The Municipal Court Clerk Certification Program is known nationally and is used as a model for other organizations. The program provides court staff with the necessary knowledge and tools needed to succeed in the court profession. Completion of the program includes attending prep sessions using study guides to prepare for testing, online learning, local chapter trainings, mentoring and more.
As of September 2022, there are 574 clerks certified at Level I (CCC1), 619 clerks certified at Level II (CCCII), and 129 clerks at Level III (CMCC).
 TCCA and TMCEC began discussing development of a certification program in the fall of 1994. On April 26, 1995, members of the TCCA Education Committee and representatives from TMCEC met to take the initial step in creating the Municipal Court Clerk Certification Program. The Education Committee considered obtaining certification through an undergraduate or graduate college, but found this option was too expensive. TCCA also attempted to have legislation introduced and enacted requiring mandatory training for municipal court clerks which was unsuccessful. The Committee and representatives from TMCEC then began to review certification models from other associations such as the Texas Society Association of Executives, the Texas City Secretary Association, and the Human Resources Certification Program before considering creating their own Municipal Court Clerk Certification Program. In 1995, the program was developed and an outline finalized. This new program needed initial funding; therefore, the organizations applied for the State Justice Institute (SJI) grant funding. Committee members contacted members of Congress who served on the Appropriations Committee for federal funding asking for their support of the grant request. The program gained support from Texas Municipal League (TML) and Texas State University in San Marcos. The SJI grant was awarded to TCCA to implement the Municipal Court Clerk Certification Program. TCCA and TMCEC partnered to develop study guides and exams. In 1997, at the close of the grant period TCCA and TMCEC assumed all responsibility for continuing the certification program. |
We want to extend our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to those who lead the way in the development and success of the Municipal Court Clerk Certification program. We are forever in your debt. Ms. Hope Lockridge - Executive Director, TMCEC Ms. Margaret Robbins - Program Director, TMCEC Ms. Shirley Armstrong - TCCA President (Carrollton) Mr. Johnny Brooks (Arlington) Ms. Rosey Caballero - TCCA Education Chair (Keller) Mr. Ralph Ferguson (Garland) Ms. Leisa Hardin (Crowley) Ms. Winnie Kocot (Beaumont) Ms. Pennie Jack (Denton County) Ms. Hilda Phariss-Cuthbertson (Bryan) Mr. Mike Claunch (Cleburne) Mr. Don Vanadore (Grand Prairie) Ms. Shirley Koym (Deer Park) Ms. Mary Salinas (San Marcos) |
The Certification and Education Committee is primarily responsible for overseeing the Municipal Court Clerk’s Certification Program, which allows court clerks to become certified. The committee serves the membership by ensuring that information is available to them regarding the requirements to become a Certified Court Clerk as well as to address concerns or questions regarding certification. This committee serves as the decision making body for the certification program which includes ensuring that speakers and facilitators are qualified to present topics at the TCCA Annual Conference or any educational session where an application for training has been submitted for approval. The committee is responsible for the approval of certification credit hours provided for the purpose of continuing education for the Municipal Court Clerk’s Certification Program. The Chairperson of the Certification and Education Committee is appointed by the President at or immediately following the Annual Conference and will serve until the next Annual Conference or until their respective successor is appointed. The President may also appoint a co-chair to serve on the committee. The Chairperson(s) of this committee will rely on the Education Committee Policies and Procedures manual when conducting business for the committee. This manual is the official set of rules regarding the certification program and committee activities and will be maintained and reviewed annually by the Committee. |
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