Education


Investing in Your Professional Growth

Education is at the heart of what we do.  ACCRTA partners with the Arkansas Municipal League (AML) and the Municipal Clerks Institute (MCI) to provide city clerks, recorders, and treasurers with the training and tools they need to succeed.  From workshops to advanced academies, our programs are designed to help you build knowledge, strengthen skills, and stay connected with peers across the state.

Municipal Clerks Institute (MCI)

The MCI is an education program designed specifically for city clerks, recorders, and treasurers. It operates within the Arkansas Municipal League (AML) Education Department and works closely with external partners.

MCI is not a professional association - it’s a school. It offers structured classes and has graduation requirements for participants.

Our Partners

MCI is supported by three primary partners.

  • ACCRTA – Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders, and Treasurers Association
  • AML – Arkansas Municipal League
  • IIMC – International Institute of Municipal Clerks

Each partner plays a unique role in providing courses, resources, and administration for MCI. While membership in all three organizations is not required, it is highly recommended for the best access to education and benefits.

CRT Organizations

How We Work Together

ACCRTA collaborates closely with MCI and AML to deliver high-quality education for our members. Each organization is independent, but all three are interconnected through shared goals and programs.

CRT Organizations

MCI Learning Opportunities

MCI offers several workshops and courses each year.

  • District Workshops
    Four one-day workshops, one per quarter, rotating among the four districts. Each is hosted by a current ACCRTA member and includes 6 hours of classes.
  • Annual Institute
    A week-long Institute held every September at the AML Assembly Hall. Institute includes 40 hours of classes.
  • Advanced Academy
    A two-day advanced training session offered in conjunction with the September Institute, including 12-14 hours of advanced education.
  • New Clerk Orientation
    A one-day workshop held during AML’s Winter Conference each January.
CRT Organizations

Annual Schedule

Jan – Mar

Jan – New Clerk Orientation
Mar – District Workshop

Apr – Jun

Apr – District Workshop

Jul – Sept

Aug – District Workshop

Oct – Dec

Sep – Institute & Advanced Academy
Oct – District Workshop

Stay Connected

Details and registration information are always posted on:

ACCRTA Calendar

Follow at www.accrta.org/Resources/Calendar

AML Community Email

Join at amlcommunity.arml.org/home

ACCRTA Facebook Group

Join at www.facebook.com/groups/ACCRTA/

Discover More Education Tools

Explore additional education and training resources to expand your knowledge, strengthen your skills, and develop additional expertise in your specific role.

AML Arkansas Civic Education (ACE) Hub

The Arkansas Civic Education (ACE) Program is the cornerstone of AML’s training and certification initiative. Civilpedia is the foundation of the ACE Program, offering essential knowledge in municipal governance. From there, participants can expand their expertise through on-demand and live training, exploring diverse topics and earning credits toward advanced certifications.

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Additional AML Education Programs

  • Grant Writing Certificate Program: Available through the ACE Hub.
  • Safe Track Certification: On-demand workplace safety training program, available through ACE Hub
  • Regional Meetings: Live local meetings featuring information of regional interest. Watch the AML email Community and social media for upcoming dates.

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Arkansas Government Finance Officers Association AGFOA

Some find this helpful organization. Education is provided during the annual conference.

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Arkansas Public Employers Human Resources Association (APEHRA)

The organization is just for public employers (whoever handles HR in your city). Education is available at quarterly meetings and at the annual conference. There is also an email forum, like AML Communities, for members.

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Arkansas Rural Water Association (ARWA)

This organization is for those with rural and small publicly owned water and wastewater systems. The annual conference and training courses are valuable for all those involved with water systems.

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Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Many training opportunities and certifications are available.

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What’s Missing?

For questions about CRT education or to suggest learning opportunities to add to this page, email education@accrta.org.

Certification


Why Certification Matters

Certification isn’t just a personal achievement—it benefits the entire city. Certified clerks, recorders, and treasurers bring knowledge and skills that strengthen local government and build public trust.

  • Compliance: Certified professionals understand applicable laws, regulations, and best practices, helping the city stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes.
  • Transparency: Training emphasizes accurate recordkeeping and open processes, ensuring citizens have confidence in their local government.
  • Community Impact: Certification means smoother operations, effective service to citizens and others, and responsibly managed resources.
  • Professional Growth: It demonstrates a commitment to learning, leadership, and public service.

Arkansas Clerk, Recorder, & Treasurer (CRT) Certifications

ACCRTA and IIMC each offer two levels of certification. They are two different organizations, with separate memberships and slightly different criteria. The unifying factor is education provided by the Municipal Clerks Institute. Here’s a quick overview of each one.

Click links of each below for details and application forms.

Initial Certifications

  • ACCRTA: Certified Arkansas Municipal Clerk (CAMC) Download coming soon
  • IIMC: Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC)  Download

Advanced Certifications

  • ACCRTA: Master Arkansas Municipal Clerk (MAMC) Download coming soon
  • IIMC: Master Municipal Clerk (MMC)  Download

Questions?

For questions about CRT certification or help with your application, email certification@accrta.org.