6-Hour Orientation Training

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 organizations can issue a valid transcript or certificate of completion for the Orientation Training.

General Orientation Training Requirements

• 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.
• Unless exempt, 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, must complete the six hours of state-approved orientation training within 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 is licensed to practice law in South Carolina are exempt from the training requirement. (see exemption requirements)
• Each year, no later than their appointment/employment anniversary date, individuals subject to the training requirement, including individuals exempted from attending training, must file a compliance certification with the municipal clerk, who by state law is responsible for maintaining certification. (Clerk's responsibilities)
• Falsified reporting will make the individual ineligible for future appointments or employment if a professional employee.

The Municipal Association of South Carolina's six-hour Orientation Training program equips officials and staff with the basic knowledge to perform their duties responsibly and effectively. The Orientation Training is approved for in-person training in a group setting or individual on-demand training. 

For Individual On-demand Orientation Training

• Individuals can complete the required six-hour Orientation Training online at any time and place where there is an internet connection. 
• Upon completion of the training, the on-demand system produces a compliance certification (transcript).   
• The Individual completing the training must file the compliance certification/transcript with the municipal clerk, who is responsible under state law for maintaining planning and zoning certification records. 

For Group Orientation Training

• The Municipal Association must pre-approve all planned group Orientation Training using the Association's copyrighted training materials. 
• To use the copyrighted Orientation Training materials for a group session, the training host must complete an online Training Request Form, which includes designating a training monitor. The training monitor may be any person associated with the municipality. The training request form must be received at least 2-weeks prior to the scheduled training session.
• Once this request form is received, a Municipal Association representative will contact the training coordinator within 48 hours with instructions and a sign-in sheet for the training. This process must be completed each time before a scheduled training to access the online platform.
• Coordinators can choose to use the free digital versions of training materials or order hardcopy materials in advanced of the training. The materials cost $25 per participant, which includes a copy of the Comprehensive Planning Guide for Local Governments and a participant workbook/manual.
• The designated training coordinator or monitor must be present during the training to monitor, certify attendance and advance through the training slides.
• Upon receiving the required sign-in sheet from the coordinator, the Association sends a transcript for each participant to the municipal clerk. Individuals are able to access their training transcript online.