California Psychology License Renewal (CE) Requirements

Aug. 25, 2011 - PRLog -- Mandatory Continuing Education Requirements

Continuing education means the variety of forms of learning experiences, including, but not limited to, lectures, conferences, seminars, workshops, grand rounds, video conferencing, and distant learning technologies. “Independent learning” means the variety of forms of organized and directed learning experiences that occur when the instructor and the student are not in direct visual or auditory contact. These include, but are not limited to, courses delivered via the Internet, CD-ROM, satellite downlink, correspondence and home study. Up to 27 hours or 75% of continuing education during each renewal cycle can be accrued through independent learning technologies. Independent learning courses must meet all standards of an approved continuing education course.

All California-licensed psychologists must have completed at least 36 hours of acceptable continuing education each time they renew their license.

You can accrue up to 27 hours or 75% of continuing education through independent learning for each renewal cycle. Independent learning means the variety of forms of organized and directed learning experiences that occur when the instructor and the student are not in direct visual or auditory contact. These include, but are not limited to, courses delivered via the Internet, CD-ROM, satellite downlink, correspondence and home study. Independent learning courses must meet all standards of an approved continuing education course.

The Board of Psychology recognizes and accepts for continuing education courses that are: approved by MCEPAA; provided by American Psychological Association (APA) approved sponsors; Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses specifically applicable and pertinent to the practice of psychology and that are accredited by the California Medical Association (CMA) or the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME); or sponsored by the Academies of the specialty boards of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP).

The MCEP Accrediting Agency (MCEPAA) is the approved entity to administer the Board’s continuing education program. They are solely responsible for approving and maintaining a list of qualified providers and courses. To obtain a list of approved courses, contact MCEPAA by phone at 916-286-7980 (Fax: 916-286-7985) or by visiting their web site at http://www.cpapsych.org.

You do not need to report hours of continuing education to the Board or to MCEPAA if the course you took was approved by MCEPAA. The hours will be reported directly to MCEPAA by the provider within 45 days of the course. It is recommended that you keep copies of all continuing education certifications.

If the course you took was not approved by MCEPAA (i.e. APA, CMA, ACCME, ABPP, or UCCMEC courses), you are responsible for reporting the course to MCEPAA. To do so, you must complete the MCEP Credit Reporting Form (PDF) which is available on this web site. You can print the form, complete it, and send it, along with the required $35 course reporting fee, to MCEPAA at the address listed on the form. The credit reporting form, copies of CE certificates of completion and the $35 fee, made payable to MCEPAA, must all be sent together to the MCEPAA, in order for your CE record to be properly credited. You are able to report multiple CE courses per credit reporting form submitted, however, the $35 fee must be paid each time the credit report is submitted.

Since all hours of continuing education are reported directly to MCEPAA, they keep track of how many hours have been reported for you. To find out how many hours have been reported, contact MCEPAA by phone at (916) 286-7980 or by e-mail at www.cpapsych.org.

When do the hours of continuing education need to be completed?

The required number of hours of continuing education must be accrued within the 24 months immediately prior to the expiration date of your license. The CE hours must be completed as a condition of the renewal of your license as a psychologist. Extensions cannot be granted. Psychologists who have not completed the minimum CE requirements are not eligible to renew their licenses as a psychologist.

Are there any specific courses that need to be taken as part of my continuing education requirements?

Psychologists now have the flexibility to determine the most effective means to stay abreast of changes in California laws, regulations, ethical standards and standards of practice as they apply to the practice of psychology in California. Training in this area maybe obtained in one or more of the following ways:

Formal coursework in laws and ethics taken from an accredited educational institution;
Approved continuing education course in laws and ethics;
Workshops in laws and ethics;
Other experience which provide direction and education in laws and ethics including, but not limited to, grand rounds or professional association presentation.

Psychologists renewing their license on or after January 1, 2005 are required to have proof of completion of a three hour CE course in aging and long-term care or show proof to the board of its equivalent in teaching or practicing experience. This is a one-time requirement.

What happens if I fail to complete the continuing education requirements prior to the expiration date of my license?

If you fail to complete the required hours of continuing education, your license will become invalid for renewal upon expiration. The continued practice of psychology is prohibited until the continuing education is completed and the license is restored to a valid status. If the deficiency is not made up within six months following the license expiration date, you will be subject to disciplinary action and/or citation and fine.

Does the Board audit licensees to assure compliance with the continuing education requirements?

Yes. The MCEPAA provides reports to the Board that list the names and license numbers of all licensees who are deficient in continuing education credits at license expiration. The Board conducts a 100% audit by contacting each licensee to notify him or her of the deficiency and then continues to monitor the situation until compliance is obtained.

Professional Development Resources is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Professional Development Resources maintains responsibility for all programs and content. http://www.pdresources.org/Index.aspx

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Professional Development Resources, Inc. is a nonprofit educational corporation organized in 1992. Our mission is to provide healthcare professionals with accredited continuing education courses on topics that are vital to contemporary clinical practice.