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Voices. Knowledge. Solutions.

This six-hour Orientation Training curriculum provided by the Municipal Association of South Carolina is approved by the South Carolina Planning Education Advisory Committee. The training teaches the tools necessary for officials and staff to perform their duties responsibly and effectively. 

IMPORTANT

  1. The Municipal Association of SC and the South Carolina Association of Counties offer the only approved training program for municipal/county officials and employees. Only these two organizations can issue a valid transcript or certificate of completion for the Orientation Training.
  2. Before a group Orientation Training session can take place, the training MUST first be approved by the appointed staff member from either the Municipal Association or the SC Association of Counties. For the Municipal Association, you may contact Kailin Bethel at kbethel@masc.sc or at 803.933.1276.
  3. All group Orientation Training must be led by an approved facilitator. (List of approved facilitators and Information for facilitators)

For individuals

For municipalities 

  • The municipal council must inform each planning/zoning official and employee annually of the training requirements and provide access to approved education programs to obtain the required training.
  • All members of the planning commission, boards of zoning appeals and architectural review board, as well as staff who directly or indirectly work with them, unless exempt, must complete the six hours of state-approved orientation training within a period of six months before and no later than one year after the initial date of appointment/employment.
  • Individuals with an American Institute of Certified Planners designation from the American Planning Association, a master's degree or doctorate in planning or a related field or law degree are exempt from the training requirement.
  • Each year, no later than their appointment/employment anniversary date, individuals under this requirement must file a certification of compliance with the municipal clerk, who is responsible for maintaining certifications as outlined by the law. (Clerk's responsibilities)
  • Upon receiving a sign-in sheet or certification of completion from a facilitator, the Municipal Association sends a transcript to each participant and a copy to the municipal clerk.
  • Falsified reporting will make the individual ineligible for future appointments or employment if a professional employee.

For facilitators 

  • Access to the Municipal Association's orientation training program is provided to approved facilitators via an online format for group training sessions. The DVD product should no longer be used. 
  • To be eligible for approval as a facilitator, the individual must possess an AICP designation from the American Planning Association, a master's degree or doctorate in planning or a related field or law degree. (Facilitator application)
  • To use the copyrighted Orientation Training materials produced by the Municipal Association for a group session, an approved training facilitator must complete an online Reservation Card form to get access to the online training platform. Once this reservation card is received, a Municipal Association representative will contact you with instructions on how to access the training. This process must be completed each time prior to a scheduled training to get access to the online platform. This process is mandatory to comply with State Law requirements.
  • Facilitators have a choice of using the free digital versions of training materials or they may order hardcopy materials in advance of each training session. The materials cost $25 per participant. They include a hard copy of the Comprehensive Planning Guide for Local Governments, and a participant workbook/manual. 
  • The facilitator is responsible for conducting the training using materials provided by the Association and sending certification of completed training to the Association. (Checklist for orientation training)