8 Courses
39 Hours Per Course
Online
Certificate in as Little as 2 Years
Program Description
Your work with local government can shape your community and improve the lives of people who live there. NACLAA Level 1 will give you the tools to make a significant impact on both your community and your career. You’ll become well-versed in the structures and processes that define local government administration and gain the practical knowledge you need to succeed.
This long-running and award-winning program consists of two fully online certificates: NACLAA Level I and NACLAA Level II (designed for municipal administrators in higher-level positions).
Is This Program Right For You?
This program is designed for individuals who are:
- 🗸Busy people juggling career and personal commitments
- 🗸Entry to medium-level municipal administrators interested in professional development and career advancement
- 🗸Anyone exploring career options in local government or transitioning into the field
Questions? Contact us at naclaa@ualberta.ca
What You'll Learn
- 🗸Grow your understanding of the local government structure and its policies and procedures
- 🗸Identify and analyze community issues relevant to Canadian municipalities
- 🗸Build your knowledge and skills in key areas such as finance, leadership, municipal law, sustainability, and public administration
- 🗸Network with municipal administrators from across the country, sharing your ideas and experiences
- 🗸Prepare yourself to gain the Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation in Alberta
What You'll Earn
- 🗸 You’ll earn the National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration (Level I) after completing all the program requirements. Or take individual courses to add new skills and advance your career
- Approximate cost of the full program:$6,920 - $8,700 CAD effective Fall 2025
- Submit your program declaration at no extra cost
- Flexible payment – pay course-by-course as you go
- Courses are GST-exempt.
- Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks
- This program is comprised of five core courses and 117 hours of electives. Each course is 39 hours, for a total of 312 instructional hours.
- It’s designed for part-time study and can generally be completed within two to three years.
- You have the flexibility to schedule courses around your availability. Most students complete 1–2 courses per semester.
- Local Government and Public Administration Professionalism are recommended as the first two courses in the program. There’s no specific order recommended for the remaining courses. Electives can be taken at any time as long as you’ve completed their prerequisites.
- Grading is through assessments, which might include quizzes, exams, discussion forums, papers, and presentations.
- It’s a flexible online experience, with courses offered asynchronously. More info about online delivery formats can be found here.
- Course materials are shared in CE Canvas. Some courses may require additional resources, such as textbooks.
You could be eligible for funding and scholarships – explore your Funding and Scholarship Opportunities.
- After you successfully complete your program requirements, you’ll receive an email letting you know when your certificate is ready. If you have any questions about your credentials, please contact the program office. Once you receive your certificate, you’ll also be eligible to become a UAlberta Associate Alumni.
- Students who hold the Certificate in Manitoba Municipal Administration (CMMA) or the University of Regina’s Certificate in Local Government Authority (CLGA) will receive transfer credits toward the NACLAA Level I certificate
- To learn about transferability from other institutions, see our Transfer Credit information
- Completing both NACLAA programs (Level I and Level II) with the required Level I electives qualifies you to apply for the Certified Local Government Manager (CLGM) designation in Alberta.
- The CLGM is granted by the Society of Local Government Managers (SLGM), the professional organization that regulates the practices of local government managers and ensures its members act in the local government’s best possible interest.
- Consult with the SLGM prior to enrolling in elective courses to make sure that they meet the requirements for the CLGM professional designation. For example, EXLDR in-class elective courses do not meet the current course requirements for the CLGM designation.
- International Students are welcome to enroll and pay the same course fees as local students.
- Proficiency in English and a stable internet connection are needed to participate and succeed in our courses.
- Please note that non-credit programming does not qualify for a study permit, therefore, this program cannot be used for immigration to Canada. For more information, please contact University of Alberta International Student Services.