There two "levels" of lay speaking.  To become a local lay speaker, you need to complete a basic lay speaking course.  There is no expiration date on local lay speakers.  To become a certified lay speaker, you must complete a basic course and an advanced course.  In addition, you will have to take at least one advanced course every three years in order to maintain your status as certified lay speaker.
     The local church lay speaker needs to apply to the lay speaking committee to take the basic course .  A recommendation by his/her pastor and the church council (or charge conference) is required.  Upon acceptance by the committee, the applicant needs to satisfactorily complete the basic course.  The local church lay speaker may serve his/her local church in which membership is held, by witness of the spoken work, vital leadership service, and care-giving ministry. [Paragraph 271 in the Discipline ]
     The certified lay speaker must have completed both the basic course and an advanced course.  An application for certification must be submitted to and approved by the committee on lay speaking.  If approved, the certified lay speaker is expected to complete the same service as required of local church lay speakers.  In addition, the certified lay speaker may serve in other churches of the conference, besides his/her local congregation.  Recognition of certified lay speaker status is to be obtained each year.  This is done by first submitting a written request for renewal.  A submission of an annual report to the charge conference is required.  The report must give evidence of satisfactory performance of lay speaking service.  The pastor and church council (or charge conference) needs to recommend for renewal.  Lastly, an advanced course must have been completed within the past three years. [Paragraph 272 in the Discipline ]