Cohort 5 and 4: USE THIS LINK to jump to sessions | USE THIS LINK to find out more about CiLCA

Clerks: choose yourself, choose your future, choose CiLCA

Unlock Your Professional Potential in 2026

Registration is open now for Cohort 6 2025/26 - the only CiLCA course DAPTC will be running in 2026. Registration closes Friday 21 November 2025 so act now to make sure you have enough time to get the necessary approval from your council. View or download the pack for more details: Information Pack for Cohort 6 with DAPTC.

We recommend discussing signing up for CiLCA with our Training Officer, Brie Logan. Brie will be able to give you an overview of the entire course and what you can expect in study time and committment. Contact Brie at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 01305 224460.

Session dates for Cohort 6:

• Session 1 | 2 December 2025 | 12 noon to 2pm | Introduction to CiLCA - it's vital you have access to a physical copy of the 'Big Yellow Book', Local Council Administration by Roger Taylor, Arnold Baker, edition 12 onwards for this module
• Session 2 | 12 January 2026 | 1pm to 4pm
• Session 3 | 17 March 2026 | 1pm to 4pm
• Session 4 | 12 May 2026 | 1pm to 4pm
• Session 5 | 23 June 2026 | 1pm to 4pm
• Session 6 | 8 September 2026 | 1pm to 4pm
• Session 7 | 27 October 2026 | 1pm to 4pm

IMPORTANT: If your holiday or a period of illness means you miss any of the above dates we have an arrangement with neighbouring counties to offer alternative dates at no extra cost.

REGISTER for CiLCA Cohort 6 USING THIS LINK

Prices:

• CiLCA course with DAPTC:
  • £295 for clerks at councils with a gross income up to £25,000
  • £480 for clerks at councils with a gross income exceeding £25,000

• Plus: CiLCA qualification fee with SLCC: £495 (do not register to pay this fee until you have attended Module 1)

CiLCA - Your Career Catalyst

The Certificate in Local Council Administration, known as CiLCA, is provided by the Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC). It is a practical, entry level qualification for all local council staff and sometimes councillors. Achieving the qualification sets you apart in the local council administration field as CiLCA is the gold standard for professional clerks, signaling your commitment and expertise.

The qualification provides a broad knowledge of all aspects of a clerk’s work including roles and responsibilities, the law, procedures, finance planning and community involvement in different units:

• Governance and legal frameworks
• Financial management
• Community engagement
• Strategic planning
• Effective communication

A CiLCA qualified clerk is one of two criteria for a local council to be able to exercise the General Power of Competence. To find out more visit the page, The General Power of Competence (GPC) England, on the SLCC website. A qualified clerk is also a criterion for Silver and Gold Awards in the Local Council Award Scheme in England. To find out more, visit the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) website USING THIS LINK.

A PDF explaining CiLCA and how it can benefit both a clerk and a council is available on the SLCC website USING THIS LINK.

CiLCA can be your opportunity to:

• Boost your professional credibility - gain a nationally recognised qualification that demonstrates your expertise and commitment to local governance
• Enhance your career prospects - open doors to advanced roles and increased responsibilities within local council administration
• Develop comprehensive skills - master the critical competencies needed to excel in modern local government settings
• Network with professionals - connect with a community of dedicated local council professionals across Dorset
• Take part in continuous learning - claim 20 CPD points and start a journey of professional growth, keeping you updated with the latest developments in local council administration.

FAQs:

How long do I have to complete CiLCA?
You will have access to the course and learning platform for 12 months from when you register - CiLCA must be completed in this timeframe.

How long will it take me to complete?
It depends on you and other demands on your time but the qualification is understood to take 200 hours of work. Some of the learning outcomes you do in CiLCA will be tasks you need to complete as a clerk so will make part of your usual working time. The 200 hours also includes the training course from DAPTC, writing time and mentor support and check ins.

How is the DAPTC training course delivered?
By online and in person sessions - 7 in total. Support outside of sessions is available if required.

Do I earn CPD points by completing CiLCA?
Yes. You claim a total of 20 CPD points for completing CiLCA.

How do I access the CilCA Portfolio Guide?
You will receive the Portfolio in Session 1.

Why are there two separate fees to pay?
One fee is to us, DAPTC, for the training course. Such courses are highly recommended by Ascentis, the qualification awarding body, and DAPTC operates the CiLCA training programme in Dorset for SLCC.
The other fee is to SLCC, for the qualification and access to the learning platform where your work will be marked.

How much is the DAPTC training course?
£295 for clerks at councils with a gross income up to £25,000 and £480 for clerks at councils with a gross income exceeding £25,000.

How much is the SLCC qualification fee?
£495. You must register for this fee and the qualification yourself but do not do so until after attending Session 1.

Are there any other costs?
You may need to buy a copy of the Big Yellow Book, Local Council Administration, edition 12 or onwards which can be bought at a discounted price by SLCC members through their website. Second referrals cost £12.50 per learning outcome and there are additional fees for course extensions. All additional costs can be viewed on the SLCC website using this link.

Is there anything else I need to know?
It is recommended that CiLCA is attempted after a minimum of 12 months in post as a local council officer with a good working knowledge and understanding of a clerk’s role and the work involved gained by attending courses, in-house training and from practical experience.
If your council built the requirement to obtain CiLCA in the first year of employment into your job offer, please do get in touch to organise a chat to understand what's possible and reasonably achievable.

 Cohort 5 and 4 sessions: