Your CASBO Certification proves that:
- Your training, experience, and education are up to date and worthy of your position.
- You are the recognized expert in your particular school business discipline, with a valuable skill set that is all your own.
Your CASBO Certification is evidence of:
- Your dedication to staying current on your discipline’s best practices as they shift in response to our state’s ever-evolving budget and policy changes.
- Your efforts to obtain knowledge you can use in the real world to resolve difficult issues, implement successful solutions and create innovative programs.
Your CASBO Certification assures your LEA that:
- You are regularly seeking the professional growth necessary to maintain its reputation as an organization that always follows best practices in school business.
- You are continually enhancing your leadership qualities, allowing your colleagues to rest easily, knowing that your department is in your capable hands.
The curriculum that was taught in the program was relevant and cutting edge with what is going on in the school business world today. The information presented was up to date and the issues discussed were thought provoking and interesting. I feel it was a great investment in my future. – Michael Krause; Assistant Superintendent Business Services; South San Francisco USD
Types of CASBO Certification
Approved Professional Development Providers
Certification applicants or event coordinators must request pre-approval of Continuing Education Units (CEU) for all trainings and workshops not defined below. Applicants are responsible for maintaining all proof of attendance and required documentation.
- CASBO BEL Program
- Program satisfies all training requirements for CBO/CBOE and DFS/DFSE Certifications*
- CASBO Professional Development Workshops and Webinars
- CEU vary by event and can be used to satisfy certification renewal requirements
- CEU may fulfill initial certification training requirements upon approval
- CASBO Annual Conference, CBO Symposium
- CEU vary by event and can be used to satisfy certification renewal requirements
- CEU may fulfill initial certification training requirements upon approval
- CASBO Section Events
- CEU vary by event and can be used to satisfy certification renewal requirements
- CEU may fulfill initial certification training requirements upon approval
- FCMAT CBO Mentor Program
- Program satisfies all CBO Certification requirements; training requirements for CBOE*
- CEU may fulfill other certification training requirements upon approval
- USC Rossier School of Education: Certificate in School Business Management
- Program satisfies all CBO Certification requirements; training requirements for CBOE*
- CEU may fulfill other certification training requirements upon approval
- Wilkes University Master’s in School Business Leadership
- Program satisfies all CBO Certification requirements; training requirements for CBOE*
- CEU may fulfill other certification training requirements upon approval
- ACSA School Business Academy
- CEU may fulfill other certification training requirements upon approval
- ACSA Personnel Academy
- Program satisfies 70 hours/CEUs for DHR/DHRE Certifications*
- CEU may fulfill other certification training requirements upon approval
- ASBO International Events
- CEU vary by event and can be used to satisfy certification renewal requirements
- CEU may fulfill initial certification training requirements upon approval
- School Services of California: Selected trainings and workshops
- CEU vary by event and can be used to satisfy certification renewal requirements
- CEU may fulfill initial certification training requirements upon approval
- CARSNet:
- CEU vary by event and can be used to satisfy certification renewal requirements
- School & College Legal Services:
- CEU vary by event and can be used to satisfy certification renewal requirements
- CEU may fulfill initial certification training requirements upon approval
Certification Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rates for the initial certification application?
- CBO / CBOE $400
- DFS / DFSE $350
- DHR / DHRE $350
- DOT / DOTE $350
- SBP I, II or III $200
- SBPP I, II or III $200
What are the certification requirements?
View Requirements
Candidates applying for the CBO or CBOE certification must take and pass the CBO exam. The exam fee is included in the CASBO Business Executive Leadership Program registration fees. All other applicants who earned eligibility for certification through alternative paths and programs must register for the exam separately through our website. The cost of the exam is $400 and that includes two (2) attempts at passing the exam. If a third attempt is needed, additional fees will apply.
How long does my certification last?
All certifications are valid for four (4) years. Continuing education units are also valid for four (4) years.
What does the “E” stand for in CBOE, DFSE, etc?
“E” stands for Education and Experience.
- A minimum of five (5) years of current, consecutive experience as a Chief Business Official; or a minimum of three (3) years of current, consecutive experience as a Director of Fiscal Services, Director of Human Resources or Director of Transportation; AND a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited university. (Adding the “E” is an opportunity for us to recognize our veteran certification holders for their expertise.)
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I am a retiree — can I apply for certification?
Yes; retirees may be eligible for initial CBO, DFS, DHR and SBP Certifications. Because of the experiential requirement, however, retirees cannot qualify for initial “E” certifications.
What happens next?
- Upon receipt of a certification application, the review process begins. Allow up to six (6) weeks for processing.
- If/when a certification application is approved, the applicant receives a confirmation letter, certificate by mail; and the applicant’s name will be listed in CASBO publications related to certifications.
- If a certification application is not approved, the applicant receives an email from the evaluator/CASBO staff indicating the missing program requirements (training, experience, education) as needed.
Is it possible to get a refund?
The application processing fee is non-refundable. Additional questions can be directed to certification@casbo.org.
What happens to my “E” certification if I retire mid-term and my experience is no longer current?
“E” certification holders who retire during their certification term retain their “E” status until their term ends. At the end of the term, retirees are eligible for “E” certification renewal.
How much does certification renewal cost?
CBO / CBOE $200
DFS / DFSE $150
DHR / DHRE $150
DOT / DOTE $150
SBP I, II or III $100
SBPP I, II or III $100
My existing certification is about to expire; how do I know when to renew?
- A renewal application must be submitted within three (3) months before or three (3) months after the existing certification expiration date.
- After three (3) months to the day of the existing certification expiration date, an applicant is no longer eligible for renewal but, instead, must reapply using the initial certification application.
I originally applied for a CBO certification (or other certification type) but now I want to upgrade to an “E” certification. What steps do I take to do that?
During your next renewal cycle, you can renew as a CBOE applicant.
My certification lapsed, now what?
If your certification lapses, please take the following steps:
Contact certification@casbo.org.
How can I find my current certification expiration date?
Your certification expiration date is printed on your original certificate and will be listed in your CASBO account. All questions related to current certification expiration can be directed to certification@casbo.org.