Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists

Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for PsychologistsI

Standards and Criteria for

Approval of Sponsors of

Continuing Education for

Psychologists

AUGUST 2015

IIStandards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists

This document is the most recent revision of the document originally entitled APA Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists,

ﬁrst approved by the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives in January 1987.

This revision is effective as of August 2015, and supersedes all previous versions.

American Psychological Association

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Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for PsychologistsI

Standards and Criteria

for Approval of Sponsors

of Continuing Education

for Psychologists

APPROVED BY THE APA COUNCIL OF REPRESENTATIVES 1987

REVISIONS APPROVED AUGUST 2015

IIStandards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists

CONTENTS

SECTION ONE

A Introduction 

B Background of the APA Office of CE Sponsor Approval (CESA) 

SECTION TWO

Standard A (Goals) 

Standard B (Program Management) 

Standard C (Educational Planning and Instructional Methods) 

Standard D (Curriculum Content) 

Standard E (Program Evaluation) 

Standard F (Standards for Awarding Credit) 

Standard G (Promotion and Advertising of Programs) 

Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists11

INTRODUCTION

The American Psychological Association (APA), founded in 1892, is the largest psychological organi-

zation in the United States. According to the APA By-Laws, Article I.1:

The objects of the American Psychological Association shall be to advance psychology as a science

and profession and as a means of promoting health, education and human welfare by the encour-

agement of psychology in all its branches in the broadest and most liberal manner; by the

promotion of research in psychology and the improvement of research methods and conditions; by

the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of psychologists through high standards of ethics,

conduct, education, and achievement; by the establishment and maintenance of the highest standards

of professional ethics and conduct of the members of the association; by the increase and diffusion

of psychological knowledge through meetings, professional contacts, reports, papers, discussions, and

publications; thereby to advance scientific interests and inquiry, and the application of research find-

ings to the promotion of health, education and the public welfare.

SECTION ONE

2Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists

THE APA OFFICE OF CE SPONSOR

APPROVAL (CESA) AND THE APA

CONTINUING EDUCATION COMMITTEE

APA recognizes the responsibility of psychologists to continue their educational and professional

development, building upon the foundations of a completed doctoral program in psychology. The

APA Office of CE Sponsor Approval and the APA Continuing Education Committee work together to

establish standards for those organizations wishing to offer continuing education for psychologists

and to maintain the highest level of quality in those programs. The Standards and Criteria for Approval

of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists are focused on CE regarding the science and

profession of psychology that has been empirically established and supported. Emerging technologies

and techniques are extremely important to the field of psychology, and scientific inquiry into them

is encouraged. However, providing formal CE credit for programming that does not yet meet these

standards is premature.

Mission Statement of the Continuing Education Committee

The Continuing Education Committee shall have responsibility for developing policy and program rec-

ommendations for the Association’s continuing education program and for working collaboratively

with the APA Office of Continuing Education in Psychology and Office of CE Sponsor Approval to

implement these policy and program recommendations. The Committee’s tasks shall include, but

not be limited to, (a) developing and delivering continuing education programs and products; (b)

providing educational and technical assistance to APA Directorates, Divisions, State Associations,

and other sponsors; (c) collaborating with organizations that seek to become approved sponsors of

continuing education; (d) providing review of all APA approved sponsors and organizations seeking

APA sponsor approval; (e) periodically reviewing the Association’s sponsor approval guidelines, and

(f) identifying, promoting, implementing and evaluating research, development and innovations in

continuing education.

Deﬁnition of Continuing Education for Psychologists

Continuing education (CE) in psychology is an ongoing process consisting of formal learning activi-

ties that (1) are relevant to psychological practice, education and science; (2) enable psychologists to

keep pace with the most current scientific evidence regarding assessment, intervention, and education

as well as important legal, statutory, or regulatory issues ; and (3) allow psychologists to maintain,

develop, and increase competencies in order to improve services to the public and enhance contri-

butions to the profession.

Continuing education builds upon a completed doctoral program in psychology. It is not a sub-

stitute for the basic academic education and training needed for entry to the field of psychology, nor

should it be the primary vehicle for career changes from one APA-recognized specialty area (e.g.,

clinical, counseling, school psychology) to another.

Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists3

Sponsors must meet the Standards provided below in order to receive approval from the American

Psychological Association as a sponsor of continuing education for psychologists. Each standard

includes a general principle followed by the related criterion/criteria. These Standards, Principles, and

Criteria are applicable to all CE programs offered to psychologists under the auspices of APA approval.

