Certificate in Public Affairs Management

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Become a More Strategic Public Affairs Leader

This certificate is for rising stars within the profession who are looking to strengthen their knowledge of best practices in public affairs management and enhance their expertise in leadership and strategy.

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Eligibility

To enroll in the Certificate in Public Affairs Management:

Participants must have a minimum of seven years’ experience in public affairs.
Participants should complete the program requirements within five years of enrollment.

Previous Public Affairs Council Programs

Programs attended up to one month prior to the application date will be counted toward the certificate.
Public Affairs Institute graduates may request 6 credits toward their core credit requirement for the Certificate in Public Affairs Management, regardless of Institute graduation date.
Participants may earn 2 credits for each Council Spring Executive Meeting attended; no more than 4 credits may come from Executive Meeting attendance.

Required Conference Attendance

Participants must attend one of the following to complete the certificate:

Government Relations and Policy Conference
The Advocacy Conference
National PAC Conference

Note: Credit cannot be earned through attendance at non–Public Affairs Council programs.

How the Program Works

The Certificate in Public Affairs Management is earned by completing 30 credits of approved professional development within a five-year period.

Credits are earned by participating in Public Affairs Council conferences, workshops, executive meetings, leadership programs, and other approved educational opportunities.

To earn the certificate, participants complete coursework in several required categories and attend one required conference.

Program Requirements

To earn the Certificate in Public Affairs Management, participants must complete 30 credits within five years. Credits are earned across four required categories.

12 Credits – Core Public Affairs Management Topics
8 Credits – Integration and Leadership Electives
3 Credits – Compliance Management
7 Credits – Leadership in the Public Affairs Community

Important Notes

Credits can only be earned by attending live webinars.
Recorded webinars are not eligible for certificate credit.
Participants attending virtual programs must meet all attendance requirements established for the event.
Credit is awarded only for eligible Public Affairs Council programs and approved certificate activities.

Community Credits

Community credits may be earned for the following activities (achievement of these credits are subject to the discretion of Council staff).

Required Activities

Serving as a speaker at a Council program (at the discretion of Council staff) — 2 credits
Developing a resource of at least 500 words, such as a case study or tip sheet. Topics can include strategic planning, departmental organization and other initiatives that demonstrate innovation, cross-functional leadership and industry advancement. Participants must work with Council staff in the development of these tools. — 3 credits

Optional Activities

Serving as an active member of a Conference Advisory Committee (at the discretion of Council staff). Active members participate in advisory committee meetings and calls or connect with staff to submit suggestions, market and promote the conference, and support conference success through active participation. Credit for this will be awarded after the relevant conference occurs. — 1 credit
Posting on Council Connect (platform is only available to Public Affairs Council members) — 1 credit for each five posts of substance.
- Examples include starting a thread, commenting on an existing thread in a way that forwards the conversation or shares insight, or sharing professional expertise that assists your colleagues.
- Posting is required minimally once per quarter.
Submitting management or strategic planning resources to be shared in the Council’s Resource Library — 1 credit per three resources submitted, up to a maximum of 2 credits.
Writing an article or tip sheet for use on the Council’s website or in a newsletter (in collaboration with Council staff) — 2 credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to apply?

A $199 administrative fee will be applied to all applications accepted on or after October 1, 2023. Programs attended up to one month prior to the application date count toward your credits.

How much does the certificate cost?

Cost can vary depending on enrollees’ program choices and membership status, but typically ranges from $2,700 – $4,700. For Council members, the Membership Plus+ program can substantively reduce program costs. Please send questions about cost to [email protected].

A comparison of the cost for nonmembers, members and those who have Membership Plus+ can be found here.

Where can I find a list of past eligible programs to track my progress?

A complete list of past eligible programs can be found here.

Who do I contact about enrolling in a certificate, or my progress once I have?

Please contact Price Fisher at [email protected].