Continuing Professional Education - CPE

Guide to Continuing Professional Education - CPE

Continuing education/professional development can lead to ongoing career advancement
By LaRita M. Heet

	Facts of Continuing Professional Education Education/professional development can equal higher pay, promotions or a new career. Online continuing professional education options provide convenience, flexibility, and relaxed learning for busy students. Earning CPE credits can fulfill professional requirements, while earning you respect, advanced degrees, or specialized designations.

Regardless of your career choice, pursuing continuing professional education (CPE) credits - can make a lucrative and personal difference in your professional life. Continuing professional education keeps you informed on industry updates, including the latest research and news, and makes a great impression on your colleagues, bosses and future employers. 
 
Here are three considerations in choosing your continuing professional education: 

1. Online continuing professional education is a flexible, easy way to advance your career training at your convenience - at home, at work or anywhere you have an Internet connection.
2. Check into CPE providers that offer both mandatory CPE credits and optional continuing education professional development resources (determined by professional standards).
3. Take advantage of education (professional development resources) that help you develop your 'people' skills, such as training, communication, leadership and more. 

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Earn CPE credits offered through professional organizations Whether you work as a real estate agent, a nurse or in another professional/trade field in which continuing professional education is required, be sure to fulfill these requirements before your license/other accreditation expires.

I recommend:  Visit Penn Foster Career School for more than 80 online professional development resources in the fields of health services, business, education, technology, trade, legal studies, automotive, creative/design and more.

Enroll in accounting professional development resources for CPE credits Tax accountants must take ongoing continuing professional education courses to keep their knowledge (of ever-changing laws) sharp. Quarterly exams must be completed within two years of the date published, and new exams are published each quarter. Look for live or online CPE credits for CPAs, depending on your schedule and preferred style of learning.

I recommend:  The Accounting Education Associates offer you a variety of ways to earn your CPE credits. Accountants Education Group provides continuing professional education for accountants/CPAs, with same day shipping, instant free online grading, state ethics courses and more.

Take advantage of free professional development resources There are several respected websites with free or low-cost classes to enhance your existing knowledge and skills. Some schools will allow you to take audit or non-credit education/professional development classes for free.

I recommend:  Go to the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) for an extensive list of free resources, including a variety of education, professional development, seminars and other tools to aid in your continuing professional education.

Earn additional professional designations at online continuing professional education schools In many career fields, once you've completed your initial education and earned the required basic professional training/designation, you have the option of specializing in one career within that field by earning additional CPE credits.

I recommend:  CE2GO offers industry-accredited continuing education/professional development courses online through trusted schools and professional trade associations across the country.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Many professional development resources, seminars and training opportunities are offered during weekends or evenings, or through distance learning (including online) courses for CPE credits.
• Some businesses will pay for, and/or allow you to take continuing professional education seminars and classes on company time.
• Check with the professional organization governing your profession to learn the mandated CE or CPE credits in your industry and location, and for a list of approved professional development resources.
• Not all continuing professional education - CPE credits included - come in the form of traditional classroom courses. Try listening to motivational or educational CDs or reading books while working out or just relaxing on the beach or attending webinars while traveling.
• Consider the value of learning a second language as part of your education/professional development plan, and watch your career opportunities soar regardless of your field.