I think requiring continuing education (CE) for professionals is a great idea. However, I strongly believe that it should be a self-administered program with flexibility as to what constitutes a CE. We are professionals and should be treated as such without mandates of selected courses and instructors. As such, I propose the following activities be considered and counted into this program:

• Completing technical college level or continuing education courses
• Presenting at or attending qualified technical seminars, workshops, conventions, or conferences
• Obtaining technical training
• Self-directed study of technical topics or applicable agency regulation or code
• Completing on-line, televised, and videotaped short courses or tutorials
• Authoring technical published material
• Serving as an officer or technical committee chair on a professional organization

A similar program has been implemented for few years in other states, such as Texas, and has been proven to be successful. I do not support a program that is not self-administered with mandates for specific courses and/or instructors. It is not practical or feasible, especially for professionals living in other states. http://www.tbpe.state.tx.us/CEP_FAQ.htm