Institute of Government

The Institute of Government for County Officials

Overview

The Institute of Government for County Officials (the Institute) is a training program designed to equip county officials with the tools needed to enhance their skills and abilities to function more effectively in their positions. SCAC provides the Institute in cooperation with the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston. Clemson University’s Master of Public Administration Program is a sponsor of the Institute.

First offered in 1989, the Institute curriculum has been enhanced over the years to reflect current information that county officials need to know in order to be effective leaders. 

Effective July 2026 - An Updated Institute of Government!

A revised Institute program was launched in July 2026. To ensure a smooth transition for participants hoping to graduate from Level I or Level II, grandfathering rules will apply to courses taken prior to July 2026. Contact Alicia Entzminger for more information and assistance with course transcripts. 

New Advanced Level Certification

Advanced courses offer a means for graduates of Levels I and II to continue their training and increase their knowledge of timely issues. Effective July 2026, an Advanced Level certification was introduced as part of the updated Institute of Government program.  

What are the Requirements for Earning a Certificate?

  • Level I — County officials must attend six required courses and any three elective courses to graduate from Level I.
  • Level II — County officials must attend any six courses to graduate from Level II. Graduates of Level I and participants who are within three courses of graduating from Level I are eligible to earn credit for Level II courses.
  • Advanced Level — County officials must attend any six courses to graduate from Level II. Graduates of Level I and participants who are within two courses of graduating from Level II are eligible to earn credit for Advanced Level certification. 
  • SCAC offers a full day of orientation training for newly elected county council members in even-numbered years. By attending orientation, new council members are enrolled in the Institute and earn credit equivalent to two courses toward their Level I certificate.
  • In order to receive credit for Institute courses, participants must be present for the entire course and return a form to certify that they have attended and completed the course.
  • Credits for courses in Levels I and II are valid for four years, after which time they are removed from the county official's record.
  • Officials are awarded a certificate upon graduation from Level I, Level II and Advanced. Certificates are presented at SCAC's Annual Conference.
  • SCAC's staff maintains the Institute's records. If you have questions about your record or need additional information, please call (803) 252-7255 (in-state: 1-800-922-6081) or send an e-mail to scac@scac.sc.

Institute Classes Offered In-person and Online

Each year, courses are offered prior to SCAC's Counties Connect Conference, Annual Conference and Fall Advocacy Meeting.

View and register for upcoming in-person classes

View courses offered online:

The SCAC Learning Portal houses both interactive and hybrid Institute of Government Classes. Classes are $80 each and can be viewed online to fulfill requirements for individuals pursuing Level I and Level II certification from the Institute of Government for County Officials.

Courses currently available are:

  Level I: Orientation to County Government I [R] (offered online only)

  Level I: Orientation to County Government II [R] (offered online only)

  Level I: Legal Issues in County Government [R]

  Level I: Managing and Conducting Meetings [E]

 Level I: Public Budgeting [R]* 

  • Replaced by Level I: County Government Finance [R] as of July 2026. Participants may continue to take this course for Level I required credit in place of County Government Finance. 

  Level I: Strategic Planning [E]*

  • Replaced by Level I: Strategic Governance [E] as of July 2026. Participants may continue to take this online class for Level I Elective Credit.

  Level II: The Policy Role of Council

  • Redesignated as a Level I required course beginning July 2026. Participants may continue to take this course for Level I Policy Role of Council credit. 

Visit our Portal and log in to view Institute of Government classes. Forgot your username and password? Contact Jennifer Haworth. To view online courses, log in to the Portal using the link above, select the “Catalog” tab, and make a selection from the available list of courses. Click “Buy Now” to pay for a course and begin watching it. Your transcript will be automatically updated after you have completed a course.

If you have any questions about the Institute of Government, please email Alicia Entzminger. 

Which Courses Offer Continuing Education Credit for Planning/Zoning Officials and Employees?

Four Institute of Government courses are approved by the S.C. Education Planning Advisory Committee for continuing education credit for local government planning/zoning officials and employees. These courses include:

  • Level I — Ethical Leadership and Public Service; and Leading and Conducting Meetings
  • Level II — Economic Development; and Planning and Land Use 

Learn more about planning/zoning continuing education.

Questions? Call Alicia Entzminger at 803-779-8628, or send an email.