Continuing professional education (CPE) is a competency-based program for educators that allows them to renew their certification, upgrade their skills, earn a Master's Equivalency Certificate, and more. This program is offered by the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit (NEIU) and the CPE Design Team, and all instructional faculty members are required to demonstrate proficiency in their areas of expertise. The NEIU offers a CPE credit course program that allows teachers, counselors, and other educators to earn CPE credits while on the job.
The need for mandatory CPE is not new. Some professions have practiced it for a long time, starting with guild systems and apprenticeships. In the 1960s, adult education and continuing professional development (CPD) became an official field of study. Although many opponents have argued that MCPE contradicts the principles of adult learning, research has shown that adults participating in these programmes have generally positive attitudes toward CPE. There is also a positive relationship between the quality of continuing education and a professional's competence, which is evident in the results of research.
Continuing professional education can take many forms. One common form is in-service training, which may be highly formal or barely noticeable to observers. In-service training focuses on updating practice and is often episodic. In-service trainings are an important part of a learning community, but also can be largely unstructured. Regardless of the form, CPE is crucial for the professional's ongoing development. Further, it can be used to enhance an individual's expertise and advance their career.
CPD training vary in complexity. Some organizations are highly involved in quality control, such as the American Medical Association. Some organizations offer accreditation of CPE courses. Others provide a list of approved courses. For example, is a good example of an accreditation process. The Royal Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Australia, and other countries allow physicians to receive documentation of their learning. In addition to certifying CPE, they provide certification to professionals.
In addition to CPE courses, continuing education is vital for maintaining certification. An MBA program requires professionals to maintain a level of competence. If a person is certified as a medical or dental surgeon, CPE training is the way to maintain that status. Continuing education credits help individuals stay up-to-date in their fields and improve their skills. These credits are essential to keep employees competitive in today's market. But how do you find and get CPE credits?
Continuing professional education is a necessity, but it can be expensive. Even professionals in developing countries use the internet to share educational content to share with colleagues. Another crucial part of CPD is reflecting on what you have learned. Continuing professional development does not always come from designated development activities; learning can also come from everyday activities. Keeping a learning journal is a good way to assess progress against development goals. It may also be beneficial to share learning experiences with others who are involved in the same field.