Failure of sponsors to follow the standards once approved may lead to loss of APA approved status.

Association Rule 120-4 gives responsibility for the provision of educational and technical assistance concerning

continuing education to the Continuing Education Committee, and the commentary following each standard

is provided pursuant to that authority granted to the Committee by the APA Council of Representatives. The

various boxes containing educational and technical assistance do not contain Standards and, as such, are

not approved by Council. They are designed to provide a living document elaborating upon, interpreting and

operationally defining the Standards to provide such educational and technical assistance to sponsors. The

Continuing Education Committee may revise them from time to time.

SECTION TWO

4Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists

STANDARD A

GOALS

PRINCIPLE

Continuing education in psychology builds upon a completed doc-

toral program in psychology.

Continuing education (CE) in psychology is an ongoing pro-

cess consisting of formal learning activities that (1) are relevant to

psychological practice, education, and/or science; (2) enable psy-

chologists to keep pace with the most current scientific evidence

regarding assessment, prevention, intervention, and/or education,

as well as important relevant legal, statutory, leadership, or regula-

tory issues; and (3) allow psychologists to maintain, develop, and

increase competencies in order to improve services to the public

and enhance contributions to the profession.

CRITERION

1. Sponsors must have a statement of goals for psychologists

for proposed CE programs that reflects this Principle.

Educational and Technical Assistance

Many approved sponsors offer continuing education programs to

a wide target audience, and there are other professional licensing

boards that accept CE credits earned from APA-approved spon-

sors (although the licensing board in question should be contacted

directly for further information). Keep in mind that CE programs

may be offered to professionals across a range of disciplines. For

this purpose, the goal of a CE program must specifically address

the learning needs of psychologists.

Sponsors must have a goals statement that reflects the type and

nature of its CE offerings and target audience.

Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists5

STANDARD B

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

PRINCIPLE

Effective program management is essential for maintaining the

highest quality in continuing education programs for psychologists.

CRITERIA

1. Sponsors must include the direct input of psychologists in all

phases of the decision-making and program-planning process

for the activities offered to psychologists for CE credit.

2. Sponsors must have a clearly designated program administra-

tor who is responsible for ensuring that the organization meets

the Standards described in this document.

3. Sponsors must ensure the security of tests and proprietary

information; the confidentiality of any individuals or organi-

zations referenced within the content of programs that would

require confidentiality; and the privacy of participants.

4. Sponsors must have written procedures for addressing partici-

pant complaints in a reasonable, ethical, and timely fashion.

5. Sponsors must both select instructors and develop program

content that respect cultural, individual, and role differences,

including those based on age, gender, gender identity, race,

ethnicity, culture, national origin, religion, sexual orientation,

disability, language, and socioeconomic status.

6. Sponsors must make all CE programs accessible to individ-

uals with disabilities, according to the requirements of the

Americans with Disabilities Act.

7. Sponsors must adhere to all Standards in this document in all

aspects of CE programs offered under the auspices of their

APA approval.

Educational and Technical Assistance

Psychologists must have input in all phases of the decision-mak-

ing and program-planning process for the activities offered to psy-

chologists for CE credit. This can be achieved in a variety of ways,

including involvement by psychologists on staff, advisory boards,

or planning committees. In cases where the organization is owned

and operated by one psychologist, it is strongly recommended that

an advisory board be used to provide feedback regarding program

planning and areas where a conflict of interest might occur (e.g.,

resolution of participant complaints). Involvement must be on an

active and on-going basis.

Inherent in adhering to the Principle of Standard B is the sponsor’s

responsibility to maintain a continuing awareness of the policies

and procedures of the APA Approval of Sponsors of Continuing

Education for Psychologists. This includes, but is not limited to,

having a copy of the most recent submissions to the Office of CE

Sponsor Approval (application, status report, etc.), being aware

of report and fee submission deadlines, and keeping the Office of

CE Sponsor Approval aware of any changes in contact information

so that we may inform your organization of these deadlines in a

timely manner. Sponsors must have a clearly designated adminis-

trator of the program, although it is not required that this individ-

ual be a psychologist.

Examples of possible areas of concern as it relates to confidenti-

ality include materials kept in offices, electronic information, and

materials imparted during program.

Sponsors are required to have written procedures for dealing with

participant complaints. While these procedures need not be elab-

orate, they must clearly indicate the steps that will be taken to

resolve complaints, and these procedures must be available in writ-

ten format for anyone who requests them. See the application for

becoming an approved sponsor for a sample grievance procedure.

