​Individuals who achieve the Accreditation in Business Licensing designation make a major commitment to raise their level of professionalism and knowledge in the business licensing field.

To receive the ABL designation, business licensing officials must complete the three-year Business Licensing Officials Training Institute. Training sessions A, B and C are offered during each BLOA Spring Academy. A business licensing official may start the Training Institute at any point, but he/she must complete each of the three sessions in order to graduate. Once an official graduates from the Training Institute, he/she may take the Accreditation in Business Licensing Exam. Officials must also pledge to follow the ABL Code of Ethics.

The SC Business Licensing Officials Association sponsors the ABL program. A board-appointed committee directly monitors the program. The Municipal Association of SC provides administrative support.

Those wanting to further their professional development can work to obtain the Master in Business Licensing designation.