In a time of fiscal pressure, enrollment decline, and growing workforce turnover, one group is quietly stepping up: California’s next generation of Chief Business Officials (CBOs). What’s motivating them to pursue certification—even when financial rewards are minimal?
CASBO’s 2024 CBO Value of Certification Study provides valuable insights into the motivations and mindset of both aspiring and current school business leaders. The data shows that while few employers offer monetary incentives for earned certification (as often done for other professions), the majority of CBOs believe in certification value—and are pursuing it for professional practice and recognition.
So, why are future CBOs choosing certification? The answer lies in a mix of personal fulfillment, professional credibility, and long-term ambition.
The Emerging Pipeline: Who Wants to Be Certified
Among respondents who have never held the CASBO CBO Certification:
- 57% expressed interest in earning it.
- An additional 29% of those with a lapsed credential said they plan to re-certify.
These numbers signal a growing recognition that certification isn’t just a box to check—it’s a badge of readiness. Many aspiring CBOs come from backgrounds in education, finance, or district administration. Before stepping into the CBO role, respondents reported holding positions such as:
- Director in another division (38%)
- Non-director staff in business departments (39.5%)
- Former teachers and principals (combined 34%)
This diversity points to a rich talent pipeline that sees certification as a way to formalize their transition into district leadership.
Beyond the Paycheck: What Table 1 Tells Us
To understand what drives these professionals, Table 1: Perceived Value of Certification is revealing. While salary increases ranked near the bottom (54% agreement), the top motivators were deeply personal and intrinsic:
- Indicates professional growth (95%)
- Enhances personal accomplishment (93%)
- Increases marketability (93%)
- Provides personal satisfaction (92%)
- Enhances professional credibility (90%)
This is a powerful message: CBOs aren’t doing this for a title or a raise. They’re doing it for themselves. Certification represents a commitment to mastering the foundations of school finance, leadership, and public service. It’s a way to claim ownership over a career path that demands constant adaptation and high stakes decision-making.
A Community of Commitment
Nearly 90% of respondents said certification:
- Shows strong commitment to the profession
- Validates their depth of knowledge
- Increases superintendent confidence
In other words, certification helps professionals signal leadership readiness, not just to others, but to themselves.
With 73% of employers supporting preparation (though fewer offer fee assistance), many CBOs are self-funding or seeking alternative means to earn the designation. This reinforces the finding that certification is viewed more as a personal milestone than an employer mandate.
Training Now for Future Turnover
Nearly one-third of survey respondents plan to retire within 3–5 years. Another 24% are considering changing jobs in the next two years. With such rapid turnover, the question isn’t whether we need more qualified CBOs—it’s how we prepare them in time.
Certification is one of the few ways to ensure consistent standards of readiness across regions and roles. As more aspiring leaders look to step into vacancies, they’re recognizing that certification sets them apart, especially in competitive hiring landscapes.
The Takeaway: Certification as Self-Investment
The next generation of school business leaders sees certification as more than a credential. They see it as an investment in their own growth, credibility, and future. It affirms their dedication, validates their knowledge, and prepares them for the demands ahead.
As districts brace for leadership transitions, and as professionals look for ways to stand out and lead with confidence, certification remains one of the most powerful tools in their hands.
Ready to take the next step?
Explore CASBO’s Certification Pathway and learn how to maintain your credential or achieve the CBO-E distinction.
Download: 2024 CBO Value of Certification Study
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