have four years’ full-time experience in management (within the last ten years) directly related to auxiliary/ancillary services (non-academic support services).
- Three years of these must be in higher education auxiliary/ancillary services
ASCOG Recording
2021 CASP Roundtable: Am I ready for CASP?
| First Name | Last Name | Institution/Company |
|---|---|---|
Pablo DaNesha Megan Ana Mariola Rosie Stephen Craig LeVita Douglas Lynne Jessica Brian Robert Hannibal Debra Margot John Jared Carrie Lee Jerry Chris Anthony David Anthony Bill Martha Lorelle Kerri James Joseph Deanne Lynn Charles Ann-Marie Megan Gino Carlos Rodney Peree Gheretta Neil Brandon Troy Deborah Erica Brett Ryan Patti Charles Kristian Jonathan Geoffrey Andy Kathryn Larry Jason Mara Andrew Jackson Emily Steven William Paul Adam Jeremiah Ayumi Denishea Jennifer Millicent Julie Joseph Benjamin Andrew Ron Kimberly Michael John Chris Jennifer Eileen Trent Victoria Nora Kathy Jim Heidi Scott Thomas John Tim Eric Vince Joseph Elizabeth Neal Rich William John Victoria Matt Jussi Rick Melissa LaNiece Esmeralda David Kristy David David Roxanne Sonya Josh Craig |
Aguilar, CASP Allen, CASP Allred, CASP Alvarez, CASP Arriola, CASP Ashley, CASP Barr, CASP Barth, CASP Bassett, CASP Belcher, CASP, MBA Bell, CASP Bender, CASP Browning, CASP Budach, CASP Burton, CASP Carpenter, CASP Carroll, CASP Caspers Ceja, CASP Chutes-Charley, CASP Clark, CASP Clemmer, MHRM, CASP Clifford, CASP Condo, CASP Corral, CASP Coschignano, CASP Cox, CASP Davidson, CASP Davies, CASP Demeri, Ed.D., CASP Dwyer, CASP Eggleston, CASP Ellison, CASP Ernsting, CASP Farrell, CASP Floresca, CASP Freeman, CASP Galutera, CASP Garcia, CASP Gomez, CASP Griffin, CASP Harris, CASP Hart, CASP Hendricks, CASP Higdon, CASP Huebler, CASP Jackson, CASP Jacobs, CASP Kidd, CASP Kissel, MBA, CASP Klinger, CASP Kukta, CASP Labe, CASP Lachman, CASP Le Gros, CASP Lee, CASP Levy, CASP Lowrey, CASP Mansfield, CASP Mathews, CASP Messa, CASP Miller, CASP Moran, CASP Murphy, MBA, CASP Nevill, CASP O'Connor, CASP Orgar, CASP Ortiz, CASP Paiotti, CASP Parke, CASP Payne-Kirchmeier, Ph.D, CASP Pearson, CASP Perlman, CASP Pignataro, CASP Portwine, CASP Rademacher, CASP Ramella, CASP Reale, Jr., CASP Reed, CASP Reed, CASP Richey, CASP Rix, CASP Ruzeski, CASP Sande, MBA, CASP Sandor, CASP Sayre, CASP Scribner, CASP Seagren, CASP Sekayan, CASP Shaw, CASP Siemens, CASP Silber, CASP Smyth, CASP Sobieralski, CASP St. John, CASP Stark, CASP Steele, CASP Stewart, CASP Strybos, CASP Suttmiller, CASP Suwalski, CASP Tinnemeyer, CASP Torres, CASP Townsend, CASP Tyree, CASP Valdez, CASP VanderSloot, CASP Vienne, CASP Wahr, CASP Weaver, CASP Welch, CASP Wright, CASP Wroniewicz, CASP Zemmin, CASP |
University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley University of Houston - Central University of North Carolina - Wilmington University of Miami University of Illinois - Chicago University of Houston - Central Virginia Commonwealth University University Enterprises/ Sacramento Howard University Georgia Gwinnett College University of Arkansas - Fayetteville Palm Beach State College University of Tennessee Arizona State University - Tempe Miami Dade College University of Houston - Clear Lake Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge Okanagan College California State Polytechnic University - Pomona University of Texas - San Antonio Virginia Military Institute University of Richmond University of Pittsburgh - Bradford Swarthmore College California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Swarthmore College Texas A&M University - College Station Duke University Flathead Valley Community College Florida Polytechnic University Arizona State University - Tempe Southern California University of Health Sciences California State University - San Marcos Seattle Pacific University University of Illinois - Chicago Carnegie Mellon University University of Richmond University of North Carolina - Wilmington NACAS Past President - Garcia University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston University of Virginia - Charlottesville University of Houston - Central Virginia Tech Individual - Troy Higdon University of Houston - Central University of Georgia - Athens University of Waterloo Trent University California State University - Fullerton Syracuse University Penn State - Schuylkill Lafayette College University of Hawai'i at Manoa NACAS Past President - Le Gros University of Colorado - Colorado Springs RecRe Algonquin College University of Virginia - Charlottesville College of William and Mary University of Houston - Central Penn State - University Park Xavier University Sinclair Community College Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Individual - Jeremiah A. O'Connor Simon Fraser University Rochester Institute of Technology Xavier University Georgia Military College Northwestern University Central Washington University Saint Louis University Rider University Saginaw Valley State University Ferris State University SUNY - Albany University