CEU represents Continuing Education System. A CEU is a system of credit equal to 10 hours of involvement in an accredited program developed for experts with certificates or licenses to practice numerous occupations.
Doctors, nurses, legal representatives, engineers, CPAs, property agents, financial consultants, and other such professionals are required to participate in continuing education programs for a certain number of hours every year in order to keep their certificates, or licenses to practice, current. The annual number of CEUs needed varies by state and occupation.
Who Establishes the Standards?
Sara Meier, executive director of IACET (International Association for Continuing Education & Training), describes the history of the CEU:
The job force developed the CEU and identified universal guidelines for continuing education and training. In 2006, IACET became an ANSI Standard Developing Organization (SDO) and in 2007 the IACET criteria and standards for the CEU ended up being an ANSI/IACET Standard.”
What Is ANSI?
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the official U.S. agent to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Their task is to reinforce the U.S. market by making sure the health and wellness of customers and the defense of the environment.
What Does IACET Do?
IACET is the caretaker of the CEU. Its task is to communicate the requirements and assist companies in creating and administering the programs that supply specialists with continuing education chances. Education providers wish to begin here to ensure that their programs satisfy the proper requirements for ending up being recognized.
The Unit of Measure
According to the IACET: One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is specified as 10 contact hours (1 hour = 60 minutes) of involvement in an arranged continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. The main function of the CEU is to provide a permanent record of the people who have completed one or more non-credit educational experiences.
When CEUs are authorized by the IACET, you can be sure the program you chose abide by worldwide acknowledged standards.
Who Can Award Official CEUs?
Colleges, universities, or any association, business, or company that is willing and able to meet the ANSI/IACET standards developed for a specific market might be certified to award official CEUs. The Standards can be acquired at IACET.
Expert Requirements
Particular professions need that professionals make a specific variety of CEUs each year to ensure that they are up-to-date with existing practices in their field. Proof of credits made is needed in order to restore a license to practice. The number of credits needed varies by market and state.
Generally, certificates are released as evidence that a practitioner has actually completed the needed continuing education systems. Many specialists show these certificates on their office walls.
Continuing Education Opportunities
Lots of professions organize nationwide conferences to provide members with a chance to meet, network and learn. Trade shows are a major part of these conferences, assisting professionals to be aware of the lots of product or services that are new and ingenious, which support their profession.
Many institution of higher learnings use continuing education courses. Be sure to inquire about whether or not your regional school is recognized to offer main CEUs in your particular field.
Continuing education credits can also be earned online. Again, take care. Ensure the organization providing the training is authorized by the IACET before you invest whenever or cash.
Phony Certificates
If you’re reading this, chances are good that you’re a true expert. Sadly, there are frauds and scam artist out there. Do not unknowingly fall for a fake certificate, and don’t purchase one.
If you suspect that something fishy is going on, report it to the board that governs your expert field, and help stop frauds that hurt everybody.