In order to make available high-quality CE programs to as many

psychologists as possible, sponsors are encouraged to co-sponsor

(jointly collaborate) with other organizations as appropriate.

“Co-sponsorship” should be understood as the mutual planning of

an activity by two or more organizations. Regardless of the level

of involvement of the sponsor, however, it is ultimately the respon-

sibility of the approved sponsor to ensure that all the Standards

of the APA Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for

Psychologists are met. The Terms of Approval, as outlined within

the Policies and Procedures, remain the same for all approved

sponsors; engaging in a co-sponsorship does not, in any way,

absolve the sponsor of its responsibilities as an approved sponsor.

Sponsors are required to make their programs accessible to all

individuals. Facilities used by a sponsor must be in compliance

with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Sponsors must also, to

the best of their ability, provide accommodation for individuals

with sensory impairments.

For additional application support materials, please refer to our

Resources page.

6Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists

STANDARD C

EDUCATIONAL PLANNING

AND INSTRUCTIONAL

METHODS

PRINCIPLE

Successful continuing education in psychology requires: (1) careful

educational planning that results in a clear statement of educa-

tional objectives; (2) the use of appropriate educational methods

that are effective in achieving those objectives; (3) a clear connec-

tion between program content and the application of this content

within the learner’s professional context; and (4) the selection of

instructional personnel with demonstrated expertise in the pro-

gram content.

CRITERIA

1. Sponsors must develop educational objectives that clearly

describe a) what participants are expected to learn; and b) how

participants can apply this knowledge in practice or other pro-

fessional contexts.

2. Sponsors must include instructional methods that actively

engage the learner to enhance acquisition of knowledge and,

where appropriate, facilitate translation into practice.

3. Sponsors must select instructors with expertise in the program

content and who are competent to teach this program content

at a level that builds upon a completed doctoral program in

psychology.

Educational and Technical Assistance

Every program offered for CE credit must have predetermined

learning objectives. Rather than a description of topics to be

covered, learning objectives should clearly define what the par-

ticipant will know or be able to do as a result of having attended

the program, and these objectives must be stated in measurable

terms. When determining how many Learning Objectives (LO)

should be established, the following guidelines should be utilized

(please note that the quality and quantity should be considered

of LO for all programs, particularly for those longer than 8 hours):

• 2-3 LO for 1-3 hours

• 3-4 LO for 4-6 hours

• 5-6 LO for 7-8 hours

CE activities can be delivered via numerous methods which

include, but are not limited to: workshops, seminars, conferences,

conventions, grand rounds, lectures, books, videotapes, audio-

tapes, CD-ROMs, and web-based activities. All CE activities,

regardless of the delivery method, must adhere to the Standards

of the APA Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for

Psychologists.

Although it is not required that instructors be psychologists, they

must have expertise and be competent in the areas in which they

teach. Expertise might be demonstrated by some combination of

the following: relevant educational experience such as holding a

doctoral degree in psychology, review of records of previous teach-

ing experiences, years of clinical experience, publications in areas

relevant to the content being taught, evaluation forms from pre-

viously offered programs, personal knowledge of the instructor’s

teaching ability, and references.

For additional application support materials, please refer to our

Resources page.

Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists7

STANDARD D

CURRICULUM CONTENT

PRINCIPLE

The content of continuing education is the crucial component intended to maintain, develop, and

increase conceptual and applied competencies that are relevant to psychological practice, education,

and science. All CE programs offered for CE credit for psychologists must comply with Standard D

criteria. CE programs must be grounded in an evidence-based approach. CE programs that are focused

on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods must include content that

is credibly supported by the most current scientific evidence. CE programs may also provide infor-

mation related to ethical, legal, statutory or regulatory policies, guidelines, and standards that impact

psychology.

CRITERIA

1. Sponsors must document that the content of each CE program meets one of the following:

1.1 Program content focuses on application of psychological assessment and/or intervention

methods that have overall consistent and credible empirical support in the contemporary

peer reviewed scientific literature beyond those publications and other types of commu-

nications devoted primarily to the promotion of the approach;

1.2 Program content focuses on ethical, legal, statutory or regulatory policies, guidelines, and

standards that impact psychological practice, education, or research;

1.3 Program content focuses on topics related to psychological practice, education, or

research other than application of psychological assessment and/or intervention meth-

ods that are supported by contemporary scholarship grounded in established research

procedures.

