For over 40 years, the Arkansas Public Administration Consortium (APAC) has trained professionals to advance the public good, support communities, and achieve mission-driven outcomes. Whether you are leading teams, preparing for new responsibilities, or striving to strengthen your impact, our training programs provide practical tools you can put to work immediately.

Why Choose APAC Training?

  • Emphasize ethical decision-making, accountability, collaboration, and solutions that serve citizens and stakeholders. 
  • Led by expert instructors with real-world experience
  • Affordable & flexible (in-person and online options)

APAC programs help organizations build a strong leadership pipeline that retains institutional knowledge, develops talent, and prepares employees for advancement.

We’re ready to partner with you to deliver targeted, practical training that meets today’s challenges.

APAC Program Descriptions

APAC currently offers the following certificate and training programs:

  • Professional Development Workshops: APAC’s workshops are designed for employees at all levels who need practical, actionable training to strengthen their leadership and management skills.
  • Arkansas Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program: This is Arkansas’s only nationally accredited leadership certification for the public sector. The CPM program strengthens critical leadership capabilities.
  • Arkansas Governmental Manager Program: Participants learn how to navigate complex personnel and operational challenges, improve team coordination and communication, and make data-informed decisions.
  • Certified Group Facilitator Program: Ideal for professionals who regularly lead meetings, supervise teams, or guide group work, this program combines online learning, in-person practice, and a real-world capstone. By mastering facilitation, participants will enhance their abilities to facilitate effective discussions, make group decisions, boost morale, resolve conflict, and guide groups towards actionable outcomes.
  • Certified Arkansas Planning Official (CARPO) Program: Ideal for those who want to understand the work of City Planning Commissions, attendees include Planning Commissioners, Board of Zoning members, City Planners, Mayors, City Council Members, and Fire Chiefs. Developed in partnership with the Arkansas Chapter of the American Planning Association, the program builds knowledge in land use planning, ethics, public engagement, and development review.
  • Certified Volunteer Manager (CVM) Program: This nationally recognized program focuses on best practices for volunteer engagement. During a multi-day retreat and capstone project, participants learn about recruiting, retaining, and motivating volunteers; risk management; and strategically developing their volunteer programs.

Training Options

The Arkansas Office of Skills Development (OSD) offers training grants for Arkansas employers. Grants from OSD can reimburse 50-75% of training program expenses. Visit the OSD website to learn more.

  • Public Programs: Your agency, organization, or company can advertise relevant APAC public programs to your employees. Individuals are encouraged to register for training that fits their professional development needs. Employers can fund the registration fee, or employees can pay for themselves but be provided with time off to attend. 
  • In-House Programs: Training programs can be offered directly for your employees at times and locations that work best for you. Materials, case studies, and projects are customized to reflect your current management opportunities and challenges.
  • Custom Programs: Combine APAC’s skill-building workshops with your organization’s training to meet workforce development goals. Certification pathways are customized for your employees.

Contact Us

Please reach out by email [email protected] or phone: 501-916-6050.

Join our Mailing List

You can join our mailing list by completing this Google form. You will receive program updates and registration information as soon as it becomes available.

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