National Training for Counselors and Mentors - FAQs
NT4CM Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is NT4CM?
2. Why was NT4CM established?
3. What are the benefits of attending NT4CM?
4. Who is eligible to participate?
5. How do I register?
6. Where and when will the training workshops be held?
7. What if my state is not participating?
8. Can I still benefit from NT4CM if I am unable to attend a training program?
9. Is there a cost to attend the NT4CM workshops?
10. What is a typical schedule for the workshops?
11. How can I learn more about NT4CM?
1. What is NT4CM?
National Training for Counselors and Mentors (NT4CM) is a program developed by Federal Student Aid, National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), and National Council of Higher Education Loan Programs (NCHELP). The program has expanded its partnership to include the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), American School Counselor Association (ASCA), National College Access Network (NCAN), and Council for Opportunity in Education (COE). This free, annual training program is designed to provide counselors and mentors with information and materials that will help them more effectively advise students and their families about how to prepare financially for college.
2. Why was NT4CM established?
NT4CM recognizes that counselors and mentors are an essential link in delivering critical financial aid information to students—information that can often make the difference in a student's ability to attend college. Because these professionals play such a pivotal role and have limited time to focus on the process of financial aid, these one-day training sessions will provide attendees with comprehensive up-to-date information regarding federal and state student aid programs. NT4CM is designed to maximize the resources available to counselors and mentors in a short, yet comprehensive training program.
3. What are the benefits of attending NT4CM?
In addition to gaining up-to-date information, materials, and resources regarding federal and state student aid programs, participants will also have valuable opportunities to network and share knowledge and experiences with other counselors and mentors. Because those completing the program will be prepared to offer especially able assistance to students and their families, participants will receive a National Training for Counselors and Mentors Certificate of Completion at the program's conclusion. Participants also will have the opportunity to earn free continuing education units (CEUs) that can be applied toward professional education requirements. Click here to view the CEU Fact Sheet for NT4CM Participants to find answers to general questions about the CEU process. After the training, participants will also receive ongoing information and support. As part of our ongoing support, from August to May, participants will receive "Staying Connected with NT4CM," an e-mail of reminders and resources relevant to the student financial aid lifecycle. To view these e-mails in English or Spanish, visit the Staying Connected page.
4. Who is eligible to participate?
NT4CM is appropriate for any individual who advises students and their families about funding education beyond high school.
5. How do I register?
Registration begins in late summer. View the State Training Programs page to find out whether training is offered in your state.
6. Where and when will the training workshops be held?
Training workshops will be offered annually and will take place in states electing to participate. Participating states either provide training using the NT4CM materials in their entirety or incorporate portions of the materials into existing training programs. Workshops typically take place from October through December, although some states offer training earlier or later. States participating in the initiative are added to our Web site State Training Programs page as information becomes available.
7. What if my state is not participating?
If your state does not elect to participate, it might provide other training programs for counselors and mentors. The State Training Programs page provides information on other state training programs and/or contact information for determining if additional State Training Programs are available.
8. Can I still benefit from NT4CM if I am unable to attend a training program?
Training materials on which the workshops are based will be available for download in late summer from the Materials and Resources page. These materials will offer you valuable information and tools even if you are unable to attend a workshop in person. To view the materials, click here.
9. Is there a cost to attend the NT4CM workshops?
The training sessions are free of charge.
10. What is a typical schedule for the workshops?
Click here to view the workshop agenda. Participating states will follow the agenda in its entirety or will incorporate portions of the agenda into their existing training programs.
11. How can I learn more information about NT4CM?
For more information about NT4CM, explore the NT4CM Web site. The Web site will be updated periodically, so be sure to check back regularly.
