Become a Certified Public Records Officer

 Approved Courses | Credit Tracking Sheet | Approved Course List Request | Apply Now

What is the WAPRO Certification Program?

In 2012, WAPRO initiated a program to provide certification for public records officers meeting high-quality professional standards. WAPRO certification requirements are designed to promote and support a sound background in public records laws, procedures, work processes and educational achievement for certificate earners. Certification demonstrates personal commitment and dedication to administering the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Upon approval of the application, the applicant will be issued a certificate and recognized both on the WAPRO website and during the WAPRO Annual Business meeting.

Become a Certified Public Records Officer

Certification Program Objectives

• Develop uniform standards of excellence and professionalism for public records officers
• Strengthen open government by increasing staff qualifications and training
• Increase efficiencies and reduce costs of public records compliance
• Establish curriculum of core courses to be completed for certification
• Facilitate compliance with Public Records Act requirements and promote transparency in government
• Provide standards for training and develop core competencies and skills
• Enhance and recognize professional achievements of public records officers

Interested in becoming a Certified Public Records Officer?

Applications may be submitted throughout the year, with certification being awarded to qualified candidates quarterly. Certification is valid for three years from the date of application. Core certification requirements can be met by attending:

• WAPRO training conferences
• Public Records Act (PRA) trainings
• Related course area trainings offered by other recognized programs that are reviewed and accredited by the Certification Subcommittee
  

Applications are reviewed by the WAPRO Certification Subcommittee. The subcommittee may request additional information as needed to verify that certification requirements have been met. Upon approval of the application, the applicant will be issued a certificate and recognized both on the WAPRO website and during the WAPRO Annual Business meeting.

Subcommittee recommendations for approval, denial, or revocation of certification must be approved by the full WAPRO Board. Please be aware that the WAPRO Board of Directors can revoke certification status at any time for reasonable cause. Revocation decisions may be appealed to the WAPRO Board of Directors. Any appeal must be filed within sixty (60) days of notification of the Board’s action.

Requirements for Certification

Reliance is placed on the ethics and honesty of the applicants. Applicants must complete the official certification application to establish the required background and show how courses fit the certification subject areas and curriculum. Training attendance must be demonstrated. WAPRO will provide monitoring and verification of WAPRO conference attendance. To be eligible for initial certification, an applicant must:

• Have attended at least one WAPRO conference in the three years prior to submitting their application
• Provide documentation demonstrating that the initial training requirement have been met. (This may be a course certificate of completion, an email from the agency providing the course which shows registration or attendance, a screenshot of a pre-recorded webinar, etc.).
• Please label the file name of the documentation being provided with the course code it is being applied towards.
• Meet the minimum number of credit hour requirements (see below for more detail)
  
• Pay certification fee (no refunds will be made once application is received; however, applicants will be allowed six months to resubmit)

Training credits can be earned through WAPRO training hours (automatically accredited) or through other recognized programs addressing the Washington State Public Records Act and related topics, including those sponsored by WCIA, WA-COG, WSAMA, WSMCA, WSBA, ARMA, IIMC, WMCA, state agencies, state bar approved continuing legal education, accredited colleges, paralegal programs, or law schools.