Welcome to the CMO

The Certified Municipal Officer (CMO) is Ontario's premier designation for municipal managers and leaders. Become a CMO today and stand out from your peers as an accomplished municipal management professional.

Today's ever-evolving municipal environment demands management professionals to possess diverse skills and knowledge such as visionary leadership, and keen problem-solving. The CMO accredits these core skills, along with the knowledge and expertise required to be a successful local government leader.

The CMO showcases your knowledge of local government management, your professional readiness and commitment to career-long learning and ethical practice. The CMO is the leading local government designation in Ontario - completion and approval of the requirements confers the right to use the initials CMO after your name.

Qualifications

To apply for the CMO Program you need the following:

  1. Must be a current member of AMCTO in good standing;
  2. Must be employed by a municipality (or related organization) with at least three (3) years of municipal management/leadership experience; and
  3. Have completed the AMCTO Municipal Administration Program (MAP) or an acceptable equivalent. Find out if you are eligible for an exemption by reviewing Section 5 in the Diploma in Municipal Administration (DMA) Terms of Reference.

Applicants are encouraged to review the CMO Program Manual or contact AMCTO Accreditation at accreditation@amcto.com

Ready to Apply?

Resources to Get You Started

Applying for the CMO:

 

Preparing your CMO Submission:

 

The CMO Review Process:

  • Three CMO-certified reviewers will independently review your submission
  • If you meet the threshold of 85% approval from 2/3 reviewers, you will be recommended for approval
  • Granting of the designation by the AMCTO Board of Directors at their next meeting

 

Maintenance of Designation Process:

 

CMO Testimonials

"My recent completion of the CMO program and achievement of my CMO designation is by far my crowning education and professional achievement to date. I found the process and completion of the requirements provided me with a greater personal insight, understanding and appreciation for the professional attributes attained throughout my career."

- Sheridan L. Graham, CMO, Chief Administrative Officer, Deputy Clerk, Deputy Treasurer, County of Peterborough

"By obtaining my CMO, I know I am in a class of astute professionals that have clearly demonstrated both working and practical knowledge in all areas of municipal government."

- Michael Galloway, CMO, Chief Administrative Officer, County of Essex

"The CMO designation is unquestionably the premier qualification for senior municipal officers in local government. While the requirements are extensive and extremely relevant; the process inspired a thorough self-reflection of my leadership and management achievements garnered over my municipal career. "

- Shellee Fournier, CMO, Dipl.M.A., Chief Administrative Officer/Human Resources, Town of Gananoque

"Preparing my CMO applications was the best personal reflection exercise I have ever done. I have never before taken the time to review my career accomplishments. It proved to be very self-fulfilling"

- Amy Vickery-Menard, CMO, City Manager, City of Temiskaming Shores

"The CMO demonstrates a culmination of your municipal governance skills and qualities developed to date, and signifiies that you are committed to a career of continual education and self improvement to the benefit of yourself and your municipality."

- Paul J. Shipway, CMO, AOMC, Dipl.M.A., Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, Municipality of Central Elgin

CMO Competency Requirements:

In order to be granted the CMO designation, you must be able to demonstrate applied knowledge and skills in eight (8) areas of competency, using municipal experience and practical examples:

  1. Municipal Operations
  2. Communication
  3. Service Delivery
  4. Government Relations & Citizen Engagement
  5. Strategic & Organizational Management
  6. Human Resources Management
  7. Financial Management
  8. Leadership

For Assistance

After reviewing the CMO Manual, please feel free to contact AMCTO Accreditation at accreditation@amcto.com, with any questions.

 

CMO Application Form

Non-Management Designation

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Clerk's Designation

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