Earn a Certificate

CORE PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGEMENT

Participants must earn at least 12 credits from core public affairs programs.

• No more than 3 of these credits may be earned through webinar participation.
• Visit this page to see up-to-date offerings for core credits.

INTEGRATION AND LEADERSHIP ELECTIVES

Participants must earn at least 16 credits from programs tailored to meet organizational needs or a certificate participant’s specific functional responsibilities.

• No more than 3 of these credits may be earned through webinar participation.
• Participants may earn 2 credits for participation in a Council Spring Executive Meeting; no more than 4 credits may come from Executive Meeting attendance.
• Past graduates of the Public Affairs Institute can request 5 credits toward their elective goal for the Certificate in Public Affairs Management.
• Visit this page to view up-to-date offerings for elective credits.

COMPLIANCE MANAGEMENT

Participants must earn at least 4 credits in public affairs compliance. They may do so by:

• Attending a full-day compliance seminar with Ken Gross of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
• Participating in a mix of webinars and half-day programs related to compliance.
• Visit this page to view up-to-date offerings for compliance credits.

LEADERSHIP IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMUNITY

Participants must earn at least 8 credits by making significant contributions to the public affairs community. Participants are required to demonstrate thought leadership that advances the field, provide resources and guidance to others, and invest time and energy in building a stronger industry.

Participants must serve as a mentor and show thought leadership by creating and sharing case studies, white papers or other resources. These two elements will earn 5 credits combined; the remaining 3 credits may be achieved in a number of ways.

Credits may be earned in the following categories:

Sharing Resources and Information – 1 credit each

• You may earn credits by:
  • Sharing samples and resources for the Council’s virtual resource library. These must be internal samples that demonstrate management or strategic planning, such as organizational structures, departmental responsibilities or strategic plans. These must be shareable documents, although they can be made anonymous. Participants will earn 1 credit per three resources submitted, with a maximum of 2 credits awarded for resource sharing.
  • Serving as a speaker at a certificate-related Council program (at the discretion of Council staff).

Insight-Sharing Guidance – 2 credits each

• You may earn credits by:
  • Serving as a mentor for a full year through the Council’s mentoring program. (The mentee must confirm activity.) This is a required element of the program.
    (Download the mentor registration form here.)
  • Writing an article or tip sheet that provides guidance to help peers manage their function. These documents may be used on the Council’s website or in Council newsletters. Participants must work with Council staff in the development of these tools.

Demonstrating Thought Leadership – 3 credits each

• You may earn credits by:
  • Developing a detailed white paper or case study on topics such as strategic planning, departmental organization, and other initiatives that demonstrate innovation, cross-functional leadership and industry advancement. These case-studies should provide an in-depth analysis of the situation, steps taken to achieve objectives and ultimate outcomes. They should also be applicable to peers. Participants must work with Council staff in the development of these tools. This is a required element of the program.