Certified Public Manager Certificate

Become a Certified Public Manager in Eight Months

UVA’s Certified Public Manager Certificate Program is the only program in Virginia aligned with the National Certified Public Manager Consortium (NCPMC). Our highly interactive, hybrid, eight-month program is designed for project, program and people managers in public administration roles at the local, state and federal levels as well as in the nonprofit sector.  

Our program empowers individuals to enhance their leadership and management abilities through skills that include communication, team building, data-driven decision making, self-awareness, critical thinking, budget, human resources, and conflict management. 

The Certified Public Manager program is offered by the School of Continuing and Professional Studies in partnership with the Virginia Institute of Government and is aligned with the core competencies established by the NCPMC. Students who complete the program earn a certificate from the University of Virginia, a nationally recognized credential through the NCPMC, and eligibility to become a member of the American Academy of Certified Public Managers. 

What You Will Learn 

Seven Core Competencies Identified by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium: 

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• Personal and organizational integrity
• Managing work
• Leading people
• Developing self
• Systemic integration
• Public service focus
• Change leadership  

Learn to Lead with Impact: 

• Develop values-driven leadership grounded in personal mission and the historical role of public service
• Lead diverse, multigenerational stakeholders and manage conflict through constructive engagement
• Apply institutional power, systems, and technology (including Artificial Intelligence) ethically while addressing digital-era risks
• Analyze, communicate, and use data effectively to support evidence-based public policy and budgeting decisions

Students Earn:

• Workplace-relevant skills and knowledge
• In-depth experience applying concepts learned to a capstone project
• A certificate from the University of Virginia
• A nationally recognized credential through the NCPMC
• Eligibility to become a member of the American Academy of Certified Public Managers

Key Industry Information:

Public management positions are central to supporting essential government services, and there is consistent demand for public service professionals with leadership expertise for positions offering historical stability, including county managers, program managers, public administrators, public budget analysts, and Human Resources managers. Jobs in public management, to include county and city managers, are expected to grow at a rate of 13% through 2028 (National Association of Colleges and Employers).

UVA's Benefits for Students:

• UVA offers the only program in Virginia aligned with the National Certified Public Manager Consortium
• Sessions led by seasoned public administrators with a mix of academic and practitioner backgrounds
• Synchronous learning through live modules (in person and on Zoom) to engage with peers and instructors
• One program rate can be split into two payments, due in the fall and spring
• Students complete 156 contact hours

About the Program 

Program Structure  

• The program consists of eight modules (9:00 am-5:00 pm ET) that are each three days long
• Modules 1 and 8 are offered in person in Charlottesville, VA
• Modules 2-7 are offered online on Zoom
• Students must be available for all sessions 

Fall 2026-Spring 2027 Program Schedule 

*All times are in Eastern Time. 

Tuition & Fees 

The program cost is $5850 plus fees and is broken into two payments in fall and spring

• The cost includes all required course materials but does not include travel, lodging or meals during in-person experiences
• Financial aid is not available, but payment plans are available through Student Financial Services
• Please work with your employer to determine whether your tuition is eligible for education benefits  

Admission Deadlines 

To begin the program in Fall 2026, applications must be submitted by July 1, 2026. Application coming soon! 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must:

• Have experience managing people, programs or projects  
• Reside or work in the Commonwealth of Virginia
• Submit an application with a statement surrounding your professional experience managing people, programs or projects
• Submit a resume
• Submit transcript of highest level of education completed (GED, high school diploma, or degree)

Learn More About our Partners: 

• Learn more about the National Certified Public Manager Consortium

• Learn more about UVA’s Weldon Cooper Center 

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