The Certification process is designed to promote continuing education in our profession.  Each designation recognizes the hard work and dedication of the clerk to build their skillset and knowledge base.  A clerk may choose the North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk designation, national Certified Municipal Clerk designation, or pursue both the state and national certification designations.

Three certifications are available for a municipal clerk:

• North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk (NCCMC)
• Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC)
• Master Municipal Clerk (MMC)

State Certification

North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk (NCCMC) 

The North Carolina Certified Municipal Clerk (NCCMC) designation is granted by the N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks in partnership with the UNC School of Government and the N.C. League of Municipalities.

Initial Certification:

To earn the NCCMC designation, a sworn clerk or deputy clerk must be a member of the N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks for two years.  All candidates must meet certain criteria stated on application (UNC SOG Clerks Certification Institute completion, etc.).  Use the Continuing Education Record Sheet to keep track of your classes and seminars.

Recertification:

Recertification is required every five years, beginning July 1 of the year certification was received and ending the year certification expires. NCCMC Recertification can be maintained as long as the Clerk obtains 30 or more hours of continuing education and maintains N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks membership for the continuous five (5) years.  

In preparation, we recommend you request a copy of your continuing education transcripts for any applicable courses from the UNC School of Government: 

https://www.sog.unc.edu/resources/microsites/requesting-transcripts 

The NCCMC Certification / Recertification Application is available: APPLICATION

Please note: NCLM is currently transitioning payment processing providers.  As a result, any applicant who experiences any difficulty with online payment should email Kay Emanuel at kemanuel@nclm.org

Process & Timeline:

For the N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks, the NCCMC designation process is an October – March 31 cycle. 

• October: the application is posted on the NCAMC website. 

In preparation to submit your application, gather all continuing education materials (any certificates of course completion, course descriptions, etc.).  Clerks may request transcripts from the UNC School of Government: https://www.sog.unc.edu/resources/microsites/requesting-transcripts 

• March 31: The deadline to apply is March 31 of each year.  Applications and any supporting materials (transcripts, certificates, copy of payment receipt, etc.) are to be emailed to NCAMCCertification@gmail.com by the deadline. Applicants will receive a confirmation email receipt following submission.

• April – June: The State Certification Committee reviews all applications.  If the Committee has any questions, a representative will follow up with the individual applicant clerk.  

• June-July: Applicants are sent notice of certification / recertification status.

• August: NCCMC certificates are presented at the N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks Summer Conference.

National Certifications

National Certifications for municipal clerks are awarded by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC).  Qualified clerks can apply through the IIMC portal at any time in the year.  For detailed information, please visit the IIMC website: IIMC Certification

Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC)

To earn the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation, successful completion of the UNC School of Government’s Clerks' Certification Institute is required, along with two or more years membership in IIMC.

Master Municipal Clerk (MMC)

To earn the Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation, a municipal clerk must first obtain the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation from IIMC.  The requirements include an extensive educational component, professional and/or social contributions and a commitment to lifelong learning.