Overview

The South Carolina Clerks to Council Association was formed by the South Carolina Association of Counties. The program offers intensive training to the County Clerk to Council and signifies general management capabilities. Certification is recognition that the recipient has met minimum professional standards. The program also provides participants with the unique opportunity to join together in a relaxed atmosphere to discuss and share common problems and interests.

Objectives

The South Carolina Certification Program for County Clerks to Council is designed to establish minimum standards and professional goals for County Clerks. The program seeks to accomplish this by:

• Introducing new methods and approaches to enable clerks to become more efficient and effective in their jobs;
   

• Increasing managerial competence of clerks to meet new challenges and demands placed upon local government; and
   

• Creating the opportunity for clerks to further their professional development to gain the recognition they deserve.

Target Groups

County Clerks and Deputy Clerks

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of a basic overview of job duties and functions required of clerks. Designed and presented by recognized experts, these training courses offer members the opportunity to explore new methods and technologies, while learning from the experiences of others across the state. Mandated training is offered at the fall, summer, and host county conferences.

Certification Requirements

1. Be a County Clerk or Deputy Clerk.
    

2. Complete required 36 hours of County Clerks to Council Training Program (two-year curriculum). At the end of mandated courses, attendees will be required to complete the Knowledge Transfer Questionnaire. The questionnaire will be used to determine 1) if the attendee completed the course, and 2) if the attendee understood the material presented. These questionnaires will be reviewed by the Certification Committee (which will consist of four certified members of the Clerks to Council Association and an ex-officio member from the Institute of Public Affairs). Following review of the completed questionnaire, the committee will determine whether the clerk will receive credit for the class.
    

3. Must meet one of the following education/experience requirements: a Bachelor's Degree and two years of local government experience, an Associate's Degree and four years of local government experience, or six years of local government experience.
    

4. Be a current member of the South Carolina Clerks to Council Association.
    

5. Believe in and practice the South Carolina Clerks to Council Code of Ethics.