Court Clerk Certification and Training Programs

<p>A court clerk training program can take up to a semester to complete and should directly prepare you for certification. Such programs can also be known as municipal clerk training programs. They are often offered as a cluster of courses through a university and country clerk association. </p> <p>If you cannot find one consolidated program available in your area, you may have to enroll in individual courses that are offered at different schools. Since these programs intend on fulfilling some education and experience certification requirements, you may not be able to find school programs offering courses through distance education. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Program Types</b></td><td>Court clerk programs are generally offered through a university or a county clerk association</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Common Study Topics</b></td><td>Election law, municipal law, bookkeeping, community development, office procedures</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Certification</b></td><td>Can seek certification through the Institute of Municipal Clerks</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Types of Certifications</b></td><td>CMC (Certified Municipal Clerk) is available for entry-level clerks, while the MMC (Master Municipal Clerk) is available for clerks with work experience</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$40,930* (<i>for court, municipal, and license clerks</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-29)</b></td><td>5%* (<i>for all court, municipal, and license clerks</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatDoTheseProgramsEntail">What Do These Programs Entail?</h3> <p>You can expect to complete courses in government management, municipal law, community development, clerk duties, election law, filling records electronically and clerk ethics. Your program can teach you how to understand the branches of government, follow state and federal policies, record retention, maintain proper contracts, keep track of department budget and adhere to personnel policy. You can also expect your program to help you develop skills in bookkeeping, auditing and office procedures. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatCertificationsAreAvailable">What Certifications Are Available?</h3> <p>By the end of your program, you may be eligible to gain certification through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) or through your individual state. Although IIMC certifications set the standard in many areas, they don't set the standards everywhere. If you are seeking certification through your state of employment, requirements can vary according to your location. Since several state certification agencies and education programs recognize the IIMC, the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) certification is the most consistent certification in this field. </p> <h3 id="section---HowDoIEarnCertification">How Do I Earn Certification?</h3> <p>The CMC designation doesn't require you pass any exam. In order to earn the CMC designation, you are required to be currently working as a deputy or general clerk, pay your IIMC fees and be skilled in the core duties defined by the IIMC. These core duties include human resources management, by-law management, records management, financial management, general management and meeting administration. You are also required to complete 60 education points and 50 experience points as detailed by IIMC requirements. </p> <p>State and IIMC certification maintenance requirements may be established by your state of employment. If you are interested in advancing your certification, you may want to pursue the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation. Some state certifications also offer additional designation levels.</p>