Each year MSBO/MIEM provide a yearly schedule for certification classes (pdf). Each class will be offered at least once in a three-year period. Many classes are offered every year or every other year based on the need.

Yes. Just remember that the certification is good for five years. Each certification track except for the Chief Financial Officer requires 90 hours of professional development to maintain the certification. The Chief Financial Officer certification track requires 180 hours.

It depends on your current responsibilities and your long-term goal. If you have the prerequisites for a certification track, the recommendation would be to go for that certification.

You are a candidate if you have over five years of school experience and satisfy the prerequisites of the certification track you wish to be certified in.

When you complete the letter of commitment (pdf) or the application for grandparenting (pdf), a confirmation letter will be sent to you with a tracking sheet to indicate the necessary classes to take to complete the certification program.

Each six-hour class is $140.00 for a MIEM member and $200.00 for a non-member. Three-hour classes are $70.00 for a MIEM member and $100.00 for a non-member. Some required classes are in webinar format and those are $80.00 for a MIEM member and $110.00 for a non-member. Each certification track has different requirements. There is an initial certification fee of $60.00 and a renewal fee every five years of $30.00. You have to be an MSBO member and the cost of membership is $129.00 per year.

If you have less than five years of school experience, you will want to fill out the letter of commitment (pdf). If you have over five years of school experience, please fill out the grandparenting application to determine if you can be grandparented. All certification tracks have an opportunity to grandparent except the Chief Financial Officer track.

To begin the certification process, first fill out and return the letter of commitment (pdf) to MSBO. You must complete the certification program within three years of taking your first class, unless you obtain a waiver.

If you feel you have some experience or have taken classes that may be used towards a certification track, please fill out the grandparenting application and return to MSBO. Determination will be made on a case-by-case basis. Click here to register for certification classes.**outside link**

If you feel you have completed all the class requirements, please fill out the final application to receive your certificate and pin.

If you are within a month from your certificate expiring, please fill out the renewal application.

Feel free to browse our page on frequently asked questions about the MSBO Voluntary Certification Program for School Business Officials. Or, see the MSBO website at http://www.msbo.org. You may also call (517) 327-5920 for a brochure on MSBO voluntary certification programs.

Questions? Contact Debbie Kopkau at MSBO 517.327.2587 or e-mail dkopkau@msbo.org.

Requirements vary for each of the 12 certification tracks. Each program will be offered by MSBO, through the Michigan Institute of Educational Management (MIEM), or in partnership with other organizations. Applicants for certification may apply to use college classes or seminars to meet subject area requirements.

Credit for non-MSBO sponsored programs will be allowed at the discretion of MSBO on a case-by-case basis. Contact MSBO for additional information.

Continuing education requirements must be approved, job-related education and the following must be completed within a five-calendar-year period: * 180 hours for CFO - 18 SB-CEUs or six (6) semester credit hours AND Group Solutions Seminar for certificates that expire on or after June 30, 2006; or * 90 hours for all other tracks - nine (9) SB-CEUs or three (3) semester credit hours.

There is a $60 fee for initial certification and $30 fee every five (5) years for continuing certification. All records are maintained by MSBO.

Obtaining certification demonstrates a dedication to your profession and offers a base of useful information taught by seasoned practitioners. School districts that hire business officials believe certification matters. The MSBO Certification Program has been endorsed by the Michigan Association of School Administrators and Michigan Association of School Boards.