Local government staff learning and development (Board of Examiners)

Local government staff can access professional development and certification through programs offered by the Board of Examiners.

The Board of Examiners is established by legislation and is comprised of representatives from the B.C. government, the Local Government Management Association (LGMA) and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).

The Board of Examiners offers certification and scholarship programs to improve and recognize the professional skills and education of B.C.'s local government staff and build their administrative capacity.

Certification programs

Certification recognizes the professional standing of local government employees and officers who meet the academic and work experience criteria established by the Local Government Employees Certification Regulation.

Possessing a Certificate from the Board of Examiners is often used by local governments in the recruitment and advancement of their staff.

Certificates may be granted by the Board of Examiners in four categories:

Local Government Service Delivery: For staff who are not statutory officials or department heads.

• Service Delivery Certificate Application (PDF, 236KB)

Local Government Administration:  For management staff who occupy non-statutory positions.

• Administration Certificate Application (PDF, 106KB)

Local Government Statutory Administration: For staff in corporate or financial administration officer positions.

• Statutory Administration Certificate Application (PDF, 128KB)

Local Government Executive Management:  For chief administrative officers and deputy chief administrative officers.

• Executive Management Certificate Application (PDF, 129KB)

Certification criteria

Certification is granted by the Board of Examiners based on a specified combination of education and work experience related to local government, as established in the Local Government Employees Certification Regulation.

The Certificate in Local Government Executive Management also requires an oral and written presentation to the Board of Examiners on a topic related to local government administration. Certification criteria and additional information are set out in policy documents that accompany the regulation.

• Policy 1: Core Courses Mandatory for Certification (PDF, 166KB)
• Policy 2: Equivalent Experience in Another Jurisdiction (PDF, 134KB)
• Policy 3: Professional Development Endorsement (PDF, 168KB)
  • Policy 3: Appendix (PDF, 122KB)
• Policy 4: Subject Areas Related to Local Government (PDF, 75KB)
• Regulation Information 1: Recognized Colleges, Institutions and Associations for Credit Purposes (PDF, 112KB)
• Guidelines for Oral & Written Submissions (PDF, 85KB)

Scholarship programs

The Board of Examiners offers two scholarship programs that are available to eligible local government employees who wish to work towards certification or upgrade their professional skills. Funding assistance is available for tuition and travel costs.

Scholarship applications are accepted year-round and are reviewed at the Board’s meetings held three times a year in March, June and November. Contact the Administrator for the deadline to submit your application.

• For more information on eligibility and how to apply for a scholarship, download the application form (PDF, 225KB).

Note: Applicants need complete only one scholarship application as the Board will determine whether the source of funding is from the UBCM Commemorative Scholarship fund or the Jeff McKelvey Scholarship fund.

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities Commemorative (UBCM) Scholarship Program

This provincially-funded scholarship program commemorates UBCM’S 75th anniversary and provides financial assistance to persons working in a municipality, regional district, improvement district and First Nation with membership in the UBCM (see full listing on the scholarship application form) in the province who:

• Are taking courses leading to Board of Examiners' certification
• Wish to upgrade their professional skills through post-secondary studies or other courses relating to local government administration

The Jeff McKelvey Scholarship Program

UBCM established this program in 1986 upon the retirement of the late Jeff McKelvey who served as Executive Director of the organization for fourteen years.

Any local government employee is eligible to apply for an award to assist in improving job skills.

Board administration

The Board of Examiners is established under the Local Government Act. Details of the program are established by regulation. The Board has three appointed members representing the:

• Local Government Management Association
• Union of British Columbia Municipalities
• Ministry of Municipal Affairs

The LGMA also sponsors education programs that form part of the criteria for Board of Examiners' certification, in collaboration with provincial colleges and universities.