This is part of our ongoing series examining the various resume-writing certifications available to resume writers, career coaches, and career professionals who help professionals find new jobs.
What is The NRWA? What is the NCRW Credential?
The Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) credential is available through the National Resume Writers Association (NRWA). The NRWA is an organization that educates, motivates, and supports global resume writers, much like the Professional Association of Resume Writers/Career Coaching (PARWCC) and Resume Writers Academy (RWA).
Formed by a group of early members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers (the Northeast Resume Writers Association), the group evolved into the NRWA in 1997 and has grown to 600+ members, according to the NRWA at the time of writing.
The Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) certification is obtained through The National Resume Writers Association. Click here to learn more about the NRWA.
How the NCRW Compares to Other Credentials
The NCRW offers several unique benefits over other resume-writing credentials, including the ACRW, CPRW, and CARW.
For instance, the NRWA has a pre-qualification stage built into the process, with required CEUs, before candidates can take the exam.
- The ACRW requires no active renewals or CEU requirements.
- The CPRW requires active PARWCC membership and no CEU requirements.
- The CARW requires active CDI membership with CEU requirements.
Who is the NCRW for? How to Become a NCRW?
NCRW applicants MUST have a level of resume-writing competency BEFORE taking the exam, making it an excellent fit for those who write resumes professionally and want third-party credibility from a recognized industry organization like the NRWA.
Before taking the NCRW exam, there’s a pre-qualification process that includes:
- CEUs: Completing a minimum of 10 continuing education units (CEUs) specific to writing career documents (e.g., resumes, LinkedIn profiles) obtained through courses, conferences, and self-study.
- EXAMPLE SUBMISSION: Submitting and receiving a passing grade on the example resumes you submit. This is the “prove you’re ready” part of the process that you must pass before being okayed to take the NCRW exam.
NCRW Costs: Annual NRWA Dues & Full Certification Price Breakdown
Unlike other certifications, the NCRW has a few cost considerations. The price structure for obtaining the NCRW certification breaks down to something like this:
- MEMBERSHIP FEE: You must be a member of the NRWA to pursue the NCRW. The NRWA membership fee is $175 annually, but you can save $25 per year by choosing a 2-year membership for $300 (equivalent to $150 per year), rather than paying $175 annually for two years ($350 total). You need only commit to a one-year membership to earn the NCRW.
- WRITING EXAMPLE REVIEW: Before you’re allowed to take the exam, you must present examples of your writing. There’s a $75 fee for submitting your examples (resume and cover letter) for review by NRWA-approved graders.
- EXAM FEE: $250 fee to take the exam that includes proofreading and cover letter/resume writing. Should you fail the exam, there’s a $150 retake fee after a 30-day waiting period.
Despite the collective $500 fee (more if you submit additional writing examples and opt for the two-year membership), the cost of becoming an NCRW is lower than other resume-writing certification options. For instance, becoming an ACRW through the Resume Writing Academy is $1,895.
There’s an ongoing fee commitment to keep the NCRW credential. For example, an active membership and continuing CEUs are required to maintain the resume-writing certification.
Sure, continuing education enables resume writers to deepen their craft and sharpen their skills as resumes evolve and hiring practices change. The NCRW may not be ideal for those who prefer no mandatory annual dues and no ongoing professional development.
These requirements serve as a quality-control mechanism and generate predictable revenue to support the association’s programming.
Simply put, the NCRW isn’t ideal for those who want a one-and-done credential.
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If you want structured resume training with no membership or CEU requirements, you may prefer the Resume Writing Mastery Program (RWMP), which we offer at ResumeBiz.com.
