Continuing education units measure participation in programs required by licensed professions. Accredited programs are recommended, and the International Association for Continuing Education and Training sets high standards. Some professions have strict rules, and potential employers may use units as a barometer for training.
Continuing education units are units of educational measurement. One unit of continuing education is equal to 10 hours of class or instructional time. Continuing education units are used to measure participation in continuing education programs required by those who belong to professions that issue licenses or certificates to perform job duties. Many organizations may offer a continuing education unit, but potential participants should verify that the program is accredited before applying for instruction.
The type of professionals who may need to accumulate continuing education units include physicians, nurses, educators, mental health professionals, architects, engineers, lawyers, certified public accountants, and social workers. The number of continuing education units required to maintain licenses and certifications may vary between professions and the areas in which their holders work. Professional societies, certification bodies, and government licensing boards can also influence the number of continuing education units required for a professional to continue to perform their duties at work.
Units can be used to help a professional retain their job, and completing continuing education units can also provide potential employers with a barometer to measure a candidate’s training, provided the unit was awarded by an accredited program. Some professions, such as healthcare, have strict rules about assigning units. Other professions may be more relaxed, and employers may have to decide whether they want to honor a continuing education credit.
Despite the importance of continuing education units for certain types of jobs, the term can legally be used by any organization wishing to provide training. However, not every organization offering training is accredited. Those wishing to obtain a continuing education unit should look for programs accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This organization sets high standards for continuing education programs and requires that a program be legitimately sponsored and that its instructors be suitably qualified. Many accredited programs can be found at colleges or universities, but they can also be offered by organizations, companies or associations that meet IACET standards.
Those wishing to receive an online continuing education unit should research the organization offering the unit before paying and participating in the instruction. Program accreditation is a requirement for many professions. Accredited continuing education units usually have the name of the accrediting body before the continuing education unit. For example, a unit may have “IACET” on the front to indicate that the unit is IACET accredited.
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