Important Updates to CPA Recertification Requirements

Return to COCTP

Effective December 1, 2025

CTAS has conferred with the Tennessee Department of Treasury to become more proficient in the issuance of annual educational incentive payments. With this in mind, the requirements and eligibility deadlines for the Certified Public Administrator (CPA) Recertification Program will now be enforced. Therefore, there will no longer be a ‘grace period’ for completion of coursework and remittance of fees. The annual deadline for completing recertification hours is June 30.

All required hours must be completed by this date each year, and all renewal fees must be received by the close of business on June 30 for you to qualify for the incentive payment and be included on the eligibility list which is submitted to the Tennessee Department of Treasury. These changes are effective immediately and apply to all participants in the CPA Recertification Program.

Participants should also review their profile information in the K@TE system to confirm that their official government name is listed correctly. The State of Tennessee requires CTAS to use the name that appears on your I-9, which means nicknames or shortened versions cannot be used (for example, William Smith cannot be listed as Bill Smith unless that is the legal name on file). If your name, mailing address, or email address has changed, please complete the K@TE Profile Update webform so we can update your profile. Incorrect or outdated information may delay communication or payment.

For individuals who are planning to retire, please note that your retirement date must be July 1 or later to remain eligible for the incentive payment. The "date of retirement" is the specific date a person officially stops working for an employer to begin their retirement. Therefore, retiring on June 30 disqualifies you from eligibility for the educational incentive, as you must be actively serving on June 30 for your name to be included on the list sent to the state.

The CPA incentive payment applies to the following positions: 

  • Assessor of Property
  • Circuit Court Clerk
  • Clerk and Master
  • County Clerk
  • County Mayor/County Executive
  • Criminal Court Clerk
  • General Sessions Court Clerk
  • Chief Administrative Officer of Highways
  • Juvenile Court Clerk
  • Probate Court Clerk
  • Register of Deeds
  • Sheriff
  • Trustee

Eligible county officials will receive a notification email from the Tennessee Department of Treasury in early September with the following information:

  • Notification that you qualify for the CPA educational incentive payment
  • View correctness of your mailing address (no action required if correct)
  • If a name or address change is needed, download the available W-9 form
  • Complete and return the W-9 form as instructed in the email
  • An estimate of your incentive payment will be noted based on the following:
    • Appropriation amount in state budget
    • Number of eligible county officials
    • Number of years certified as a Certified Public Administrator
      • Year 1 = $375
      • Year 2 = $750
      • Year 3 = $1,125
      • Year 4 + $1,500
      • (These tiered amounts are prorated if not covered by appropriation amount)

CTAS does not issue the incentive checks; our role is to provide the state with the list of eligible county officials who have met all criteria to attain/retain the designation of Certified Public Administrator. The role of Treasury is to create the payment file for issuance of the educational incentive payments. Per statute, the incentive payments must be mailed by the Department of Finance and Administration by October 31 of each year, and we ask that you allow time for standard mail delivery before inquiring about your check.

Thank you for your attention to these updates and for your continued service to your county. If you have any questions, please contact us at ctas.support@tennessee.edu.