The IAPDA certification programs encourages the certificant to keep abreast of developments in the subject matter and practice of debt settlement and client financial counseling. To that end some States do require certificants to acquire an appropriate amount of continuing education units and to report these to the IAPDA on a bi-annual basis for approval of continued accreditation.
In order to stay in good standing with the States requiring continuing education and use the IAPDA designation, the following requirements must be met:
There is a 16 Continuing Education Unit (one hour of study equals one unit) requirement over a two year period (16 hours for each two years). The two year period is effective from the date the exam was successfully passed or recertification date.
Members must:
- Acquire the appropriate hours of Continuing Education Units (CEU's) during each 2 year reporting period and submit these hours for approval to IAPDA.
- Keep proper records of your CEU programs.
- Submit to IAPDA for approval prior to expiry of 2 years of membership
The CEU Submission Process
Please read the following information regarding CEU requirements and submission procedures. Our goal is to maintain the highest standards in education while, at the same time, providing web-based processes for submitting and reporting CEUs.
1. Order IFC continuing education programs.
All Continuing Education Courses offered by the Institute for Financial Counseling are IAPDA approved for Continuing Education. The Institute offers up-to-date, research-based continuing education units (CEUs) for those who provide financial-based counseling and all are approved by IAPDA.
2. Order BICC continuing education programs.
Many Continuing Education Courses offered by the Bankers Training Certification Center are IAPDA approved for Continuing Education. The BICC offers up-to-date, continuing education units (CEUs) for those who provide financial-based counseling and many are approved by IAPDA.
3. Submit CEUs for approval.
If you have a program you would like to submit for approval please refer to Guidelines for CEU Approval below. Skip this step for all IFC and BICC programs.
4. Apply for Certification Renewal.
Download the Application for Certification Renewal Form. Here you will list your completed CEUs. You will be asked if you have at least 16 CEUs. Scan all copies of Certificates of Completion or Attendance (whichever applies) and email as attachments to IAPDA at:
admin@iapda.org
Or Fax to: 775-562-8067
Guidelines for CEU Approval (other than IFC programs)
Our Educational Standards for the Debt Settlement Industry requires that educational programs be pre-approved through our organization. Please refer to the following guidelines when submitting material for our review.
1. Definition of CEU. Each unit of continuing education consists of 1 hour of attendance or application. A program of study worth 4 CEUs should take 4 hours to complete.
2. Determining hours. Continuing education units for personally attended seminars or classes equal their duration. An 8 hour seminar is worth 8 CEUs.
3. Acceptable topics. All subjects that relate to personal financial management as well as issues surrounding credit and debt are acceptable. Eligibility is not restricted to strictly technical issues, but also includes how counselors deliver their services. This would include communication skills, counseling skills, the business use of computers, as well as topics concerning professional ethics. Ask: "Does this subject assist me in serving my clients?" If the answer to the question is "Yes", than the topic would be appropriate.
4. Program formats. CEUs can be earned through seminar or class participation or through self-study. Self-study materials can take the form of books, films, audio tapes, CDs, and online learning.
5. Submission requirements. Always request and use the CEU Approval Form.
6. Time frame. Upon receipt of a CEU for approval, IAPDA will either make recommendations or grant approval for CEU credits within 14 days.
