The recommendation to require state certification of chief school business officers (CSBO's) is an attempt to strengthen the public schools' business function, to raise the CSBO's status, and to underscore the relationships between the business and program sides of school district operations. Although the CSBO has traditionally been viewed as the school bookkeeper, this position's duties and functions have grown exponentially during the past decades as school business activities have expanded in complexity. Also, recent state reform movements have created a new interest in more effective and efficient education resources management. Prior to discussing CSBO certification, the paper first describes the new job definition and workplace characteristics from which a set of competencies and standards can be established. Then the paper examines arguments for and against CSBO certification in California and examines certification activities in other states. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are offered for California. Clearly, steps are needed to strengthen the competencies and skills of CSBO's. Certification should be institututed as a first step. Also, individual assessment, rather than course or program approval, should be used for the certification process. The certificate should have a continuing education requirement. Further analysis is needed for CSBO certification in smaller districts where the superintendent doubles as the CSBO. Included is an appendix describing certification requirements for selected states. (MLH)