Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) Program

Beginning in 1992, the Election Center offered professional education courses for election and registration officials. Several election officials recognized the need for trained, professional election and registration administrators who understand the many factors that impact election administration. In 1994, the Election Center partnered with Auburn University to create the formal CERA professional certification program. The CERA program is the only continuing professional education program that specializes in voter registration and election administration. Obtaining and maintaining a CERA requires a dedication to the highest professional standards and a commitment to continuing education.

The CERA certification through the Election Center and the Election Administration Graduate Certificate and Master of Public Administration through Auburn University are designed to be pursued alongside one another, should a student choose to do so. While each can be earned independently, the programs are designed to make it simpler for a student to obtain all three degrees/certifications. The online MPA program at Auburn is currently in development.

CERA Core Coursework

Course 1: Election Administration and Voter Registration as a System
Course 2: Management and Leadership Concepts in Election Administration and Voter Registration
Course 3: Planning and Budgeting for Election Administration and Voter Registration
Course 4: Contingency and Continuity of Operations Planning in Election Administration and Voter Registration
Couse 5: Ethics in Election Administration and Voter Registration
Course 6: Communications and Public Relations in Election Administration and Voter Registration
Course 7: Enhancing Voter Registration and Participation in Election Administration and Voter Registration
Course 8: Implementation of New Programs in Election Administration and Voter Registration
Course 9: History of Elections Part III - 1960 to Modern Era
Course 10: Constitutions, Courts, and Cases to 1965
Course 11: History of Elections Part I: Antiquity to 1781
Course 12: History of Elections Part II: 1781 to Civil Rights Era 1960

Quotes from the Graduates

Jessica Aguilar-Koepke,
CERA
Humboldt County, Nevada

"The CERA program signifies community to me. The networking opportunities and collaborative experiences during the courses have significantly enriched my understanding of elections. Completing these courses has given me even more dedication to my election administration career and a greater appreciation of my colleagues and those that have come before me."

LaShandra Little, CERA
Fulton County, Georgia

"The CERA program has provided me with tremendous professional development opportunities in elections. Networking with other who are doing the same work across the country has enabled me to build my professional network and develop the skills needed to communicate effectively about running successful elections. The certification program brings a wealth of credibility to our work as election officials across the country and enables us to be known as experts in the field. I'm genuinely grateful to have had the experience of being certified as an election official."

Brett Riffle, CERA
Fairfield County, Ohio

"I started the CERA program to gain a national certification in my profession. I am graduating CERA with a greater understanding of election administration around the country and something far more valuable - strong, lasting bonds with the dedicated and wonderful people who work in elections around our great nation."