FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Professional Organizer

Below you’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions about NAPO, NAPO-St. Louis, and the profession of organizing.

What's a Professional Organizer?

As defined by NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), “A Professional Organizer enhances the lives of clients by designing systems and processes using organizing principles and through transferring organizing skills. A Professional Organizer also educates the public on organizing solutions and the resulting benefits.”

Is there any formal education or certification required prior to becoming a Professional Organizer?

The education and past work experience of Professional Organizers varies. No formal education is required to become a Professional Organizer; however, many new organizers learn from veterans in the industry as well as participate in NAPO tele-classes, webinars, and conference sessions. A certification program through NAPO was established in 2007. Membership in NAPO and NAPO-St. Louis is voluntary.

What is NAPO?

NAPO is a non-profit, educational organization founded in 1985. It 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, and organizer is demonstrating her (or his) commitment to her business.

What is NAPO-St. Louis?

NAPO-St. Louis, the 24th NAPO Chapter, was officially established in 2006; the groundwork was laid through informal meetings of local organizers that took place in 2005. In its first year, NAPO-St. Louis attracted 25 Members and two Associate Members; by 2011 that number grew to 31 Regular Members and nine Associate Members. Members meet nine months out of the year for programs that enhance their organizing and business knowledge. Guests are welcome to attend up to four times before being asked to join.

What does it mean to be a member of NAPO?

Professional Organizers who are also NAPO members have agreed to be a part of a community of professionals in a new and growing industry. By being a NAPO member, Professional Organizers can 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 that they are dealing with a professional who has agreed to NAPO’s Code of Ethics, which includes providing confidentiality and fair, independent pricing to all clients.

How do I join NAPO-St. Louis?

Membership is open to any organizer or prospective organizer who has already joined NAPO on a national level. Opportunities are also available for Associate Membership for industry professionals. To join, download the fill it out, and mail it to our Director of Membership, Shannon Tamme, with a check for dues. Prospective Associate Members—companies that serve the organizing industry—should contact Shannon Tamme for an application.

Where and when are Chapter meetings?

The Chapter meets on the second Monday of January-May, July, and September-November.

All are held at the Kirkwood branch of Commerce Bank, located at 300 North Kirkwood Road, at the corner of Kirkwood and Adams, in Kirkwood, Missouri.

Doors open at 11am, and a light lunch is available (bring your own beverage). Meetings begin at 11:45am, and end around 1:20pm.

A question and answer session is available from 1:30pm-2pm for individuals who want to learn more about breaking in to the exciting organizing industry.

Non-members are welcome as guests for up to four meetings. The meeting fee for guests is $20.

What credentials do you need to become a professional organizer?

There are no formal prerequisites for becoming a professional organizer. Many join this profession because of a lifetime of being organized and a desire to help others. Some join because they’ve struggled with organizational issues themselves and want to share the solutions they’ve found. Opportunities are available for credentialing, however.

In 2007, NAPO established a formal certification program Certified Professional Organizer. The initials CPO (Certified Professional Organizer) after an organizer’s name indicates that he or she has met a series of rigorous requirements, including passing an examination.

Also, the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (formerly known as NSGCD) offers several levels of certificates of study, specialist certificates and the designation CPO-CD for those who are certified in working with the chronically disorganized.

In addition, some individual organizers and companies conduct training and certification. This includes the Clear and Simple Training and Certification, Eyes of a Stranger Training and Certification, and Freedom Filer Training and Certification.

I have a great product for professional organizers. Can I use the Find an Organizer page to contact them?

NAPO-St. Louis is always interested in hearing about new organizing products and related services. You are welcome to apply to become an Associate Member of our Chapter. There are many benefits to becoming an Associate Member, please download the to see the benefits.

Solicitation via our website tool, however, is strictly prohibited.