The COSBO program offers certification through examination for the following school business specialties in these two areas:

  • Certified Chief Financial Officer (Treasurer/CFO)
  • Certified Chief Operations Officer (Business Manager)

To Obtain Certification:

All COSBO candidates will be examined for competency in these 4 common learning modules:

  1. Leadership & Communications
  2. Personnel, Fringe Benefits & Labor Relations
  3. Capital Projects
  4. Budgeting & Purchasing

In addition to the 4 common learning modules, Certified Chief Financial Officer candidates will be examined for competency in these 3 specialized learning modules:

  1. School Finance
  2. Financial Forecasting & Data Analysis
  3. Financial Markets, Securities & Investments

In addition to the 4 common learning modules, certified Chief Operations Officer candidates will be examined for competency in these specialized learning modules:

  1. Facilities Management
  2. Day-to-Day Operations Management
  3. Food Service, Transportation & Risk Management

Additional Program Requirements and Information

 Employment History

A COSBO candidate must have at least one year of school district employment before starting the COSBO program. In addition, the candidate must earn one of the five OASBO Professional Registrations (RSBA, RSBD, RSBM, RSBO, or RSBFO) before the COSBO certificate will be awarded.

[Click here] for more information on how to obtain the Professional Registrations from OASBO.

COSBO Candidacy Fees

Once an OASBO member decides to be a COSBO candidate, an initial $100 fee for one certification or $150 for both certifications (CFO and COO) along with a registration form, must be submitted to OASBO. Valuable program information will be provided to the candidate once the registration is received. All fees are subject to change.

Examinations

Examination dates will be announced annually for those seeking COSBO credentials. A 90% passing rate is required for each module exam. (Results are confidential.)

Receiving the COSBO Credentials

When all required module examinations have been completed, the COSBO candidate will notify OASBO that they have successfully met examination requirements. Professional registration documentation and a letter of recommendation from the current employer must be presented to OASBO. A beautifully framed OASBO certificate will be presented to the successful candidates at the OASBO Annual Workshop.

Certification Requirements

  1. Earning a 90% or higher on all required certification tests.
  2. Letter of recommendation from current employer.
  3. One of the five OASBO Professional Registrations is required.
  4. Current member in good standing of OASBO.

Re-Certification Requirements

  • 120 contact hours in COSBO certification areas every 5 years from anniversary date of being awarded COSBO certification.
  • Current member in good standing of OASBO.