Certification Program

ARKANSAS DISTRICT & CITY COURT CLERKS ASSOCIATION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

On November 19, 1988, the Arkansas District and City Court Clerks Association elected to begin a certification program, with assistance from the Arkansas Municipal Judges Council and the Administrative Office of the Courts.

A minimum of three (3) educational seminars in addition to the annual conference. The seminars will be held the 3rd Friday of February (for members in the 2nd & 4th districts), the 3rd Friday of August (for Chief Clerks only), the 3rd Friday of November (for members in the 1st and 3rd districts). An annual convention will be held on an undetermined date in April.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

Complete a minimum of three calendar years (January 1 through December 31) as a Chief Clerk or Deputy Clerk in a city or district court by the time of certification.
Complete a minimum of thirty (30) hours of training by attending creditable educational seminars, which may include:
Financial and accounting responsibilities of the clerk; filing and docketing responsibilities of the clerk; or
Office and courtroom management and behavior; or
Substantive law update - civil and criminal.
Complete a new clerks orientation.
Be a current member of the Arkansas District and City Court Clerks Association for three concurrent years while awaiting certification. Membership in the Association is achieved by paying annual dues to the Association Treasurer . The deadline for paying dues each year is March 1 st. You may not back pay dues in order to obtain certification. Certification hours will not be calculated on non-members.
Maintain certification by completing a minimum of eighteen (18) hours of training every three years after original certification.

CERTIFICATION RULES

Absences of up to a one year duration will be acceptable during the three year requirement.
Each clerk must complete an attendance form for each program.
The deadline for completion of certification requirements, both employment and education hours, shall be December 31 of each calendar year.
Certifications will be given by the Arkansas District and City Court Clerks Association, signed by the Governor of Arkansas, chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, President of the Judges Council and President of the District & City Court Clerks Association.