The best community transportation managers in the country have the initials “CCTM” after their name. The CCTM designation marks the standard of excellence in the community transportation industry; as it’s proof of the ability to manage a comprehensive and dynamic community transportation system. The certification is valid for three years.

To become a CCTM, a person must submit an application documenting their experience and accomplishments, and must pass a comprehensive certification exam. The examination addresses six knowledge areas: (1) human resources management, (2) budgeting & financial management, (3) transportation operation management, (4) service planning and development (5) procurement and contract management. (6) organizational leadership

CCTM Eligibility

Before taking the certification examination, a person must meet eligibility criteria which includes demonstrating that the applicant has:

• served in a managerial or supervisory capacity at an organization providing community transit services, either at the time of application or within the five years immediately preceding the application date OR
• completed forty hours’ training covering at least five of the six exam topic areas within the four years immediately preceding the application date (except for CCTM applicants with more than five years’ experience, who may document 20 hours’ training in three areas and detailed on-the-job experience in two other areas).

The application and exam fee is $200 for CTAA members and $300 for non-members. Please note, this fee is waived for all those attending the CCTM two-day preparatory workshop. Also, this fee allows, if necessary, to re-take (once) the sections not passed on the first attempt. If the applicant does not pass the exam after the re-take, they must re-apply and re-submit the fees.

Maintaining CCTM Status

Once granted, a CCTM must apply for recertification. No exam is necessary. However, the CCTM must continue to be employed in a transit or transit-related managerial position, and must have completed at least 20 hours of continuing education covering five of the knowledge areas during the three years of CCTM status.

Preparing for the CTAA Management Certification Test: A CCTM Prep Course

CTAA offers a two-day training class, Preparing for the CTAA Certification Exam. While not a prerequisite to the CCTM exam, many people have found this course to be an invaluable preparation for the exam. This course reviews all the management skills covered in the CCTM exam. Exams to become a Certified Community Transit Manager (CCTM) are offered several times each year at a variety of state transit association meetings and various locations, including at CTAA’s annual EXPO conference.