Overview
Continuing education is required for safety code officers to keep their certification in good standing. Safety codes officers must complete 30 continuing education credits every three years and mandatory code update training as needed.
This program helps officers stay up-to-date with industry standards and maintain their professional expertise. The flexible, self-guided format allows SCOs to select learning opportunities that align with their goals and needs.
What are continuing education credits?
Credits are points earned through activities that enhance professional skills, expand technical knowledge, and support industry growth.
How are credits earned and calculated?
Continuing education credits are earned and reported based on one credit per hour of learning activity—up to the allowable maximum. Allowable maximums differ depending on activity. For a complete list, view the learning categories below.
Education Categories and Activities
The following examples are not exhaustive: formal, informal, and practice-based learning offer many ways to pursue professional development. Officers are encouraged to take technical courses or informal study beyond their certified discipline(s) and pursue professional skills like first aid, professional writing, or leadership training.
Traditional learning activities like courses, workshops, and conferences.
One credit per hour, to a maximum of five credits per activity.
If you take courses offered by the Council, five credits are automatically reported on your Council Connect account.
Examples
- Courses
- Conferences
- Webinars
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Lectures
Informal professional development, like teaching, presenting, mentoring, and active involvement in professional communities.
One credit per hour, to a maximum of three to five credits per event, group, activity, or topic.
Examples
- Delivering a presentation (5)
- Teaching, facilitating, or course advising (5)
- Preparing a course or presentation (5)
- Safety Codes Council membership or participation in a Council working group (5)
- Involvement in a professional or industry association (5)
- Involvement in code or standard committees (5)
- Being a mentor in a formal mentoring program (5)
- Professional writing (5)
- Self-study or research (3)
- Professional tours (3)
- Discussion groups (3)
- Public or community boards/associations (3)
- Trade shows (3)
- Volunteering in a capacity related to the SCO occupation (3)
Experience gained working as a safety codes officer.
Safety codes officers working under a designation of powers with an accredited organization can report practice credits for time worked. Report practice credits manually through Council Connect.
- Three credits per year of full-time work, or
- One credit per four months (or equivalent) of part-time work
Learn and Earn: Education Resources
Discover free resources, workshops, and recommended courses to earn your continuing education credits.
Reporting Continuing Education Credits
All credits, with the exception of the Council’s workshops, are manually reported through your Council Connect account under the My Certifications tab. If you hold more than one active certification, you can enter your credits under any listed certifications by selecting Renew.
See Reporting Continuing Education Credits (PDF) for more information.
Compliance Audits
Always retain any documentation that confirms you completed your reported activities. The Council may randomly select continuing education reports for review. If selected, you will be asked to provide documentation showing completion of your reported activities.
- Proof of formal learning may be a course or exam mark, a certificate of completion, or other records of attendance.
- Proof of informal learning may include a link to an article, a self-study source, a YouTube workshop, a screenshot of a meeting invite, or an attendance list.
Continuing Education FAQ
I have more than one active certification. Do I have to report more than 30 credits every three years?
No, you only need to report 30 credits total every three years for more than one certification.
Are there exemptions from the program?
The Administrator of Certification can consider partial and full exemptions to the continuing education program for extenuating situations on a case-by-case basis. To apply for an exemption, complete the exemption form.