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NC Main Street Continuing Education Requirements
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
Professional Development Overview
In the dynamic landscape of downtown revitalization, professional development is not just a benefit, it’s a necessity. For NC Main Street Directors, staying informed, inspired, and equipped with the latest tools and strategies is essential to fostering vibrant, resilient communities. Ongoing learning empowers directors to lead with confidence, adapt to emerging trends, and collaborate effectively across sectors. By investing in professional growth, directors strengthen their capacity to drive economic development, preserve historic character, and cultivate local pride.
All NC Main Street Directors are required to maintain a detailed record of the continuing education courses they complete during each fiscal year. This information must be entered annually into the Main Street America Community Self-Assessment evaluation portal. NC Main Street staff will review submitted course lists and may conduct random audits, during which selected communities may be asked to provide proof of attendance for the trainings listed.
Acceptable Proof of Attendance
Certificates of completion
Registration confirmations with attendee name
Email confirmations from the training provider
Sign-in sheets (digital or physical)
Screenshots of virtual attendance (with identifiable information)
Continuing education transcripts or records from hosting organizations
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date documentation ensures compliance and supports the integrity of NC Main Street’s statewide professional development efforts.
New Director Requirements
A new Main Street Director is defined as anyone that has started their Main Street position in the last twelve months or has not previously completed the Main Street America Focus on the Four Points Series.
Baseline continuing education trainings are required to achieve a score of 3 on the Main Street America Community Self-Assessment Evaluation Standard 2: Inclusive Leadership and Organizational Capacity – Professional Development.
Baseline continuing education courses are required for National Accreditation consideration and to remain in good standing.
Continuing education beyond the baseline may raise your score to a 4 or 5. A score of 5 requires explaining how the training enhanced your program. Continuing education hours are counted hour-for-hour, with sessions 45 minutes or longer rounded up to 1 hour.
Baseline Continuing Education Requirements
NC Main Street Onboarding (Within the first two months of employment)
NC Main Street Conference (Director) (March)
NC Main Street Conference (1 Volunteer - Minimum) (March)
NC Main Street Directors’ Meeting (August)
NC Main Street NEW Directors’ Meeting: Strongly Encouraged (August)
Main Street Academy Focus on the Four Points Series: Economic Vitality (On Demand)
Main Street Academy Focus on the Four Points Series: Organization (On Demand)
Main Street Academy Focus on the Four Points Series: Design (On Demand)
Main Street Academy Focus on the Four Points Series: Promotion (On Demand)
2 Additional Continuing Education Credit Hours
Important Note: If you complete a course not listed but find it applicable to your work, please include relevant details in your annual Community Self-Assessment notes.
Existing Director Requirements
An existing Main Street Director is defined as anyone that has been in their position for more than twelve months and has previously completed Main Street Basic Training or the Main Street Academy Focus on the Four Points Series.
Baseline continuing education trainings are required to achieve a score of 3 on the Main Street America Community Self-Assessment Evaluation Standard 2: Inclusive Leadership and Organizational Capacity – Professional Development.
Baseline continuing education courses are required for National Accreditation consideration and to remain in good standing.
Continuing education beyond the baseline may raise your score to a 4 or 5. A score of 5 requires explaining how the training enhanced your program. Continuing education hours are counted hour-for-hour, with sessions 45 minutes or longer rounded up to 1 hour.
Baseline Continuing Education Requirements
NC Main Street Conference (Director) (March)
NC Main Street Conference (1 Volunteer - Minimum) (March)
NC Main Street Directors’ Meeting (August)
6 Additional Continuing Education Credit Hours
Important Note: If you complete a course not listed but find it applicable to your work, please include relevant details in your annual Community Self-Assessment notes.
