Earn a Certificate

The Certificate in Public Affairs Management program is designed to be completed in two to three years, but participants can expect to take up to five years to successfully meet all requirements.

Certificate completion requires 30 credits split between several credit areas as detailed below:

• Only registered participation in live webinars is eligible for certificate credit. Purchase of webinar recordings is not applicable.
• Credits earned through participation in webinars are capped at a maximum of 3 credits per category. Virtual participation in workshops is not limited. Earning credit as a virtual participant requires engagement on the virtual platform for the duration of the event. Participants must ask questions and provide feedback and commentary during discussion periods.
• Attendance and participation throughout an entire event are required to receive credit. Registration without attendance or early departure from an event will not count towards certificate completion.

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

Required Activities:

• Posting on Council Connect (platform is only available to Public Affairs Council members) – 1 Credit for each 5 posts of substance
  • Posts must be tagged with @Kristin Brackemyre so that they can be tracked
  • 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
  • Posting is required minimally once per quarter
• Submitting management or strategic planning related resources to be shared in the Council’s resource library— 1 credit per three resources submitted, up to a maximum of 2 credits
• Serving as a speaker at a related Council program (at the discretion of Council staff) — 2 credits
• 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. — 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 when not available to participate in meetings; submit speaker and program suggestions; actively promote the conference to colleagues and peers; and support conference success through participation, attendance, submission of relevant resources and active involvement in conference activities). 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 one of the Council’s newsletters (in conjunction with Council staff) — 2 credit