Continuing education (CE) is crucial for maintaining competency and enhancing the skills of Occupational Therapy practitioners. Each state’s regulatory board, along with organizations like NBCOT® and AOTA, lays out specific requirements for continuing education to ensure practitioners meet professional standards. These requirements may be expressed in terms of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), Professional Development Units (PDUs), or Contact Hours.
NBCOT® Terminology
Understanding the terminology used by NBCOT® is vital for effective preparation and successful renewal of certifications. Here are the key terms explained:
1. Professional Development Unit (PDU)
A PDU represents 60 minutes of participation in a professional development activity. NBCOT® uses this measure for their renewal program.
2. Continuing Education Unit (CEU)
CEUs are often used by various organizations to denote the value of professional development activities. According to the International Association for Continuing Education and Training, 1 CEU equals 10 PDUs.
3. Competency Assessment Unit (CAU)
Certain activities completed through NBCOT®’s Navigator platform, such as case simulations and quizzes, earn you CAUs.
NBCOT® Requirements
To renew your NBCOT® certification, you must accrue a minimum of 36 units over a three-year cycle. These can be PDUs, CAUs, or a combination of both. Remember, 1 CEU equals 10 PDUs.
See our full guide for an in-depth breakdown of units and real-world examples! Join now for full access!
Converting CEUs to PDUs
Converting CEUs to PDUs is straightforward: Multiply your CEUs by 10 to get the equivalent PDUs. Understanding this conversion is essential for accurately tracking your professional development activities.
Renewing your NBCOT® Certification
Renewal occurs every three years, between January and March. Failing to renew on time will result in your certification being marked as Expired, which prevents the use of OTR or COTA titles.
NBCOT® Q&A
Connect with our expert community for all your NBCOT® queries. Need assistance understanding your state’s requirements or how to track CEUs and PDUs? Our full guide dives into these topics with interactive quizzes and case studies.
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What are Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and how do they convert to PDUs?
Continuing Education Units (CEUs) represent the value of professional development activities. 1 CEU equals 10 Professional Development Units (PDUs), providing a straightforward way to track your education progress.
How many units are required to renew NBCOT® certification?
To renew your NBCOT® certification, it’s necessary to accrue a minimum of 36 units over a three-year cycle. These units can be in the form of PDUs, CAUs, or a combination of both.
What happens if I don't renew my NBCOT® certification on time?
Failing to renew your NBCOT® certification by the deadline (March of the renewal year) will result in your certification being marked as Expired. This status prevents the use of OTR or COTA titles.
What is a Professional Development Unit (PDU) in the context of NBCOT®?
A Professional Development Unit (PDU) is a measurement used by NBCOT® to quantify professional development activities. 1 PDU equals 60 minutes of participation in such activities.
How can I ensure I'm meeting my state's continuing education requirements?
Each state’s regulatory board sets specific continuing education requirements. Review these alongside those provided by NBCOT® and AOTA to ensure compliance. Utilize available resources like expert communities for guidance.
