University of Illinois Extension

Certified County Officials Program

A program of the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners and University of Illinois Extension

About the Program

County officials today operate in a complex, ever-changing environment. Effective governance depends on constantly monitoring this environment and learning new ways to meet these challenges. Education is an important tool local officials have in making decisions about policy and delivery of constituent services.

The Certified County Officials Program (CCO) was developed by the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners (IACBMC) in collaborative partnership with University of Illinois Extension. The program has received the endorsement of the Illinois Association of County Officials (IACO).

The purpose of this program is to strengthen the skills and leadership capacity of county officials. The CCO program will recognize those officials who demonstrate professionalism and dedication to enhancing their knowledge through advanced education. This career-long learning program is a powerful strategy for increasing your effectiveness in public office.

Eligibility and Cost

The Certified County Officials Program is a voluntary program available to all elected county officials and certain appointed county officials in Illinois. Beginning February 1, 2007, there will be a $25.00 enrollment fee to participate in the program*. There may be other customary registration fees associated with conferences and special events. County employees may participate in the program, but are not eligible for CCO designation.

County officials who enroll in the program but leave office before achieving certification will be allowed to complete the program (if attainable within 12 months) and receive the basic CCO designation.

Completion Requirements

  • Minimum 24 hours of continuing credits
  • Credits are awarded on an hour-by-hour basis for training attended
  • Attendance is required for the entire session to obtain full credit
  • Proof of attendance must be recorded
  • Credit hours must be pre-approved by the partners

The program is based on participation (not tests) and recognizes individual credits that officials accumulate. Participants who earn 24 credit hours will be awarded the designation of Certified County Official. An advanced CCO program is being established to allow officials who have achieved the basic CCO designation to obtain additional training and higher certification.

Certified county officials will receive:

  • A certificate for framing
  • A CCO lapel pin
  • Recognition at the IACBMC annual conference
  • A press release about their certification
  • Name and title published on the LGIEN website
  • Name and title published in Local Illinois

Participants enrolled in the Certified County Officials Program can inquire about the number of credit hours they have earned by contacting the Local Government Information & Education Network Program Coordinator at 217-244-3735 or by contacting the Illinois Association of County Board Members and Commissioners.

Download the Certified County Officials Program brochure

Download the Certified County Officials Workshop brochure

View Certified County Officials

Certified County Officials Advance Levels

  • Level 2 will require 72 hours (Level 1 plus 48 hours.) Enrollment fee is $45.00.
  • Level 3 will require 120 hours (Level 2 plus 48) plus a project. Enrollment fee is $85.00.

Opportunities for Certified County Officials Hours

Please make checks payable to: Illinois Association of County Board Members/IACBMC.

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