1. How do I become certified?
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 (pdf) to determine if you can be grandparented. All certification tracks have an opportunity to grandparent except the Chief Financial Officer track.
2. Why do I need to be certified?
Obtaining certification demonstrates a dedication to your profession and offers a base of useful information taught by seasoned practitioners. School districts are requiring certification before employment or within a year after employment because they believe certification matters.
3. How and when are classes offered?
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.
4. How much does the certification program cost?
Each six-hour class is $140 for a MIEM member and $200 for a non-member. Three-hour classes are $70 for a MIEM member and $100 for a non-member. Each certification track has different requirements. There is an initial certification fee of $60 and a renewal fee every five years of $30. You have to be an MSBO member and the cost of membership is $129 per year.
5. How do I know what I need to complete the program?
When you complete the letter of commitment (pdf) or the grandparenting application (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.
6. How do I know if I am a candidate for grandparenting?
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.
7. Which certification track should I apply for?
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 apply for that certification.
8. Can I get more than one certification?
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.
9. What do I have to do to get my certificate?
If you have completed all the class requirements and you have not submitted an application for grandparenting, you must complete the final application and submit it with the necessary documents as outlined on page 1 of the application.
10. How do I renew my certificate?
Chief Financial Officers must accrue 167 hours and take the Group Solutions Seminar over 5 years after receiving your certificate. Business Office Managers must accrue 77 hours and take the Group Solutions Seminar over 5 years after receiving your certificate. All other tracks must accrue 90 hours over 5 years after receiving your certificate. Once you have attended the required number of hours, complete the renewal application and submit it to MSBO.
