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 T. Douglas Lynne Jessica Brian Robert Hannibal Debra Margot John Jared Carrie Lee Jerry Chris Anthony Chad David Anthony Bill Martha Lorelle Kerri Brandy James Joseph Deanne Lynn Charles Ann-Marie Joseph Megan Gino Carlos Daniel Lisa Rodney Ryan Peree Gheretta Neil Brandon Troy Deborah Erica Brett Ryan Gavin Patti Charles Kristian Jonathan Geoffrey Andy Todd Kathryn Larry Jeremy Jason Mara Darrin Andrew Jackson Sokol Emily Steven William Paul Adam Jeremiah Ayumi Denishea Jennifer Millicent Julie Joseph Benjamin Andrew Ron Kimberly Michael John Chris Jennifer Zane Eileen Trent Victoria Caroline Nora Kathy Heidi Scott Thomas John Tim Eric Argyle Vince Joseph Elizabeth Neal Rich William John Victoria Matt Jussi Rick Melissa LaNiece Esmeralda David Kristy David David Roxanne David 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 Conville, CASP Corral, CASP Coschignano, CASP Cox, CASP Davidson, CASP Davies, CASP Demeri, Ed.D., CASP Dwyer, CASP Dwyer, CASP Eggleston, CASP Ellison, CASP Ernsting, CASP Farrell, CASP Floresca, CASP Fortune, CASP Freeman, CASP Galutera, CASP Garcia, CASP Gaytan, CPA, MST, CASP Goberis, CASP Gomez, CASP Greene, CASP Griffin, CASP Harris, CASP Hart, CASP Hendricks, CASP Higdon, CASP Huebler, CASP Jackson, CASP Jacobs, CASP Jensen, CASP Kidd, CASP Kissel, MBA, CASP Klinger, CASP Kukta, CASP Labe, CASP Lachman, CASP Larsen, CASP Le Gros, CASP Lee, CASP Leiferman, CASP Levy, CASP Lowrey, CASP Lyons, CASP Mansfield, CASP Mathews, CASP Mato, 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 Reif, CASP Richey, CASP Rix, CASP Ruzeski, CASP Ryan, CASP Sande, MBA, CASP Sandor, CASP Scribner, CASP Seagren, CASP Sekayan, CASP Shaw, CASP Siemens, CASP Silber, CASP Smallwood, 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 Wiseley, 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 Elon University California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Swarthmore College Texas A&M University - College Station Duke University Flathead Valley Community College Florida Polytechnic University Conestoga College Washington University - St. Louis Southern California University of Health Sciences California State University - San Marcos Seattle Pacific University University of Illinois - Chicago Carnegie Mellon University University of South Carolina - Columbia University of Richmond University of North Carolina - Wilmington NACAS Past President - Garcia California State University - Fullerton Colorado School of Mines University of Texas - Rio Grande Valley Georgia Institute of Technology 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 Weber State University Trent University California State University - Fullerton Syracuse University Penn State - Schuylkill Lafayette College University of Hawai'i at Manoa CAL Poly Humboldt University NACAS Past President - Le Gros University of Colorado - Colorado Springs University of Minnesota - Duluth RecRe Algonquin College SUNY - Oneonta University of Virginia - Charlottesville College of William and Mary Montgomery College - Rockville 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 Indiana University ? Purdue 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 Purdue University - Main Campus San Juan College Red Deer Polytechnic Georgia Gwinnett College Elon University Individual - Nora Sande University Of Mary Washington University of California - Riverside University of Iowa California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Shepherd University Red Deer Polytechnic Concordia University - Austin North Carolina Central University 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 Ohio State University (The) - Columbus 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.
There are two categories in which you can earn credits:
1) Training/Continuing Education – a minimum of 40 credits
2) Service & Leadership – a maximum of 20 credits
(All 60 credits may be earned in the Training/Continuing Education category, if you prefer.)
1) Training/Continuing Education
- Attending a live NACAS educational session, webinar, or virtual roundtable: 0.5 credits per 1/2 hour of scheduled programming.
- Attending a live educational session, training, webinar, or virtual roundtable from another higher education auxiliary service related association or institutional provider: 0.5 credits per 1/2 hour of scheduled programming.
- Recorded Education: 0.5 credits per 1/2 hour of scheduled programming. A short summary of what was learned during the recording must be submitted through the Activity Tracking Form.
- Management
- Leadership
- Marketing, Communications, Business Relations
- Student Development
- Bookstores/Commercial Retail
- Card Services
- Automated Vending
- Food Services
- Physical Facilities
- 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
- Presenting or co-presenting an educational session: 4 credits for the first time the program is offered.
- Presenting or co-presenting a repeat educational session: 2 credits
- Authorship or Co-authorship for a published article related to CASP core competencies: 5 credits
- Authorship or Co-authorship for a published book or chapter related to CASP core competencies: 12 credits
- Member of a NACAS standing committee, commission, task force, or foundation: 4 credits per year of service
- Acting as a CASP Subject Matter Expert, and active during the year for at least one month: 4 credits per year of service
- Teaching a course related to auxiliary services (1 credit or more) either in person or on line at an accredited higher education institution.: 6 credits
- Officer or Board member of NACAS, NACAS Region, NACAS Foundation, or another higher education auxiliary service related association: 6 credits per year of service.
- Chair of a committee, commission, or task force of NACAS or another higher education auxiliary service related association: 6 credits per year of service
- Serving as a mentor for first time attendees at a NACAS Regional or National conference: 2 credits per conference
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)
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.