Managers receive certification after satisfactorily completing an extensive program of classroom training, study, research, examinations and demonstrating their managerial abilities through completion of individual projects.

The seven charter Societies of the American Academy were Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina and Oklahoma. With graduates from other programs becoming eligible for membership, the Academy has grown to include Societies from Alabama, Arkansas,  Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. The Academy is rapidly expanding its role as a nationwide force for professionalism in public sector management.

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