Certification Training

Registration for  spring certification course for prospective Magisterial District Judges (MDJ) and Philadelphia Arraignment Court Magistrates (ACM) will open on this site in March 2026. The course will begin with a lunchtime virtual orientation webinar session in May (date TBD) followed by four weeks of in-person classes during the month of June 2026 at the Pennsylvania Judicial Center (PJC), 601 Commonwealth Avenue, Harrisburg, PA, 17120. The online registration for the fall certification is closed. Individuals (elected/appointed) who are required to complete the fall certification course in order to assume office in January 2026 should contact MJEB staff immediately at MJEB@pacourts.us or 717-231-9515.

Individuals seeking the positions of Magisterial District Judge or Philadelphia Arraignment Court Magistrate who are not members of the Pennsylvania Bar must be certified prior to assuming office. This requires the completion of a course of training and instruction in the duties of the respective office and passing an examination prior to assuming the role as set forth in 42 Pa.C.S. § 3112 - § 3114 and Pa.R.J.A. 601.   

The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania (UJS) complies with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) which provides that “no qualified individual with a disability shall, by reason of such disability, be excluded from participation in or be denied the benefits of the services, programs, or activities of a public entity, or be subjected to discrimination by any such entity”. 42 U.S.C.A. §12132. Pursuant to that requirement, if you are an individual with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in any service, program, or activity of the Minor Judiciary Education Board (“MJEB”), you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. The ADA does not require the MJEB to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. If you require an accommodation under the ADA, it is recommended that you make your request as soon as possible or at least four (4) weeks prior to the start of the course or exam. Follow this link for the policy and forms: ADA Policy & Forms.

Contact MJEB staff by emailing mjeb@pacourts.us or calling 717-231-9515.

Updated as of September 29, 2025.