What is CERA?

Certified Elections Registration Administrator, is a designation awarded to Election and Voter Registration Administrators in the United States. It is the profession's highest designation.

Program Overview

CERA was the Nations first professional certification program specifically for election professionals. The program is directed jointly by the Election Center and Auburn University and creates a foundational base of election administration knowledge. Continuing education is required to maintain the CERA certification.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of over 30 courses. The 12 core courses required for graduation and are listed below:


  1. Introduction to Election and Voter Registration Systems Administration

  2. Management and Leadership Concepts in Election and Voter Registration Administration

  3. Planning and Budgeting for Elections and Voter Registration

  4. Election and Voter Registration Information Management and Technology

  5. Ethics in Election and Voter Registration Administration

  6. Communications in Elections and Voter Registration Administration

  7. Facilitating Voter Participation

  8. Implementation of New Programs in Election Administration

  9. Enfranchisement, Enhancement & Enforcement - Modern Federal Election Law and Regulation: 1965-Present

  10. Constitutions, Courts and Cases to 1965 - early America to 1965 with focus on State and US Constitutions

  11. History I: Ancients to 1781

  12. History II: 1781 to Modern Era