Special District Administrator Certification

The Special District Administrator Certification is a voluntary designation sought by individuals who strive to be the best. Administrators with various academic and professional backgrounds, as well as from all sizes of special districts, can be candidates for the program. The certification examination and study guide were developed through the participation of over 100 volunteer subject matter experts who know special district administration. Guided by the SDLF Board, Certification Advisory Committee, and under direction by a professional examination development firm, this certification will give successful candidates recognition unmatched by any other program.

This certification helps document and recognize a candidate’s knowledge, skills and capabilities as a special district administrator. The two-hour exam covers all key aspects of special district administration. The core competencies covered by the examination include:

Governance • Legal Requirements • Policy Development •
Ethics in Public Service • External Relations and Leadership • Strategic Planning • Boardspersonship • Finance • Public and Customer Relations • Organization • Budget, Audit, Purchasing, Records and Public Finance • Personnel and Supervision

To qualify for the examination, a candidate must have worked three out of the last five years in a position of management in a California special district. A total of 400 points is required to qualify for the opportunity to take the examination, to be obtained through professional special district and related work experience, continuing education courses, higher education background and community service.