SUNY - Polytechnic Institute Oakland University University of Utah - Salt Lake City San Juan College Red Deer Polytechnic Georgia Gwinnett College Individual - Nora Sande University Of Mary Washington University of Arizona University of California - Riverside University of Iowa California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Shepherd University Red Deer Polytechnic Concordia University - Austin University of North Florida University of South Carolina - Columbia University of Richmond University of Cincinnati NACAS: National Association of College Auxiliary Services University of Texas Health Science Center - Houston Del Mar College - Corpus Christi University of Texas - El Paso University of Wisconsin - Green Bay University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston University of North Carolina - Charlotte Vancouver Island University Howard University University of Houston - Central Grand Valley State University Lone Star College System Owens State Community College University of Alaska Anchorage SUNY - Albany University Dickinson College University of Richmond University of North Texas - Denton |
The Application
The application must be submitted through the online CASP Application below.
To complete the application, you will need to provide your personal contact information, education history, work history, and sign the NACAS Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct for Auxiliary/Ancillary Services below:
Review Remote Testing Prep Guide
CASP Recertification
As with most certification programs, recertification procedures are established to ensure designees are keeping up with changes and best practices in their profession and upholding the merit that is associated with their designation. Campus auxiliary service leaders who pass the certification exam are CASP for four years. To renew a CASP designation, certain recertification requirements must be met.
The recertification term is for four years. During the four year term, you must achieve a total of 60 recertification credits.
There are three categories in which you can earn credits:
1) Training/Continuing Education – a minimum of 36 credits
2) Service – a maximum of 12 credits
3) Leadership - a maximum of 12 credits
(All 60 credits may be earned in the Training/Continuing Education category, if you prefer.)
1) Training/Continuing Education
Credits must be attained in at least four areas, including at least one operational area. A minimum of 36 credits must be obtained in this category. All 60 credits may be obtained through training. One credit will be received for up to one hour of training attended. One half (0.5) credits can be earned for each additional hour of training following the first hour.
All Training/Continuing Education must relate to auxiliary/ancillary profession industry or expertise in the CASP content areas.
Core content areas include:
-
Management
-
Leadership
-
Marketing, Communications, Business Relations
-
Student Development
Operational areas include:
-
Bookstores
-
Card Services
-
Commercial/Retail
-
Food Services
-
Physical Facilities
Supporting documentation is required to substantiate credits. Acceptable documentation may be any one of the following:
- A letter from the organization certifying participation in the activity
- A certificate of attendance
- Verification from the hosting organization that applicant’s name is on a sign-in sheet
2) Service
Service is recognized through authorship/co-authorship of an article, book chapter, or book related to the skills and industry area, through speaking engagements, or through active membership in a higher education association committee or task force. A maximum of 12 hours can be earned during the recertification period. To see how credits are awarded, please click HERE and scroll to page 4.
3) Leadership
In order to receive credit in this area, applicants must serve in a leadership capacity at a national or regional level in a higher education auxiliary service related association during the recertification period.
Leadership is defined as participation in an organization as an officer, board member, or chairperson of a committee, commission, or task force from a higher education association. Each position counts a maximum of six credits per year. Positions on the same board, committee, or task force may not overlap; however, an individual could earn credit for participation in one committee or task force (Service) and earn credit for chairing another committee or task force (Leadership).
Documentation is required. Acceptable forms of documentation include:
- A letter of documentation from the association.
- For NACAS position, documented summary of service
NACAS Mentor
Credit will be earned for serving as a mentor for first time attendees at NACAS regional or national conferences. Two credits are earned for each conference served as a mentor.
Documentation is required. Acceptable forms for documentation include:
- Documented summary of work with verification from event host or coordinator.
