**Art. 1 Regulation on the Basic and Continuing Professional Training of Municipal Secretaries Regulation on the Basic and Continuing Professional Training of Municipal Secretaries**

This regulation governs the basic and continuing professional training of municipal secretaries.

[1] 1 The Department of Institutions, Section for Local Authorities (SLA), through one of its officers, assumes the strategic direction and the coordinating role in the basic and continuing education of municipal secretaries, in agreement with the Commission for the Education of Municipal Secretaries referred to in Articles 5 and 6 (hereinafter the Commission).

2 Through internal mandates, the SLA avails itself of the collaboration of the Department of Education, Culture and Sport, Institute for Continuing Education (ICE), for the organization, management, and pedagogical direction of the courses.

3 The SLA may also make use of other educational institutions.

[1] Art. amended by R 17.5.2023; in force since 1.9.2023 - BU 2023, 174.

[2] The IFC designates the lecturers for the training courses, after consulting the Commission.

[2] Art. modified by R 17.5.2023; in force since 1.9.2023 - BU 2023, 174.

[3] As a general rule, the courses, after deducting federal and cantonal subsidies, as well as contributions from interested professional associations, tend to be self-financed through registration fees.

[3] Art. amended by R 17.5.2023; in force from 1.9.2023 - BU 2023, 174.

[4] 1 Upon proposal by the SEL, the Council of State appoints the Commission for the Training of Municipal Secretaries and designates its president.

2 The Commission is composed of 5 members representing

a) municipalities;

b) Ticino Municipal Secretaries Union (USCTi);

c) SEL.

3 The SEL assumes the coordination and guarantees the administrative support for the Commission. The IFC participates in the meetings in an advisory capacity; it also supports the Commission on aspects and issues within its competence.

[4] Art. amended by R 17.5.2023; in force since 1.9.2023 - BU 2023, 174.

The Commission

a) discusses and promotes strategies and topics related to the development of skills and training of municipal secretaries;

b) is informed about the conduct of courses and their respective programs;

c) is informed about the examination regulations for the diploma course for local government executives;

d) is consulted for the selection of lecturers;

e) is consulted on particular cases of admission;

f) is consulted on the continuing education program;

g) decides on the minimum requirements for fulfilling the obligation established by Art. 142 para. 3 LOC;

h) is competent for the approval of courses as provided for by Art. 14 para. 2. [5]

2 The Commission also acts as the Examination Board for the diploma course for local government executives, with the powers defined by the examination regulations.

[5] Para. amended by R 17.5.2023; in force since 1.9.2023 - BU 2023, 174.

1 The diploma qualifying for the exercise of the office of municipal secretary pursuant to Art. 142 LOC is the cantonal diploma for local government executives.

2 The title of municipal secretary is assumed upon municipal appointment.

1 Admission to the diploma course for management personnel of local authorities is open to Swiss citizens of legal age who meet one of the following requirements

a) possess a secondary level II qualification and have acquired at least two years of professional experience;

b) have obtained a university degree (bachelor's or master's from a university or a university of applied sciences).

2 In exceptional cases, the Commission may admit candidates who do not meet the educational requirements of paragraph 1, after reviewing their respective dossier, and if necessary, by subjecting the candidates to an admission examination.

The training comprises a theoretical part and a practical part.

1 The theoretical part of the training generally spans three semesters and includes classroom lessons for a minimum of 380 hours.

2 The subjects of instruction and any exemptions from them and from the related examinations are established in the examination regulations.

1 The practical part of the training consists of completing a traineeship period of at least six months with a local authority.

2 The traineeship period may also have been completed in the five years preceding the start of the course.

[6] 1 The examination regulations are an integral part of the general conditions of the diploma course for local government executive staff and are issued by the Department of Education, Culture and Sport, Vocational Training Division.

2 The IFC designates the relevant examination board according to the provisions of the examination regulations.

[6] Art. amended by R 17.5.2023; in force from 1.9.2023 - BU 2023, 174.

1 Having passed the examinations provided for in the examination regulations and having completed the practical training period, the candidate receives the diploma of executive officer for local authorities, which qualifies him/her for the exercise of the office of municipal secretary in the municipalities of the Canton.

2 The municipal secretary in office, holding the diploma of executive officer for local authorities or having obtained the same, also receives a certificate issued by the Department of Institutions attesting to the effective exercise of the office.

1 The SEL establishes the continuous training programme, in agreement with the Commission. [7]

2 Courses undertaken outside the programme referred to in para. 1 may be approved by the Commission, upon request of the interested parties.

[7] Para. amended by R 17.5.2023; in force since 1.9.2023 - BU 2023, 174.

[8] The amendments do not apply to the diploma course for local government executive managers commenced before their entry into force.

[8] Art. amended by R 17.5.2023; in force since 1.9.2023 - BU 2023, 174.

With the entry into force of these regulations, Art. 2, letter a, and Title II of the Regulation on Basic and Continuing Vocational Training for the Local Authorities Sector of 6 June 2001 are hereby repealed.

This regulation shall be published in the Official Bulletin of Laws and Executive Acts and shall enter into force on January 1, 2010.

Published in OB 2009, 474.