The job of the borough official continually involves new tasks and duties. Therefore, it is critical to continually develop your knowledge, expertise, and experience so that you can help solve your community's challenges as effectively as possible.

In order to help you keep up with the ever-changing local government scene; PSAB established the Certified Borough Official (CBO) program, which is a voluntary achievement program available to all interested borough officials. At successful completion, you will be awarded a Certificate of Achievement at the PSAB Annual Conference Awards Ceremony.

The CBO Certificate of Achievement encompasses three areas of professional development:

1. Completion of required training courses
2. Demonstration of official leadership requirements
3. Attendance at PSAB conferences

THE CBO PROGRAM REQUIRES COMPLETION OF 66 TOTAL CREDIT HOURS. THE CREDIT HOURS ARE TO BE ACCUMULATED WITHIN A 4 YEAR PERIOD WITH 5 CREDIT HOURS FROM EACH OF THE 6 CATEGORIES LISTED BELOW PLUS AN ADDITIONAL 36 HOURS OF ELECTIVES IN ANY CATEGORY OF YOUR CHOICE.

Category 1 - Leadership
Category 2 - Intergovernmental Cooperation
Category 3 - Infrastructure Management (Downtown Revitalization)
Category 4 - Municipal Services
Category 5 - Municipal Personnel
Category 6 - Finance

Official Leadership Requirements

For elected borough officials, this requirement consists of serving as Borough Councilperson/Mayor and demonstrating active leadership in community improvement projects for a period of four or more years. For appointed borough officials, this requirement consists of holding a leadership position in a community organization and demonstrating active leadership in community improvement projects over a period of four or more years. Participants will be asked during their enrollment to supply PSAB with the appropriate documentation.

Attendance at PSAB Conferences

During the four-year CBO enrollment period, you must attend a minimum of two PSAB annual conferences, plus a minimum of four PSAB spring or fall conferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enroll?
As of January 1, 2004 all elected and appointed officials who attend a PSAB training session or conference will be automatically tracked. PSAB will track the credit hours, however it is recommended that all participants keep records of their attendance at training sessions and conferences. PSAB will enter your information in the CBO database and begin documenting your credit hours earned towards the completion of the CBO requirements.

How is the PSAB CBO Program organized?
The PSAB CBO Program has a Board of Directors. The Board reviews and revises CBO curriculum and policy as necessary, reviews qualifications of candidates applying for the initial CBO designation, and reviews qualifications of candidates in regard to continuing education and maintenance of the CBO designation. PSAB training staff provides administrative services.

Why should I sign up for the CBO program?
Becoming a Certified Borough Official benefits both you and your community. The training you receive will help you balance borough budgets, improve municipal services, and effectively deal with other challenges facing your community. It will provide you with leadership skills to build better teamwork and cooperation within your council, with local businesses, and with neighboring municipalities. The CBO process will give you the opportunity to discuss your borough's concerns with like-minded officials across the state facing similar situations. The CBO designation will also demonstrate your commitment to excellence and self-improvement to your citizens, your fellow officials, and yourself.

What is the cost of the CBO program?
There are no special enrollment fees or additional registration fees charged for the CBO program. Course training registration fees are charged for classes offered at regional sites across the state, based on the length of the session. Special CBO training sessions offered at PSAB's conferences do not carry an additional fee beyond the normal conference cost.

How long do I have to complete the CBO program?
All CBO requirements should be completed in a period of four years. This includes completion of required training courses and attendance at PSAB conferences. Demonstration of official leadership requirements may pre-date your enrollment in the CBO program.

How do I receive credit for a course?
PSAB provides training to local governments year-round. Credits are automatically captured when an individual registers and attends an Approved PSAB CBO course. Attendance is taken at each course location to ensure the individual attended the training session. For your convenience our training calendar is available on-line with an up to date list of sessions available with an option to register on line at www.boroughs.org/training.

How do I receive credit for a conference?
Beginning January 2004, credits for conference attendance will be as follows: 3 CBO credits in the Leadership Category for each of the following:

Spring Legislative Conference, Fall Leadership Conference and the Annual Conference*.

*CBO Afternoon Session is an additional 3 credits in the designated category (sign in required)

How are individuals who complete the CBO recognized?
Awards ceremonies will be conducted at PSAB annual conference with each participant who has completed the CBO requirements receiving an award of their achievement from the Association.

How long does the CBO certification last?
Professional certifications are generally subject to periodic renewal and continuing education requirements so that certified individuals will remain up-to-date on the continuing changes in their profession. In line with this practice, although the CBO certification is voluntary and not a "certified" program, CBO designations shall be subject to review and renewal each four-year period from the original completion of the program requirements. In order to maintain the CBO designation, you must attend at least one training session per year. Credit can also be earned by doing any of the following activities:

** Please note: PSAB reserves the right to determine eligibility for this voluntary certificate of achievement award based on additional criteria and/or special circumstances.

The Certified Borough Official Certificate of Achievement Program is not recognized as a state certification program.

Everyone must complete an enrollment form to participate in the program. For more information on the CBO Achievement Program or other training initiatives contact:

E. J. Knittel
Director of Events and Information Services
eknittel@boroughs.org
717-236-9526 x27

or

Theresa M. Dickow
Assistant Director of Education & Meetings
tdickow@boroughs.org
717-236-9526 x 42

Please complete the information below carefully and completely. Give us the address you prefer we use for CBO correspondence (either your home or the borough office).

All designations will be recognized at the PSAB Annual Conference of the participant's completion year.

** PSAB reserves the right to determine eligibility based on additional criteria & circumstances.