Certified District Manager Program

The purpose of this education program is to ensure that district managers comply with the Florida Statutes governing special districts.

Our initial CDM Program development began in 2003 and the first training session, as well as subsequent certification exam, was delivered June 2004 through Barry University; 2022 marks the first year the FASD Certified District Manager (CDM) Program is offered in partnership with the Florida Institute of Government (IOG).

While the FASD Board has the responsibility for the CDM Program, the Education and Certification Committee oversees the program and provides peer review of the qualifications of a candidate. IOG develops and administers the training as well as the final certification project.

Initial Certification

The CDM designation requires experience and/or education components along with the successful completion of the course written project.

Once a candidate reviews the program description and feel they meet the educational and/or experience requirements, they should complete a CDM Program application. The application will be submitted to the Executive Director's office and will then be forwarded to the Education and Certification Committee Chair. The Chair will send the application to one or more Education and Certification Committee members to review and document the education and experience requirement. If a candidate meets the qualifications, their name will be submitted to the FASD Board for approval. Once the course and project have been successfully completed, the Education and Certification Committee Chair will make a recommendation to the FASD Board to confer the CDM designation. These approvals for the program and the recommendations can be presented at any regularly scheduled FASD Board meeting.

Once the candidate successfully completes the course, they will receive a certificate from FASD and IOG indicating they are a Certified District Manager (CDM) at the end of the course and will be formally recognized at the next scheduled Annual Conference. The CDM will be entitled to all rights and privileges according to that title, which includes the right to place “CDM” after their name as an indication of their credentials and accomplishment.

Re-Certification

The CDM designation will require bi-annual renewal. In order to maintain the certification, all CDMs will be required to attend FASD sponsored events and complete 16 hours (Continuing Education Hours, or CEUs) of verifiable training within a two (2) year period. In the event the CDM does not complete the required CEUs, they may request an extension from the Education and Certification Committee to maintain certification. The FASD Executive Director will maintain a list of CDMs and contact them six (6) months prior to the end of the two (2) year period. Evidence of a successful completion of recertification requirements will be submitted to the Education and Certification Committee Chair.

Continuing Education Units

Continuing Education opportunities will also be available at each Annual Conference and at some Quarterly General Membership Meetings. The applicable courses and the number of hours associated with each will be advertised with the conference or meeting announcement after approval from the Education and Certification Committee.

Courses can be submitted to the Education and Certification Committee Chair for acceptance. A CDM seeking additional CEUs from other sources must submit in writing a course description to the Committee prior to attendance for approval, as well as a copy of a certification or acknowledgement from the conference director and/or instructor showing their attendance. These items must be submitted to the Education and Certification Committee after their attendance to this course.

 Certified District Manager Program Application
Certified District Manager Program Scholarship Application

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Certified District Manager Program. The first class of the year will be offered January 22 - 26, 2024, at Hotel Duval in Tallahassee.

**FASD’s Education and Certification Committee reserves the right to cancel live or virtual classes in the event of any emergency situation or lack of participants. Canceled registration fees will be refunded or reserved for a future class.


Who should apply?

This program is geared towards middle management looking to advance to upper management and district leadership.

Subjects covered include:

  • Contract Management and Procurement
  • Project Management
  • Intergovernmental Affairs
  • Public Information and Public Relations
  • Strategic Planning and Budgeting
  • Board Relations
  • Ethics and Sunshine Law
  • Collective Bargaining

Course:

Provided two times a year during Legislative Forum and October Quarterly Meeting

Project:

Must complete final project administered by the Florida Institute of Government

Certification:

Graduates will be given a certificate of completion at the end of scheduled course if requested, and an official CDM Certificate will be presented at the following Annual Conference.

Re-certification is required every 2 years.