Continuing education keeps safety codes officers current with industry standards and maintains professional expertise. To keep your certification in good standing, you must complete 30 continuing education credits every three years, plus mandatory code update training as needed.
The program is flexible and self-guided—choose learning opportunities that align with your 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?
One credit per hour of learning activity, up to the allowable maximum. Maximums vary by activity—see learning categories below for details.
What Counts as Continuing Education
The examples below aren’t exhaustive. Formal, informal, and practice-based learning offer many ways to pursue professional development. You’re encouraged to take courses beyond your certified discipline and pursue professional skills like first aid, writing, or leadership training.
Formal Learning
Traditional learning activities like courses, workshops, and conferences.
Credits: 1 credit per hour, max 5 credits per activity
Note: Council courses = 5 credits auto-reported
Examples:
Courses • Conferences • Webinars • Workshops • Seminars • Lectures
Informal Learning
Professional development through teaching, presenting, mentoring, and community involvement.
Credits: 1 credit per hour, max 3-5 credits per activity
Examples:
5 max: Teaching • Presenting • Council groups • Professional associations • Mentoring • Writing
3 max: Self-study • Tours • Discussion groups • Trade shows • Volunteering
Practice
Experience gained working as a safety codes officer under a designation of powers with an accredited organization.
Report practice credits manually through Council Connect for time worked in your SCO role.
Credits:
→ 3 per year (full-time)
→ 1 per 4 months (part-time)
Reporting Credits
We recommend reporting your continuing education credits as you complete them; don't wait until renewal time. All credits, except 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 certification by selecting Renew.
Compliance Audits
Always keep documentation that confirms you completed your reported activities. The Council may randomly select continuing education reports for review. If selected, you’ll need to provide proof of completion.
What counts as proof:
→ Formal learning: Course or exam marks, certificates of completion, or attendance records
→ Informal learning: Links to articles, self-study sources, YouTube workshops, meeting invites, or attendance lists
Continuing Education FAQ
I have more than one active certification. Do I have to report more than 30 credits every three years?
No. Even if you hold more than one certification, you only need to report 30 credits every three years.
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.