Is becoming a professional organizer right for me?
The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:
Still unsure if becoming a professional organizer is the right career path? Take the free CareerExplorer career test to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a professional organizer or another similar career!
Described by our users as being “shockingly accurate”, you might discover careers you haven’t thought of before.
How to become a Professional Organizer
To become a professional organizer, individuals can follow these general steps:
- Obtain Education and Training: While a formal degree isn’t required to become a professional organizer, training and certification can provide valuable knowledge and credibility. Many organizers complete courses, workshops, or certificate programs offered by organizations like NAPO, ICD, or local community colleges. These programs cover topics such as organizing principles, space planning, time management, client communication, and business management.
- Gain Experience: Hands-on experience is essential. Aspiring organizers can start by helping friends, family, or community organizations with projects. They may also offer services at discounted rates or participate in internships or apprenticeships with experienced organizers to learn practical techniques and best practices.
- Develop Organizational Skills: Successful organizers have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities. They should be familiar with organizing methods, storage solutions, and productivity tools, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with clients and provide personalized solutions.
- Establish a Business: Many organizers work as independent contractors or sole proprietors. This involves registering a business name, obtaining any required licenses or permits, and setting up operations such as creating a business plan, defining pricing and policies, and marketing services. Joining professional organizations like NAPO or ICD can provide networking opportunities, access to resources, and industry updates.
- Obtain Certification (Optional): Certification isn’t mandatory, but it adds credibility and shows commitment to professional standards. Certifications from NAPO or ICD typically require meeting education and experience requirements and passing an exam. Certified organizers may also gain benefits like inclusion in online directories, access to professional liability insurance, and opportunities for continuing education.
Certifications
Several organizations offer certifications for professional organizers, providing recognition of their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to the organizing industry. Some of the prominent certifications for professional organizers include:
- Certified Professional Organizer (CPO®): Offered by the Board of Certification for Professional Organizers (BCPO®), the CPO® is a globally recognized credential that shows an organizer’s expertise in organizing principles, ethics, and client interaction. To earn it, candidates must meet education and experience requirements, pass a comprehensive exam, and follow a strict code of ethics.
- Certified Virtual Professional Organizer (CVPO®): Also offered by BCPO®, the CVPO® is designed for organizers who provide virtual services. Certification requires training in virtual organizing techniques, passing an exam, and demonstrating proficiency with virtual communication tools and technology.
- Specialist Certificates (NAPO): The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO) offers specialist certificates in areas like residential organizing, workplace productivity, life transitions, and chronic disorganization. These certificates recognize specialized knowledge and skills in specific organizing areas.
- Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) Certificates: The ICD provides certificates for organizers who work with clients facing chronic disorganization, hoarding, or other complex organizing challenges. Earning a certificate requires specialized training and proving competency with clients who have unique organizing needs.
- Certificates from Professional Training Programs: Many programs from NAPO, ICD, and other organizing schools provide certificates upon completion. These certificates show that organizers have completed training in organizing principles, techniques, and skills.