Chief Business Officials play a vital role in the success of California’s public schools and as demands on school business leaders increase, so does the need for confidence, credibility, and demonstrated expertise. 

That’s where CASBO’s CBO Certification comes in. 

More and more professionals are turning to certification as a way to build leadership competence, enhance marketability, and align skills to practice within the high expectations of today’s education landscape. But one personal question continues to surface: Does certification lead to enhanced earning potential – salary? 

The answer, according to CASBO’s 2024 CBO Value of Certification Study, is a definitive yes (with some important context). 

The Reality: Certified CBOs Earn More Statistically

Despite limited employer incentives, currently certified CBOs are statistically more likely to earn higher salaries than their non-certified peers. 

According to the same CASBO study: 

• 19% of certified CBOs earn more than $220,000 annually, compared to just 9% of non-certified CBOs. 
• Conversely, 28% of non-certified CBOs report earning under $100,000, while only 8% of certified CBOs fall in that bracket. 
• These findings held true across district sizes, job roles, and geographic regions. 

This pattern held across all district sizes and geographies, underscoring that certification contributes to long-term salary growth—even when it’s not tied to formal employer incentives.

Why Certification Still Pays Off

The salary gap tells only part of the story. Survey respondents also overwhelmingly affirmed that certification: 

• Enhances career mobility 
• Signals credibility and preparation when interviewing with hiring superintendents and boards 
• Improves professional visibility and marketability (93% agreement) 
• Builds confidence in practice and deepens knowledge 

More than half of CBOs surveyed also said that certification increases their superintendent’s confidence in their performance, one of the most influential factors in career advancement. 

Market Value Over Mandates

Even when not financially incentivized, certification delivers measurable and meaningful value. It validates a CBO’s commitment, demonstrates readiness for the role, and positions professionals for the next step in their leadership journey. 

And in an era of high turnover—where one in four CBOs is considering a job change and nearly one-third plan to retire within five years—certification offers a clear pathway to professional stability and growth. 

The Journey from Certification to CBO-E (experienced)

Certification isn’t the end, it’s the foundation. 

Once certified, CBOs are expected to maintain active status through recertification, which includes completing 50 continuing education units (CEUs) every four years. This ensures that certified CBOs stay current with the evolving demands of school business management. 

And for those who have reached a significant milestone in their careers, CASBO offers the Certified CBO-E (experienced) digital badge. This recognition is reserved for professionals who: 

• Have held the titled role of CBO for five (5+) or more years, and 
• Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher 

The CBO-E badge represents excellence, experience, and enduring dedication to the profession. It’s a mark of leadership that honors your path and inspires others to follow it. 

The Takeaway: Certification Is a Long-Term Advantage

Whether you’re building your career, positioning yourself for advancement, or cementing your legacy as an accomplished CBO, certification is a powerful validation. It affirms your qualifications, aligns you with a statewide standards of foundational knowledge, and opens doors to higher compensation and greater impact. 

While it may not come with an immediate bonus, CBO certification pays off: financially, professionally, and personally. 

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