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Continuing Competency Frequently Asked Questions

Q. When do the continuing competency requirements go into effect?

A. January 1, 2006.

Q. What is a Professional Development Unit?

A. Fifty minutes of participation in a professional development activity qualifies for one Professional Development Unit (PDU). One academic credit equals 10 PDUs. One Continuing Education Unit (CEU) equals 10 PDUs.

Q. How many PDUs do I need?

A. If you have one-year license, you will be required to complete 12 PDUs. If you have a two-year license/certificate, you will be required to complete 24 PDUs. PDUs can be earned any time during your renewal period.

Q. When is my "renewal period?"

A. Your renewal period of starts the day after your license expires and continues until your license expiration date. During the transition to a biennial renewal, some licenses/certificates will expire after one year and some will expire after two years. An example of a one-year renewal period: if your license expires on May 31, 2007, your renewal period was June 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007. An example of a two-year renewal period: if your license expires on May 31, 2009, your renewal period was June 1, 2007 through May 31, 2009.

Q. Do I have to take a Board-approved course?

A. No. The Board does not approve courses for continuing competency. Six of the twelve units must be directly related to the delivery of OT services. The remaining six units may include, but are not limited to, occupation based theory assessment/interview techniques, intervention strategies, and community/environment as related to your practice. All activities must be objectively measurable in terms of hours involved.

Q. Are continuing education courses the only way I can earn PDUs?

A. No. There are a variety of ways you can earn PDUs. They include involvement in a structured special interest or study group; structured mentoring; supervising the fieldwork of Level II students; publication of an article in a professional publication; publication of a chapter in a textbook; and making a first time presentation at a seminar, workshop or conference. Section 4161(c) of Title 16, California Code of Regulations (CCR) outlines how many units can be earned through these activities.

Q. Can I take courses on the internet?

A. Yes. Internet, DVD and video courses are acceptable as long as you receive a certificate of completion.

Q. Can I earn PDUs by reading books or articles?

A. You cannot count reading unless it is objectively measurable in terms of the hours involved (Title 16 CCR section 4161(b)(3)). If you read an article in a professional journal and receive credits and a certificate of completion, you may count those units. Reading on your own will not be accepted.

Q. Can I carry over units into my next renewal period?

A. If you earn more than the required number of units during your renewal period, you can carry over a limited number of the extra hours into the next renewal period. If you had a one-year license/certificate, you can carry three (3) units into the following year. If you had a two-year license/certificate, you can carry six (6) units into the following year.

Q. Can I use the same units that I use for my NBCOT certification?

A. Yes. If you maintain certification with NBCOT you can use the same units you completed for NBCOT to renew your license as long as those units were earned within your renewal period and meet the requirements outlined in Title 16 CCR, Sections 4161(b) and (c).

Q. Can I use the same units that I earned for my advanced practice certification?

A. Yes

Q. Do I have to send my course completion certificates to the Board?

A. No. You will be required certify that you completed the required number of units on your renewal form and list the activities on the back of the renewal form. You must maintain copies of course completion certificates and documentation of other activities completed for a period of four (4) years. The Board will conduct periodic random audits. Failure to complete continuing competency requirements or provide documentation during an audit can result in a citation and fine or other disciplinary action.

Q. My license is inactive. Do I need to earn PDUs?

A. No. Inactive licenses are exempt from continuing competency requirements. At the time that you decide to reactive your license, you will need to complete the required number of PDUs for a single renewal period.

Q. Do I need to earn PDUs for my advanced practice certification?

A. No. Advanced practice certifications do not require renewal and, therefore, do not have continuing competency requirements.