Judges & County Commissioners

The Institute annually offers continuing education schools for county judges and commissioners. These schools attract county officials from all areas of the state and are known for providing accurate, timely information and well respected speakers. Attendees earn accredited hours of continuing education that apply toward their state-mandated continuing education requirement.

The faculty and staff of the Institute work with the officers of the professional associations and education committees to plan relevant and effective educational programs.

In addition, the Institute serves as the educational sponsor for district, regional and statewide conferences throughout the year.

Judges and Commissioners interested in continued professional development may want to consider the Commissioners Court Leadership Academy, a two year program that builds advanced skills and knowledge. Read more about the Academy.

Note: Current Local Government Code specifies continuing education for Judges and Commissioners must be earned in a classroom. Therefore, no online courses have been approved by the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas.

Judges Continuing Education Requirements
Judges are required to attain 30 hours for their first year in office; and 16 hours each 12-month reporting period thereafter. (Legal Source: Government Code, Section 74.025 [effective Sept. 1, 1987]).

For more information about judicial continuing education requirements, visit the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas website. The Texas Association of Counties is the official registrar and permanent contact for County Judges’ hours.

Commissioners Continuing Education Requirements
Commissioners are required to attain 16 hours every 12-month period; they may carry forward up to 8 hours. Some exceptions apply. See Sec. 81.0025 e-Local Government Code. (Legal Source: Local Government Code, Section 81.0025 [effective Jan. 1, 1990]). To learn more about commissioners continuing education requirements, visit the County Judges and Commissioners Association of Texas website.