Only a few employers require it, but all career minded individuals can benefit from continuing professional education, or CPE credits. Continuing professional education hours are required in industries such as education, law, real estate and the medical field. Tax accountants and most other certificate based positions require a certain number of hours or credits of continuing education to maintain the certificate and meet the standards set forth by the industry.
But these industries are not the only ones which can benefit from CPE courses, seminars and conferences. Every industry is evolving and there is always something new and possibly better to discover in your current career field. Attending conferences or taking CPE courses online will not only keep you abreast of the latest developments in your industry, it will also be very impressive in your personnel record when it comes time for raises and promotions.
Find Applicable CPE Credits
If you work in an industry that requires a certain number of CPE credits to maintain or earn a certificate, your company or professional organization likely offers many courses and seminars throughout the year to bring you the latest news and strategies in your industry. Take advantage of these programs as they are often sponsored by entities which can afford to bring in excellent speakers and you are able to attend and reap the knowledge for free.
If you’re already attending all the mandatory and offered training sessions, expand your search to include training sessions online which can be completed at your leisure in a variety of areas. There are also conferences and courses offered by other organizations in your area or out of your town.
Arrange Time for CPE Credits
If you are interested in learning the latest your field has to offer, you employer will likely be extremely supportive. He may be willing to send you to the conference in another town on company dollars provided you prepare a summary or present what you learn to the rest of the team. At the very least, you will likely be able to arrange time off to attend a seminar offered during the afternoon one day.
Programs offered by your employer will most likely be scheduled for large groups of people such as your team or division. These will be available without you needing to arrange additional time away from the office, so you should always take advantage of these training programs.
Regardless of other training programs you’re able to attend, there are many CPE credit classes available through the internet. Many of these are offered by reputable organizations and companies. Some are even offered by the government. Not only will these courses keep your knowledge and skills up to date, they are also easy to schedule in your current workload. Take a day away from the office and relax at home for some training. Or use your down-time at the office to brush up on a new skill or method.
Take Powerful Programs
Unless you’re able to take every continuing education program that comes your way, focus your attention on programs that will offer you the most worth for your dollar (or your company’s dollar.) Give weight to any program that involves networking or social skills as these are critical in modern business and will help you advance your career considerably.
Vary your courses to reflect a diverse platform of training and don’t limit your courses to those that apply to just your narrow field of the industry. Management and overall industry courses can make a difference in your actual job performance as well. If you’re ready for a big advance in your career, you can even learn a second or third language as a part of your CPE credit requirements.
Take Care of Administrative Details
If you are required to earn CPE credits for certification, be sure to save certificates and maintain your records to reflect each course you take. If your employer is responsible for updating the CPE credits you’ve earned, make a copy for human resources and keep a copy for yourself.
If you’re not required to take CPE classes, record your hours anyway and send a copy of your certificates to your manager or the human resources department. It is likely the credits will add up for you in a big way career-wise.