2. Sponsors are required to ensure that instructors, during each CE presentation, include statements

that describe the accuracy and utility of the materials presented, the empirical basis of such state-

ments, the limitations of the content being taught, and the severe and the most common risks.

3. Sponsors must offer program content that builds upon the foundation of a completed doctoral pro-

gram in psychology.

4. Sponsors must be prepared to demonstrate that content is relevant to psychological practice, edu-

cation, and/or science.

5. Sponsors must have a process to identify any potential conflict of interest and/or commercial sup-

port for any program offered, and they must clearly describe any commercial support for the CE

program, presentation, or instructor to program participants at the time the CE program begins. Any

other relationship that could be reasonably construed as a conflict of interest also must be disclosed.

Individual presenters must disclose and explain the presence or absence of commercial support or

conflict of interest at the time the CE program begins.

8Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists

Educational and Technical Assistance

Program Content

Acceptable programs must adhere to the definition of continuing

education in that they improve service to the public and enhance

contributions to the profession. Acceptable programs must also

adhere to the American Psychological Association policy on Quality

Professional Development and Continuing Education (APA, 2013).

Determination of eligibility is not made on the basis of topic alone.

Because psychologists work in a variety of professional settings, spon-

sors are encouraged to offer a wide range of topics that can meet the

diverse CE needs of psychologists. The Committee encourages inno-

vative programs, only if clear and sufficient evidence is provided that

demonstrate the criteria for Standard D are met by these programs.

Content related to the professional practice of psychology, business

of practice, education, administration, conducting research, or career

management programs should be carefully considered to determine

whether or not the content of the programs can be deemed appropri-

ate CE content for psychologists.

Empirical support for the application of psychological assessment

methods and interventions can be demonstrated through a variety

of scientific methods. In-text citations to recent peer-reviewed

journal publications embedded in the Sponsor’s narrative response

to Standard D are one method to provide this foundation. It is

recognized that some psychological interventions may not yet be

supported by positive results from clinical trials, and yet be consid-

ered to be sufficiently evidence-based. The sponsor is responsible

for providing sufficient information for the Continuing Education

Committee to judge the evidence-based foundations of the pro-

posed content covered.

The responsibility is on the applicant to provide substantive and

convincing evidence that the programs meet the requirements of

Standard D. Applicants must adequately establish the bridge between

program content and the elements of the criteria using appropriate

evidence. Assertion on the part of the applicant that the program

meets the criteria is insufficient. The more distant a topic appears

from core disciplinary knowledge, the greater the responsibility of the

sponsor to demonstrate the connection to improvement of services

to the public and contributions to the profession. At least three (3)

current (within the past 10 years), relevant (aligned with learning

objectives and content), supporting (i.e., peer-review journal articles

for D.1.1 and D.1.3), and complete references (in APA format) must be

provided as evidence that program content has met the requirements

of a specific D.1. criterion. The narrative provided for each of the four

programs should explicitly link the references provided as evidence to

the program content of the program, both of which should be linked

to a specific D.1. criterion. In addition to the response to Criterion D.1.,

appropriate content should be conveyed in program titles, learning

objectives, and promotional materials.

If you are teaching psychologists interventions or assessments that

they will use with clients, you will address Standard D.1.1.

Examples:

Interpersonal psychotherapy for depression

The utilization of the DSM 5 in children and adolescents

Behavioral analysis in the treatment of autism spectrum disorder

Treatment of post-traumatic stress in immigrant families

If you are teaching psychologists about ethical, legal, statutory or

regulatory policies, guidelines, and standards in practice or research,

you will address Standard D.1.2

Examples:

Ethical considerations in telehealth

Compliance with HIPAA regulations

Ethical considerations in substance abuse research with adolescents

Mental health care under the Affordable Care Act

If you are teaching psychologists content other than psychological

intervention, assessment, and ethics, you will address Standard D1.3

Examples:

Learning about the “new statistics”

Mental health advocacy for marginalized populations

Writing for professional psychology journals

Neurobiological changes following exposure to trauma

Full Disclosure

Sponsors ensure that instructors provide a sufficient basis for the

interpretation of program information by informing participants

of limitations of the content being taught, including contradictory

evidence and its source. For example, presentations that include

discussions of clinical assessments, treatments, or interventions also

describe the evidence for this information, including the basis (e.g.,

research, established psychological practice, clinical expertise, patient

acceptability) of such descriptions or claims, their limitations, and the

severe risks, if any, and also those risks that are most common.

