Municipal clerks perform administrative duties for a legislative body. Continue reading to learn about the types of certification available as well as the education and experience necessary to become certified in this field.
What Municipal Clerk Certifications Are Available to Me?
Certification is most commonly available through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), which offers the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designations. Although most states provide certifications affiliated with the IIMC, not all states are allied with the institute. In these states, certifications often have similar requirements to IIMC designations, but you should check with your state board to learn the specifics.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Types of Certifications</b></td><td>CMC, MMC; states which do not accept these certifications usually have similar designations</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification Requirements</b></td><td>Active member of IIMC for 2 years, currently working in field, able to demonstrate relevant skills; educational background can be an asset</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification Renewal</b></td><td>Some certifications don't need to be renewed as long as membership fees are paid; others may require CE credits</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 (2019-2029)</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---HowDoIEarnCertification">How Do I Earn Certification?</h3><p>To qualify to pursue the CMC designation, you must have been an active IIMC member for at least two years and currently hold a clerk or deputy-clerk position. You are also required to demonstrate administrative and management duties for a legislative body in four of the following areas:
</p><ul><li>Elections
</li><li>Human resources management
</li><li>General management
</li><li>Meeting administration
</li><li>Execution of official documents
</li><li>Records management
</li><li>Financial management
</li><li>Management of legal instruments
</li></ul><p>You will need to earn education points that can be completed through an associate's or bachelor's degree program, training courses or conferences. You can gain the required experience points by working, attending conferences or pursuing continuing education.
</p><p>If you already have the CMC designation, earning advanced education, professional contribution and social contribution points can qualify you for the MMC designation. You won't be required to pass exams for either designation.
</p><h3 id="section---HowCanIRenewMyCertification">How Can I Renew My Certification?</h3><p>If you are certified through the IIMC, you won't have to meet any requirements to renew your certification. Instead, the IIMC requires you to pay membership fees every two years to maintain certification. The most common means for state certification renewal is accumulating continuing education hours. Refer to your state certification guidelines to find out how much time you have before renewal is needed.</p>