Submit Recertification Application
You may recertify your CASP designation by emailing your completed application to casp@nacas.org.
Pay the Application Fee
The recertification fee is $175 for NACAS members or $350 for non-members
If special circumstances or hardships have caused you to miss your recertification deadline, you may appeal to the Certification Commission for a certification extension. Upon completing the form, the Commission will review your appeal and respond within 45 days. Submit an appeal here. For more information please reference the CASP Recertification Handbook. You can also contact the NACAS National Office with any questions at casp@nacas.org or (434) 245-8425.
CASP Emeritus
CASP designees in good standing, upon retiring from professional activities, may be granted emeritus status at the discretion of the NACAS Certification Commission. The CASP Emeritus Member/Fellow is a legacy designation which does not require recertification. Emeritus members/fellows may continue to use the CASP designation with the addition of “(emeritus)” after “CASP.”
The CASP Emeritus designation is not to be used in place of CASP recertification.
Example: Janet K. Smith, CASP (emeritus)
Apply for CASP Emeritus - Coming soon!
Prepare for CASP
NACAS offers helpful information, tools, guides, and study groups to help exam takers prepare for testing day. Applicants are encouraged to access all preparatory resources to help master exam content areas, decrease test anxiety, and bond with other auxiliary professionals who are on the same path to certification.
Download Helpful Resources
View the CASP candidate handbook
CASP Frequently Asked Questions
View live test question format - Coming Soon
View retired CASP exam questions
View the CASP remote testing prep guide
Best Practice Guides
Best Practices in Auxiliary Job Descriptions
Best Practices in Conference & Events Services
Best Practices in Parking & Transportation
Best Practices in Print & Mail Shops
Watch the virtual CASP prep course (2021)
Exam Content Areas
The CASP program launched more than five years ago, and in that time industry practices have shifted. In order to stay current in the industry and uphold certification best practices, the Certification Commission has aligned the exam content to match the 2015 Work Analysis of our members. The following content is covered on the CASP exam:
- Management
- Leadership
- Marketing, Communications, and Business Relations
- Student Services
- Operational Areas: Food Services, Bookstores/Commercial Retail, Card Services, Physical Facilities, Automated vending
CAS Standards for Auxiliary Services
The CAS standards for auxiliary services (Auxiliary Service Functional Areas or ASFA) provide some key information for those planning to take the CASP examination. Student development is one of the domains covered in the CASP exam. The CAS standards for ASFA’s provide an excellent source of information addressing student development and learning as these topics relate directly to auxiliary service operations.
CAS Standards, free for members: The Role of Auxiliary Services Functional Areas
Authoritative References List
This list is a concise yet detailed guide to informative Auxiliary Services Professional references and is intended for use as a study aid only. NACAS does not intend the list to imply endorsement of these specific references, nor are all of the test questions necessarily taken from these sources.
- Association Solutions National Restaurant Association. (2010). ServSafe essentials (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.
- Barr, M. J., & McClellan, G. S. (2011). Budgets and Financial Management in Higher Education (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass
- Certo, S.C. (2003). Modern management (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.
- Cotts, D.G., Roper, K.O., & Payant, R.P. (2009). The facility management handbook (3rd ed.). New York, NY: AMACOM.
- Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education. (2009). CAS professional standards for higher education (7th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
- Dessler, G. (2010). Human resource management (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Prentice Hall.
- Fairbrook, P. (1979). College & university food service manual. Stockton, CA: Colman Publishers.
- Gafney, L. (1996). Practical merchandising math (National retail federation). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
- Gray, C. F., & Larson, E. W. (2005). Project management: The managerial process (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Irwin/McGraw-Hill.
- Gill, J. O. (1999). Understanding financial statements: A primer of useful information. Ontario, Canada: Crisp Learning.
- King, T.E., Lembke, V.C., & Smith, J.H. (2000). Financial accounting: A decision-making approach (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
- Lencioni, P. (2002). The five dysfunctions of a team: A leadership fable. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
- PCI Security Standards Council. (2010). PCI-DSS quick reference guide: Understanding the payment card industry data security standard version 2.0. Retrieved from https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/documents/PCI%20SSC%20Quick%20Reference%20Guide.pdf
- Reed, O.L., Shedd, P., Pagnatarro, M., & Morehead, J. (2009). The legal and regulatory environment of business (15th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Winston, R. B., Jr., Creamer, D. G., Miller, T. K., & Associates. (2001). The professional student affairs administrator: Educator, leader, and manager. New York, NY: Brunner Routledge.