Are you a credentialed manager? If not, you may want to consider becoming one.
Credentialing is a way for managers to create an individually tailored plan for lifelong learning and professional development. By taking an Applied Knowledge Assessment, you determine which skills you excel at and where you could use further study. Subjects are broken into 18 skill sets such as Staff Effectiveness, Budgeting and HR Management. Most managers choose multiple areas to provide a variety of learning experiences and make it easier to find appropriate training resources. Credentialed managers commit to getting a minimum of 40 hours/ year of training in the areas they have chosen and these hours also meet the ICMA ethics requirement to get 40 hours of training annually. To learn more about becoming credentialed, click here.
A variety of options are available for training in your specific areas including attending conference sessions at ICMA, FCCMA or other on-site events, listening to live or on-demand webinars, reading books and several others. The ICMA website includes a suggested list of training opportunities in each of the 18 areas. The FLC University has also prepared a list for us with many specific to Florida including some from the Florida Institute of Government and the Florida Association of Counties. Click here to access the list of trainings by practice area on the FCCMA website.
Florida has more credentialed managers than any other state except North Carolina, which is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our members.
Remaining effective as a local government manager is becoming increasingly difficult in these times of rapid social and technological change. Credentialing is a good way to focus your limited time on those areas that can help you the most. I urge you to consider the Credentialing program.
