Certification
Home / Learning / CBA Program / Specialty Certifications

Specialty Certifications

Gain a comprehensive understanding and proficiency in these crucial areas to enhance your ability to serve your district and community effectively. Become certified in the following specialties!

* Recognition and pins for new certifications will be awarded for the first time in 2026.

VIEW CLASS DESCRIPTIONS VIEW MY TRANSCRIPT

 


Advocacy Certification

Elevate your role as a local school board member and become a powerful advocate for your district. Our thoughtfully crafted courses will assist you in acquiring the essential skills and abilities to become an invaluable asset to your community.

Board members must complete requirements for Level 1 as well as the following classes:

  • CBA 261: Advocacy for Public Education
  • CBA 264: Shaping Public Opinion
  • NEW! CBA 265: Practical Advocacy
  • NEW! CBA 308: A Guide to Understanding the Legislature
  • CBA 361: Grassroots Advocacy

Community Relations Certification

Equip yourself with the skills to build strong relationships and navigate challenging situations in your community. Gain invaluable skills to confidently navigate the complexities of the education landscape. Become a valuable member of your local school board, driving positive change and shaping the future of education in your community.

Board members must complete requirements for Level 1 as well as the following classes:

  • CBA 232: Communicating Effectively in Difficult Times
  • CBA 246: Advanced Community Relations
  • CBA 252: Media Relations
  • CBA 263: Collecting Feedback
  • NEW! CBA 363: Leveraging Feedback

Data Certification

This program provides participants with knowledge and skills to collect, analyze and interpret data, enabling informed decisions supporting student success and improving educational outcomes. Board members will gain insights into decision-making processes and strategies for engaging stakeholders in data interpretation and utilization.

Board members must complete requirements for Level 1 as well as the following classes:

  • CBA 251: District Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
  • CBA 341: Data Foundations
  • CBA 343: Teacher Effectiveness and Student Achievement
  • CBA 344: High School and Beyond
  • CBA 345: Data Dashboards

Finance Certification

Our finance certification program offers board members the critical information necessary to read, understand and utilize the significant volume of financial information provided by school districts. These courses aim to empower individuals with limited financial background and give them the tools they need to make critical and long-lasting decisions that school boards face regarding district finances.

Board members must complete requirements for Level 1 as well as the following classes:

  • CBA 213: Capital Planning for Your District
  • CBA 215: Advanced School Finance
  • CBA 310: Budget Anatomy and Shortfalls
  • CBA 315: Anatomy of an Audit Report
  • CBA 370: Managing a Construction Project
 

Leadership Certification*

NEW!

Our leadership certification program strengthens core leadership capabilities through focused training in cultural competence, ethical decisionmaking and strategic leadership. The program culminates in the Annual Leadership Conference, providing participants with a comprehensive foundation for confident, purpose-driven leadership.

Board members must complete requirements for Level 1 as well as the following classes:

  • NEW! CBA 270: Leadership by Consensus: Confidence in Leadership
  • NEW! CBA 299: Leading With Purpose: Advanced Leadership for School Board Members
  • NEW! CBA 305: Practical Governance: Case Studies in Effective School Board Leadership
  • CBA 325: Leadership: Overcoming Obstacles
  • CBA 327: Ethics in Action

To complete this certification, board members must also attend the Annual Leadership Conference (Friday and Saturday, Main Conference).