Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying

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Become a More Strategic Public Affairs Leader

This certificate is designed for federal, state or regulatory lobbyists or government relations professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in the best practices and strategies needed to influence policy and be leaders in the field.

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On this page:

Eligibility
How the Program Works
Program Requirements
Community Credits
FAQ

Eligibility

To enroll in the Certificate in Government Relations & Lobbying:

Participants must have a minimum of two years of experience in a position related to government relations, advocacy, public affairs, or one full year serving as a legislative or agency staffer at the federal or state level.
Participants should complete the program requirements within three years of application.

Previous Public Affairs Council Programs

Programs attended up to three months prior to the application date will be counted toward the certificate.
Participants must attend either The Advocacy Conference or the Government Relations & Policy Conference.

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

How the Program Works

The Certificate in Government Relations & Lobbying is earned by completing 25 credits of approved professional development within a three-year period.

Credits are earned by participating in Public Affairs Council webinars, workshops, and signature events, or by interacting with the public affairs community.

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

Program Requirements

To earn the Certificate in Government Relations & Lobbying, participants must complete 25 credits within three years. Credits are earned across three required categories.

Government Relations & Lobbying Specialization: 16 credits
Compliance Management: 4 credits
Community Engagement: 5 credits

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)

Posting on Council Connect (platform is only available to Public Affairs Council members) – 1 credit for each five posts of substance
- Ex: 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
Submitting government relations- and/or lobbying-related resources to be shared in the Council’s resource library — 1 credit per five resources submitted, up to a maximum of 2 credits
Serving as a speaker at a Council program (at the discretion of Council staff) — 2 credits
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
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 three months 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 $4,000 – $5,400. 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.

Who do I contact about enrolling in a certificate, or my progress once I have?
Please contact Price Fisher ([email protected]).