Potential conflict of interest, commercial support, or commercial

interest applies to sponsoring organizations, the presenter, and the

content of the presentation. Sponsors should advise participants of

the potential biases inherent in accepting inducements that might

affect the selection of texts, the use of particular tests, and/or spon-

sorship of CE courses.

Sponsors are required to provide information that demonstrates their

adherence to Standard D. In the normal course of program prepara-

tion, instructors should be able to provide information that demon-

strates compliance with the standard. Sponsors could address this in

some combination of the program learning objectives, participants’

evaluation of content, citations to research references, or a clause in a

contract with instructors.

For additional application support materials, please refer to our

Resources page.

Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists9

STANDARD E

PROGRAM EVALUATION

PRINCIPLE

Evaluation of CE programs is for the purpose of improving future

programs.

CRITERIA

1. Sponsors must obtain the CE participants’ evaluation as to how

well each educational objective was achieved.

2. Sponsors must assess the participants’ satisfaction, using a

written evaluation form, with the overall program.

3. Sponsors must ensure that there is a method in place to assess

participant learning.

4. Sponsors must ensure that there is a method in place to assess

participant perception of the utility of program-based learning

to psychological practice or other professional development.

5. Sponsors must use the results of the abovementioned evalua-

tion processes to improve and plan future programs.

Educational and Technical Assistance

At a minimum, satisfaction evaluations should include assessment

of the instructor’s level of knowledge and expertise, and teaching

ability. Activities longer than one hour may be broken into quarter

hour increments. Effective satisfaction evaluations should provide

feedback that is useful both to the sponsor and the instructor(s)

for the purpose of planning and improving future programs. See

the application for becoming an approved sponsor for sample

participant satisfaction evaluation forms.

All programs, regardless of delivery method, require an assess-

ment of participants’ perception of the utility of the knowledge

gained from the presentation to practice or other professional

context. Emphasis should include how the participants will apply

this knowledge in practice or other professional contexts. Program

evaluation should document that the program provides practical

and useful tools and information that may facilitate the transfer

of learning from the CE program to the learner’s practice or other

professional contexts. It is recommended that sponsors do not

link completed evaluation forms to distribution of Certificates of

Attendance and/or receipt of CE credit; rather, it is recommended

that participants are ‘asked’ rather than ‘required’ to complete

evaluation forms.

CE programs that are not conducted in person require an addi-

tional process for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. For

these types of programs (e.g., books, digital media, online [non-

real time], webinars), sponsors are required to assess achieved

learning. This assessment can be achieved in a variety of ways,

including post-tests. Sponsors must be prepared to document

the method being used This test must be of sufficient depth to

adequately determine the level of learning that was achieved.

There must also be a specified criterion for successful completion

of the program (e.g., passing grade, see also Standard F Standards

for Awarding Credit). For programs that use essays to determine

achieved learning, a grading grid must be provided.

For programs where credit is offered on a session-by-session

basis (e.g., conferences, convention,), each session must be

evaluated separately.

For additional application support materials, please refer to our

Resources page.

10Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists

STANDARD F

STA NDA R DS FOR

AWARDING CREDIT

PRINCIPLE

The awarding of CE credit is based on participation in learning

activities offered in accordance with the Standards described in

this document.

CRITERIA

1. Sponsors must award CE credit for psychologists on the basis

of one credit per one hour of instructional time.

2. Sponsors must provide documentation to each participant that

includes the APA approval statement, the name and date of the

activity, the number of CE credits earned, and a signature or

other verification from the sponsoring organization.

3. Sponsors must be able to verify the awarding of CE credit to

participants and provide this verification to individuals who

request it for at least three years after completion of the activity.

Educational and Technical Assistance

CE programs must be at least one hour in length. Activities longer

than one hour may be broken into quarter hour increments.

Credit is awarded only for actual instructional time. For programs

where instructional time is difficult to calculate (e.g., books,

CD-ROMs, online), sponsors must have a method for determin-

ing the number of credits to offer and a rationale for this method.

Sponsors are strongly encouraged to utilize field-testing when

determining credits for these types of programs. For programs that

require a test of achieved learning, the specified passing criterion

must be met before credit may be awarded (See also Standard E

Program Evaluation).

Variable credit for partial attendance may not be awarded.

For programs that involve a variety of sessions (e.g., conferences,

conventions), credit should be awarded on a session-by-session

basis. Each individual session for which credit is awarded must

meet the Standards and Criteria; e.g., each session much have its

own stated learning objectives, each session must be evaluated

separately. Sponsors must have a system for determining which

sessions were attended (e.g., sign-in sheet, credit log).

