Note: this page was updated March 31, 2022. Updates are noted in RED text for ease of identification.
Given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have heard from members who are concerned with the potential challenge in viewing sufficient in-person or live offerings to meet the educational requirements for maintenance of certification. Please know that the Certification Commission is aware of your continued concerns. Others have shared their concern for achieving the required fifty (50) hours for the year.
In these unprecedented times the Commission is well aware of the toll the COVID-19 pandemic has had on your personal and professional lives and discussed ways to help support your continued education in light of the pandemic.
The Certification Commission has approved the following special exceptions for education requirements for the years 2020, 2021, 2022:
- Waive the renewal of certification requirement that a minimum of 20 hours per year of education must be achieved through “attending” activities. (Certification Procedure 532.9)
- Waive the limitation set that only 25 hours per year can be reported in activities which fall under the “review of educational materials”. (Certification Procedure 532.12d)
What does this mean in lay terms? For the education years 2020 and 2021, you will not be expected to report any hours in “attended” activities. Additionally, the limit that is typically set on reporting activities that fall under “educational materials” (25 hours per year) will also be waived. Activities that fall under “educational materials” include: reading books, reading articles, listening/viewing audio/video webinars/networking calls.
The Competencies Commission has approved a special exception to the following requirement for Renewal of Certification for the years 2020, 2021, 2022.
- Decrease the required fifty (50) hours of continuing education to thirty-five (35) hours. (Competency MNT2).
What does this mean in lay terms? For the education years 2020, 2021, 2022, the total number of education hours that must be reported for the year will be decreased from 50 hours to 35 hours. Given the change in the number of required hours for 2020, 2021, 2022, Certification Procedure 532.4 (minimum of 10 hours is required by per Category of Competency) will also be changed to a minimum of 7 hours per Category for education years 2020, 2021, 2022.
Questions – please reach out to Jeanine Annunziato at the NACC National Office (jannunziato@nacc.org or 414-483-4898 ext 303).
