Professional Development

Spring 2026 Community Education Professional Development Courses

Basic Computer Software Specialist Courses

SUNY Schenectady is proud to offer a Basic Computer Software Specialist Certificate.

Students must participate in and complete the following four courses in order to earn this introductory certificate:

  • CFP 409 Intro to Windows
  • CFP 411 Intro to Excel
  • CFP 412 Intro to Word
  • CFP 401 Intro to Power Point

For more information, please see page 20 and contact the Office of Workforce Development and Community Education at 518-595-1101 ext. 3 or 4.

NYS Notary Public Law Refresher Course

Tuesday
February 10  
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
CRN#10595
CFP 267-71  
Fee: $100

The current 22-page NY Notary Law Booklet will be reviewed and highlighted with the new electronic notarization information and notary journal record keeping protocols. This presentation is a must for every commissioned NY notary to properly execute their authority, duties, and responsibilities. Examples using real-life scenarios will be used to explain situations that a Notary Public officer is likely to encounter. Topics include an overview on how to avoid conflicts of interest, legal ethics, allowable fees, and addressing special situations. All materials will be provided including a website link to the NYS Department of State licensing information and a 46-page Notary Review Guidebook with current glossary terms. Updated sample forms will also be reviewed. Register for NYS Notary Public Law Refresher Course.
Note: Online course

Notary Public Review

Monday
March 9
9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
CRN#10576
CFP 201-71  
Fee: $100

This online course will prepare students for the New York State Notary Public test and provide a comprehensive view of the Notary Public office. Confusing laws, concepts, and procedures will be clearly explained and examples will be provided to discuss situations that a Notary Public officer is likely to encounter. All materials will be provided. Register for Notary Public Review.
Note: Online course

Notary Signing Agent Course 

Monday
April 20  
5:30-9:30 p.m.
CRN# 10602
CFP 264-71  
Fee: $100

If you are currently a NY Notary Public and always wanted to explore earning additional income with your current Notary Commission, this online seminar is for you. The thriving real estate and refinancing markets have companies scrambling to hire Notary Signing Agents to help meet their increased business demands. After completing this basic introductory course, you will have the opportunity to work on a freelance basis in your own independent business by working with mortgage, title and signing companies who will hire you on a per job assignment earning from $75 to $150 or more for notarizing and presenting mortgage loan documents. All materials are included in this course which features a step-by-step guide book, sample loan documents, 20-page mortgage glossary, and a YouTube mock loan signing. In summary, lenders offering loans across the country rely greatly on QUALIFIED Notary Signing Agents. Usually lenders seek independent Notary Signing Agents to handle transactions on a local basis depending on where the real estate is located for the convenience of the borrower. Register for Notary Signing Agent Course.
Note: Online course

Security: 16 Hour on the Job Training

Saturday and Sunday
January 24-25  
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
CRN# 10637
CFP 236-51  
Fee: $145

This sixteen-hour course must be completed within 90 days of employment as a security officer. It provides the student with detailed information on the duties and responsibilities of a security officer. Topics covered include the roles of a security officer, legal powers and limitations, emergencies, communications and public relations, access control, ethics and conduct, incident command system, and terrorism. You need to pass the examination to complete this course. 
Pre-requisite: CFP 234 8 Hour Security Guard Pre-Assignment Training course. Register for Security: 16 Hour on the Job Training.

Security: 8 Hour Pre-Assignment

Saturday  
March 14  
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
CRN# 10636
CFP 234-51  
Fee: $65

This is an eight-hour course required by New York State. It is the first step toward obtaining a security officer registration card from the New York State Department. The course gives the student an overview of a security officer’s duties and responsibilities. Topics covered include the role of a security officer, legal powers and limitations, emergency situations, communications and public relations, access control, as well as ethics and conduct. You need to pass the examination to complete this course successfully.  Register for Security: 8 Hour Pre-Assignment.