CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
On November 19, 1988, the Arkansas District Court Clerks Association elected to begin a certification program, with assistance from the Arkansas District Judges Council and the Administrative Office of the Courts. This program is designed to increase the knowledge of all district court clerks by providing basic information about duties and procedural issues that commonly confront district court personnel. The Association promotes public trust in district courts, leadership through professional development and customer-oriented justice.
The annual convention is held in April for district clerks and district judges combined. A minimum of three (3) additional educational seminars will also be provided each year. A seminar is held in February with the same seminar repeating in November. Attendance is designated by your judicial district. A seminar is held in August for Chief Clerks only. Deputy Clerks are not eligible to attend the Chief Clerks meetings.
REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION
- *Complete a minimum of two (2) full calendar years (January 1 through December 31) as a Chief or Deputy Clerk in a district court. (If you are hired mid-year, your service will not begin counting until the following January 1st.)
- *Complete a minimum of thirty (30) educational hours of training by attending creditable educational seminars provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts, Judicial Branch Education Division. Training may include seminars on substantive law updates, financial and accounting responsibilities of the clerk; procedural best practices, record retention, docketing requirements, as well as other responsibilities.
- *Complete a new clerks orientation. The new clerks orientation is offered quarterly by the Judicial Branch Education Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts. The orientation is a two day seminar held in the Justice Building in Little Rock. This training is designed to provide new district court clerks with a comprehensive overview of their roles responsibilities and the essential functions of the court system. Through a combination of lectures and interactive sessions, participants will gain the foundational knowledge and skills to perform their duties effectively and in accordance with legal and procedural standards.
- *Be a current paid “active” member of the Arkansas District Court Clerks Association while awaiting certification. To maintain an “active” member status, you must pay the annual dues on time and maintain your membership the entire time you are awaiting your certification. Service credit and educational hours will not be calculated for in-active non-paid members. Dues must be paid by March 1st of each year. Dues cannot be back-paid to obtain certification. Please note, dues are non-transferrable and must be paid in each member’s name and therefore, should be submitted for all new hires upon hiring.
CERTIFICATION RULES
- *Absences of up to a one year duration will be acceptable during the three year requirement.
- *Each clerk must complete an attendance form for each program and submit the attendance sheet at the end of the program. Hours will not be calculated if an attendance sheet it not submitted at the end of the conference.
- *The deadline for completion of all certification requirements is December 31st of each year in order to obtain your certificate at the following annual conference. Any requirements fulfilled after the deadline will have to wait until the next calendar year to receive their certificate.)
- *Certifications are awarded by the Association’s Certification Committee. Certificates of achievement are signed by the Governor of Arkansas, Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court, President of the Judges Council and President of the District Court Clerks Association.
TO MAINTAIN YOUR CERTIFICATION:
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A MINIMUM OF EIGHTEEN (18) HOURS OF EDUCATIONAL TRAINING EVERY THREE (3) YEARS AFTER ORIGINAL CERTIFICATION.
Notes: Certification requirements regarding years of service changed from a minimum of three (3) years to a minimum of two (2) years. (amended 2025)