Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Certification Questions

How do I get started with the certification program?

Visit the calendar of events to find courses being offered in your area or view the list of online course offerings. Events with an alpha-numeric code (i.e., ACT106, TRN101) provide certification credit and have a test at the end of the day. Be sure to take the test and credit for that course will automatically be added to your TASBO course transcript.

Why should I be certified?

A TASBO certification offers you the opportunity to expand your professional knowledge base and ensures you stay up-to-date on ever-changing rules and regulations based on state and federal laws.

What is certification?

The TASBO certification program is designed to offer professional education to those who wish to develop their skills further and seek excellence in their profession.

What are the benefits of certification?

Certification can increase credibility in the education community, ensure that you have the most current information and tools to do your job, and offer a competitive edge in the job market. You are able to use the certification credentials (CTSBS, CTSBO, RTSBO, RTSBA) after your name on business stationery, cards, etc.

What do the initials stand for?

  • CTSBS | Certified Texas School Business Specialist
  • CTSBO | Certified Texas School Business Official
  • RTSBO | Registered Texas School Business Official
  • RTSBA | Registered Texas School Business Administrator

Which certification should I apply for?

You may apply for the highest level of certification for which you are qualified. You do not need to earn each certification individually, i.e., there is no need to obtain a CTSBS certification before applying for a CTSBO or be a CTSBO before applying for the RTSBO or RTSBA. Review the requirements of all four certification programs and decide which classification best fits your professional needs.

What is the fee for applying?

After you complete all coursework and have the required years of school business or operations experience, submit the TASBO Certification Application. Fees vary based on certification type and member status:

TASBO Members / Non-Members

  • RTSBA $100 / $235
  • RTSBO $100 / $235
  • CTSBO $75 / $210
  • CTSBS $60 / $195

What kind of experience do I need to become certified?

A certain number of years of school business and/or operations experience is required for each certification. Only one of the required years of experience must be in a Texas public school.

Can I complete all my required coursework online?

For the CTSBS and CTSBO certifications, all coursework can be completed online. For the RTSBO and RTSBA, three of the required courses must be completed in a live/in-person classroom setting.

How do I maintain my certification?

Once your application is approved, you are certified for a three-year period. To maintain your certification, you must earn 60 hours of continuing education every three years from approved TASBO providers. Half (30) of those hours must be earned by attending TASBO events or online training, or events from one of the regional TASBO affiliates.

What is the difference between certification courses and other TASBO training?

Although all TASBO training provides information on relevant topics, only certification courses conclude with an exam, which you must take and pass to receive credit. No other TASBO training counts towards initial certification. However, after certification is awarded, all TASBO training provides TASBO continuing education credit.

Who do I contact for more information?

For specific questions, please contact our certification team or review the Certification Manual.

Do I need to become a TASBO member to earn/maintain my certification?

Membership in TASBO doesn't affect certification; you can earn a certification as a non-member and can maintain hours as a non-member.

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