Recertification is very similar to the initial certification process. Both involve examining documentation to see if meets the current requirements of each action. Deleting outdated materials and uploading new documentation is a key part of the recertification process.

Local governments that have achieved status as a Certified Climate Smart Community and wish to maintain their designation as leaders should be aware of the guidelines below:

• Each certification is valid for five years. The expiration date is listed at the top of each certification report. To maintain status as a certified community, recertification is necessary prior to that expiration date.
• Any local government that chooses not to apply for recertification will remain a Registered Climate Smart Community and can seek to attain higher level again at any time.
• The recertification requirements for each action can be found in Section H of the action descriptions, which are available on the Actions page.
• When preparing to recertify, applicants should review each individual action submission in their application. In particular, look for the submissions have expired. Every action submission that was approved during the prior certification has an expiration date.

  • Most expired submissions should be updated to meet the current requirements of the action, but it is not required to update every expired submission. The revised application must, however, contain enough new or updated submissions to make it eligible for recertification.
  • In most cases, applicants should NOT modify approved action submissions.
    • One exception to this is when the applicant has additional documentation that may make the submission eligible for a higher tier of points than what was previously awarded. This only applies to actions with variable points. In this case, the status of the action submission can be changed from "Approved" to "Completed" and the new documentation can be uploaded.

• Be aware that the actions and program requirements are subject to change over time. Changes are typically released during the fourth quarter of each year, so that the requirements are stable during the three annual review periods. Such changes are part of providing guidance that is current and relevant, in sync with technological changes and aligned with the dynamic, evolving field of local climate action.