Full attendance is required for all CE activities, and sponsors must

have a method for ensuring full attendance (sign-in/sign-out

sheets, room monitors). The Office of CE Sponsor Approval is

aware that individuals will, on occasion, arrive late or leave early

from a CE program. Sponsors should, within reason, evaluate each

situation on a case-by-case basis when considering full atten-

dance and the awarding of credit.

Compliance with applicable user deletion request provisions in

state privacy laws is not a violation of Criterion F.3. Sponsors may

choose to save verification information in an archived or back-up

system in order to comply with privacy laws and Criterion F.3.

For additional application support materials, including a sample

documentation of attendance, please refer to our Resources page.

Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists11

STANDARD G

PROMOTION AND

A DVERTISING

OF PROGRAMS

PRINCIPLE

CE promotional materials must contain accurate and complete

information for potential program participants.

CRITERIA

1. Sponsors must clearly indicate how potential participants

may obtain the following information prior to enrolling in a CE

program:

a. Educational objectives;

b. A description of the target audience and the instruc-

tional level of the activity (introductory, intermediate, or

advanced);

c. Schedule;

d. Cost, including all fees and the refund/cancellation policy;

e. Instructor credentials, including relevant professional

degree and discipline, current professional position, and

expertise in program content;

f. The number of CE credits offered for each activity;

g. A clear indication of any activities within a program

that are not offered for CE credit.

2. Sponsors must make clearly evident to all potential partici-

pants, prior to registration, any known commercial support for

CE programs or instructors. Any other relationships that could

be reasonably construed as a conflict of interest also must

be disclosed. If there is no conflict of interest or commercial

support, then that should be clearly stated.

3. Sponsors must assure that when referring to APA approval,

the correct statement is used in all promotional materials

such as ads, brochures, and announcements. When referring

to APA approval, the following statement must be used:

“(Organization name) is approved by the American

Psychological Association to sponsor continuing edu-

cation for psychologists. (Organization name) main-

tains responsibility for this program and its content.”

Educational and Technical Assistance

Although the information listed above under Criterion G.1. must be

available to potential participants prior to enrollment, the Office

of CE Sponsor Approval understands that it is sometimes not fea-

sible to include all items in promotional materials. In cases where

one or more of the above points is not included in promotional

pieces, the means of obtaining this information must be provided

(e.g., phone number, web site, etc.).

The CEC recommends that sponsors’ promotional materials (e.g.,

website, brochures, etc.) represent CE programs in a professional

manner. Additionally, it is expected that any claims made

within promotional materials be accurate and supported by an

appropriate level of evidence-base.

Multi-session, multi-disciplinary programs will oftentimes contain

some content that is not relevant to psychology or is otherwise

inappropriate as CE for psychologists. In these cases, promotional

and program materials must clearly indicate which sessions are

available to psychologists for credit and which are not.

The CEC endorses the use of active, experiential approaches to

adult learning for which there is empirical support in the literature

on educational psychology. Active, experiential approaches to

learning offered for CE credit must occur in an instructional context

and be designed to contribute directly to the active development

of professional skill. Experiential exercises that cannot be directly

linked to the active development of professional skill may be offered

on an elective or required basis as a component of a CE program,

but they may not be offered for CE credit. Personal exposure to a

specific technique, practice, or intervention may be offered as a

component of a CE program designed to promote knowledge and

skill associated with the use of that technique, practice, or interven-

tion, but the portion of the program devoted to personal exposure

may not be offered for CE credit. When questions arise, it will be

the responsibility of the sponsor to document that the experiential

exercise is linked directly to the active development of professional

knowledge and skill. As required in Standard G, sponsors must also

be clear in all promotional material which components of a CE pro-

gram will not be offered for CE credit.

APA approval of sponsors is at the organizational level, not at

the level of individual or programmatic educational offerings. In

the absence of any APA review process of programs, sponsors

must not imply that APA has determined that their educational

offerings meet specific APA education and training standards or

guidelines. Sponsors must not use the term “APA-approved” (or

any variation thereof) when referring to individual course or pro-

grammatic offerings or CE credit for psychologists.

Do not use the term “CEU” to refer to CE credit for psychologists.

Although other professions may use the CEU when awarding con-

tinuing education credit, CE credit for psychologists is granted on a

one credit per one instructional hour basis. On the other hand, one

CEU is granted per every ten contact hours.

For additional application support materials, please refer to our

Resources page.

12Standards and Criteria for Approval of Sponsors of Continuing Education for Psychologists