Certification is not required to become a Professional Organizer. Opportunities are available for certification for the experienced organizer, and many training opportunities exist for new and experienced organizers alike. 

The Certified Professional Organizer (CPO®) certification is available through The Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO®). An organizer with the CPO® credential has passed a written examination administered by the BCPO® .

Organizers must be able to document 1500 paid client hours in the past three years to qualify to sit for the examination. Alternatively, organizers may document 1250 paid client hours and 250 substitute hours of education or professional development. 

The Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization (CPO-CD®) certification is available through the The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD). An organizer with the CPO-CD®  credential has been educated in depth on the issues in chronic disorganization. The CPO-CD®  student spends 17-20 months of intensive time studying and applying this learning in practical application with current clients. In addition to the CPO-CD® credential, the ICD offers ten levels of certificates of study and four specialist certificates. 

The Certified Organizer Coach (COC®) certification is available through Coach Approach for Organizers™. An organizer with the COC® credential has completed the Coach Approach for Organizers™ program. The COC® student must also work with a mentor coach, complete 100 paid client hours of coaching and receive two letters of recommendation from credentialed coaches. Alternatively, one letter of recommendation may be from a credentialed Professional Organizer. 

NAPO Golden Circle members have been in business for at least five years and have been members of NAPO for at least one year. NAPO Golden Circle membership is NAPO's way of acknowledging the expertise and elevated level of experience of seasoned professional organizers. NAPO Golden Circle membership is indicated by the Golden Circle logo.

Additional certifications are available through training programs offered by professional organizers and related companies. These include the Clear and Simple Training and Certification, Eyes of a Stranger Training and Certification and Freedom Filer Training and Certification. 

The National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) is a non-profit educational organization founded in 1985. NAPO is the premier national association dedicated to the field of organizing. NAPO serves its 4,200 members through education, networking, industry resources, and promoting the profession to the public. By joining NAPO, a professional organizer demonstrates commitment to the professional organizing industry. 

Professional Organizers who are also NAPO members have agreed to be a part of a community of professionals in a new and growing industry. NAPO members enjoy an affiliation with like-minded professionals who can support, mentor, and educate one another. Clients who work with a Professional Organizer who belongs to NAPO can be assured they are dealing with a professional who adheres to NAPO's Code of Ethics, which include providing confidentiality and fair, independent pricing to clients.