Texas Municipal Courts Education Center

Level I & II Course of Study

Please be aware that due to COVID-19, the requirements for certification have changed. To view TCCA's Emergency Declaration Policies for AY21, please click here. Please direct any certification-related questions to certification@tmcec.com.

Clerk Certification Study Guides

Municipal Court Guide, Level I - 12th Edition (2020-2021)

The Level I Study Guide provides an introduction to municipal court procedures and processes.

Municipal Court Guide, Level II - 12th Edition (2020-2021)

The Level II Study Guide provides a more in depth look to help gain understanding about municipal court procedures and processes.

Clerk Certification Flash Cards

TMCEC provides clerk certification study tools for Levels I & II through the online learning center (OLC). You can log in to the OLC and locate "Clerk Certification Online Learning Modules" where you will find electronic flash cards for Level I, Level II, and vocabulary. Practice tests are in the process of being updated.

Prep Sessions

TMCEC no longer hosts prep sessions prior to regional seminars. Texas Court Clerks Association has committed to hosting certification prep session in the local chapter area prior to each TMCEC regional seminar.

To find a listing of the AY2021 prep sessions, click here.

For more information contact Pat Riffel at priffel@ci.friendswood.tx.us

Level I: Steps to obtain your official status of Certified Court Clerk I (CCCI)

Certification applications must be filed with the TMCEC Program Coordinator within 3 years of passing test date and must include the following:

Step 1:

Study and register for the exam. The Level I exam is taken in 3 parts. Participants must score 70% or above on each part to receive a passing grade. Level I MAY NOT be taken in parts. All parts must be passed at one time. Passing the exam is only the 1st step in achieving Level I. Subjects on each part of the Level I exam are listed below (found in the Municipal Court Guide Level I).

Step 2:

Participants must provide proof of 40 hours of approved education as a part of the application process. Education can be obtained during the period a participant is studying and preparing for the exam. Education is approved annually by the Texas Court Clerks Association Education Committee. Standing providers include courses through TMCEC, TCCA (state or local chapter), and TMCA. Education from alternate providers may include hours from TCAT, TML, NACM, ICM, GCAT, OCA and GFOAT (if approved).

Online education (education achieved via online sources - not in person) from TMCEC online learning center such as webinars MAY NOT exceed 8 hours of the total hours submitted, therefore a minimum of 32 hours must be completed in person.  

Education may only be used for 3 years and for the purposes of the certification program shall be considered expired on the 3rd anniversary of the certificate date. Any education provided as a part of the application process may be denied if found to be expired at the time of the application. Education hours MAY BE REUSED when applying for Level II certification if the hours have not expired.

Step 3:

Once your application has been approved, your status will be updated on your TMCEC personal profile with the date it was approved and effective. New certifications are submitted to TCCA for the creation and mailing of your official certificate. You may begin using the the post nominal initials of CCCI behind your signature on your TMCEC effective date.

Level II: Steps to obtain your official status of Certified Court Clerk II (CCCII)

Certification applications must be filed with the TMCEC Program Coordinator within 3 years of passing test date and must include the following:

Step 1:

Study and register for the exam. The Level II exam is take in 3 parts. Participants must score 70% or above on each part to receive a passing grade. Unlike Level I, the Level II exam MAY be taken in parts. Passing the exam is only the 1st step in achieving Level II. Subjects on each part of the Level II exam are listed below (found in the Municipal Court Guide Level II).

Step 2:

Participants must provide proof of 40 hours of approved education as a part of the application process. Education can be obtained during the period a participant is studying and preparing for the exam. Education is approved annually by the Texas Court Clerks Association Education Committee. Standing providers include courses through TMCEC, TCCA (state or local chapter), and TMCA. Education from alternate providers MAY include hours from TCAT, TML, NACM, ICM, GCAT, OCA and GFOAT (if approved).

Online education (education achieved via online sources - not in person) from TMCEC online learning center such as archived webinars MAY NOT exceed 8 hours of the total hours submitted, therefore a minimum of 32 hours must be completed in person.

Education may only be used for 3 years and for the purposes of the certification program shall be considered expired on the 3rd anniversary of the certificate date. Any education provided as a part of the application process may be denied if found to be expired at the time of the application. Education hours MAY BE REUSED when applying for Level II certification if the hours have not expired.

Step 3:

Once your application has been approved, your status will be updated on your TMCEC personal profile with the date it was approved and effective. New certifications are submitted to TCCA for the creation and mailing of your official certificate. You may begin using the the post nominal initials of CCCII behind your signature on your TMCEC effective date.