Self-paced, 25-hour online program for busy advisors
Built for college & univeristy academic advisors
Immediate tools you can use in your next meeting
What You’ll Gain from This Academic Advising Certificate
Proven coaching frameworks (GROW, Appreciative Advising, etc.) for real situations
Practical strategies to increase student retention across diverse populations
Confidence using advising tools and theory in everyday practice
Stronger advising conversations that build trust, motivation, and belonging
Your Learning Journey: 7 Modules Built for Real-World Advising
1
Foundation &
Theory
(Modules 1–2)
Understand advising models, student motivation, and the psychology behind student success.
2
Advising Skills & Communication
(Modules 3–5)
Master inquiry-based advising, coaching conversations, and communication strategies that build trust and clarity.
3
Retention, Belonging & Application
(Modules 6–7)
Learn how to foster belonging, support student persistence, and apply your learning through real case studies.
A Fully Interactive Learning Experience
Short, engaging video lessons & examples
Team discussion guides for group learning
Case studies, challenges, & self-reflections
Access to the
"Ask the Network" community
Downloadable worksheets and advising tools
Live Workbook That's Downloadable Upon Completion
Discussion boards for reflection and idea sharing
Knowledge Check Quizzes
Throughout
Academic Advising Training Course Demo: See What You’ll Learn
Course Description:
Academic Advising Training for Student Retention and Success
Course Description: This academic advising training course equips academic advisors with the knowledge and strategies needed to improve student retention, persistence, and success. Grounded in proven advising theories and best practices, the course focuses on practical, actionable techniques that can be applied immediately in advising conversations.
Participants will learn how to build student belonging, identify and address common barriers to persistence, and guide students toward clear academic and career goals. Throughout the course, learners complete an interactive advising workbook designed to turn concepts into real-world strategies they can use with students right away. Enrollment also includes a free Student Success Worksheet Bundle, providing additional tools to support ongoing advising practice.
Cost: $395 per person. Contact us for group pricing and institutional discounts.
Length: 25 hours total learning time. Prerequisite: None. Format: 100% online, asynchronous self-paced course with flexible start and completion.
Skills You'll Build: You will develop the core advising skills needed to drive student success, retention, and completion. You’ll learn how to build trust through active listening and inquiry-based advising, guide students from uncertainty to action through effective coaching and goal setting, and support a wide range of students, including undecided, at-risk, and disengaged learners. The course also equips you to apply proven retention strategies in real advising scenarios, foster a strong sense of belonging, navigate challenging conversations with confidence, and keep students on track to graduate, all while maximizing your impact in the time you have.
Who Is This Course For? This academic advisor training course is designed for both new and experienced academic advisors across all institution types, including community colleges, universities, and technical colleges. It’s also a strong fit for higher education staff focused on improving student retention. Whether you’re just getting started in advising or bringing years of experience, this course provides practical strategies you can apply immediately.
What Is An Academic Advisor Training Certificate? An academic advisor training certificate is a professional development program that equips advisors with the skills, strategies, and frameworks needed to improve student retention, strengthen advising conversations, and support student success in higher education.
Instructional Materials: All required materials are included in the course and are available instantly upon enrollment. Participants can access the training using a computer, tablet, or smartphone with an internet connection and a standard web browser. No additional software or downloads are required.
Accessibility Features: This course is designed to support a wide range of learners, with built-in accessibility features such as alternative text for images, screen reader compatibility, full keyboard navigation, mobile-responsive design, and high color contrast for readability. The course also includes clear, intuitive navigation to ensure a seamless and user-friendly learning experience for all participants.
Other Courses: Did you know we have professional development courses for your colleagues in other departments, too? Explore our Student Success Coach Certificate, Career Coaching Certificate, TRIO Success Coaching Certificate, Financial Coaching Certificate, Director of Advisor Training Cohort, and more.
Testimonials: What Academic Advisors Are Saying
Trusted by 200+ Colleges and Universities for Academic Advising Training
Colleges and universities across the United States use this academic advising training course to strengthen advising practices, improve student retention, and support student success. From community colleges to large public and private institutions, academic advisors rely on this online advising certification for practical, evidence-based professional development and training that can be applied immediately in student interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Academic Advising Training and Certification
What is an academic advising certificate?
An academic advising certificate is a professional development credential that demonstrates training in core advising skills such as student communication, goal setting, retention strategies, and supporting student success. This course provides practical, evidence-based training that academic advisors and student services professionals can apply immediately in their work with students.
What does an academic advisor training course teach?
An academic advisor training course teaches the core skills and strategies needed to support student success and improve student retention in higher education. This includes how to lead effective advising conversations, apply proven coaching frameworks such as GROW and appreciative advising, and build stronger relationships that increase student engagement and motivation. Participants also learn how to support diverse student populations, guide students through academic and career decision-making, and apply evidence-based retention strategies in real-world advising scenarios.
Is this academic advising course self-paced?
Yes. This is a fully online, self-paced academic advising training course. Participants can start anytime and complete the course on their own schedule, making it ideal for busy academic advisors and teams.
How long does it take to complete the academic advising training?
Most participants complete the course in approximately 20-25 hours total. Because the course is self-paced, you can complete it faster or spread it out, depending on your schedule. This academic advising certificate course combines short video lessons, practical tools, and applied exercises designed for real-world advising scenarios.
Who should take this academic advising professional development course?
This course is designed for academic advisors. It is valuable for both new advisors building foundational skills and experienced professionals looking to strengthen their advising approach and improve student outcomes. This course is part of a broader set of professional development programs designed for academic advisors, student success coaches, and higher education professionals.
How does academic advising contribute to stronger student retention?
Academic advising plays a critical role in student retention by helping students feel supported, connected, and confident in their academic journey. Effective advising helps students clarify goals, navigate challenges, build a sense of belonging, and stay on track toward graduation. Strong advising relationships can also improve student motivation, engagement, and persistence by ensuring students know where to turn for guidance and support throughout their college experience.
Do I receive a certificate after completing the academic advisor training?
Yes. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate that can be shared with supervisors, included on your resume, or used for professional development documentation. The certificate demonstrates your commitment to improving advising practices and supporting student success.
How can I pay for the course?
We accept a variety of payment options from individuals and institutions, including credit card, ACH/bank transfer, and paper check. Organizations can also request an invoice or purchase order (PO) to support institutional payment processes.
Can I purchase this professional development course as tax-exempt?
Yes. If your institution is tax-exempt, you can request a tax-exempt invoice.
Is this academic advising course accredited?
Yes. This course is offered by an International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) accredited provider, ensuring it meets recognized standards for continuing education and professional development for higher education employees.
What level of experience is this academic advisor training designed for?
This academic advising training is designed for all experience levels, including new advisors and experienced professionals looking to strengthen their advising skills and improve student outcomes.
Is this course suitable for individuals or teams?
Both. Individuals can enroll at any time, and institutions can enroll teams of advisors or student services staff. Group pricing and coordinated enrollment options are available for colleges and universities. Many institutions enroll teams across multiple courses to build a shared approach to student success across advising, career services, and student support.
I want to get into college advising. Will this course help me get a job as an academic advisor?
Yes. Many participants take this course to build advising knowledge and strengthen their resumes as they pursue roles in academic advising, student success, or student affairs. The certificate demonstrates practical advising skills and a commitment to student success that employers value.