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CONTINUING EDUCATION

Why is Continuing Education important?

Licensed professional geologists work in a world of evolving technology, increased consumer expectations and other emerging issues. Practice in this changing environment requires ongoing development of knowledge and skills. It is critical that geologists remain current with changes and developments in the profession to render quality services and to ensure public protection. Continuing Education events also provide avenues for networking and avenues for discussion and discourse on varying topics.

Continuing education hours, commonly referred to as Professional Development Hours (PDH) are based on the duration of time it takes for continuing education course content to be delivered. It includes only instructional time and does not include breaks or mealtimes. One PDH is equivalent to sixty minutes of instruction. 

Effective January 1, 2022 licensed professional geologists renewing registration of a license on or after January 1, 2023 are required to complete thirty six (36) contact hours of continuing education in each three-year registration period.

  • If your registration is due for renewal before January 1, 2023, you are not required to complete continuing education.
  • If your registration is due for renewal on and after January 1, 2023, the number of Continuing Education Hours required are shown in the table below.
  • Each licensee must take continuing education in appropriate subject areas offered by approved sponsors.
  • Beginning January 1, 2022, a maximum of six continuing education hours completed during one triennial registration period may be transferred to a subsequent triennial registration period.

The Education Department's Office of the Professions provides a list of Frequently Asked Questions for continuing education. NYSCPG has provides summaries of key elements below but recommends viewing the full list.


    Who is required to take continuing education and how many hours must be completed?

    Every New York State licensed and registered professional geologist must complete continuing education unless you satisfy the requirements of the public sector exemption or are newly licensed. Professional geologists will be required to complete a total of 36 hours of continuing education during each three-year registration period.

    What are the requirements of the public sector exemption for continuing education for professional geologists?

    To satisfy the continuing education requirements under the Public Sector Exemption, a licensee must be directly employed on a full-time basis by the State of New York; its agencies, public authorities, public benefit corporations or local government units on January 1, 2022, working in a position requiring licensure in geology, and either represented by a collective bargaining unit or, pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law, designated managerial or confidential. If a licensee practices geology (i.e., provides geological services) in New York State outside the government service described above, the exemption no longer applies. In these situations, the licensee must complete the regular continuing education requirement of 36 hours per registration period.

    Recently received my NYS license. Do I need to complete the continuing education requirements immediately during my first registration period?

    No, you are not required to complete continuing education during your initial three-year registration period.

    Practicing in another jurisdiction and received first New York State license and registration. Do I need to begin completing continuing education immediately?

    Yes, you must complete one hour of continuing education for every month of your registration period. See table.

     


    Date Registration Renewed
    Number of Continuing Education Hours Required

    1/1/23

    		 12
    2/1/23 13
    3/1/23 14
    4/1/23 15
    5/1/23 16
    6/1/23 17
    7/1/23 18
    8/1/23 19
    9/1/23 20
    10/1/23 21
    11/1/23 22
    12/1/23 23
    1/1/24 24
    2/1/24 25
    3/1/24 26
    4/1/24 27
    5/1/24 28
    6/1/24 29
    7/1/24 30
    8/1/24 31
    9/1/24 32
    10/1/24 33
    11/1/24 34
    12/1/24 35
    1/1/25 or later 36

    What are acceptable courses/educational activities for continuing education?

    To be acceptable the courses/educational activities must be:

    • administered by an approved New York State sponsor (provider) and
    • in an approved subject area and
    • in an approved format.

    As part of the Continuing Education process, an ethics course worth one PDH must be completed per each three-year registration period. The guidelines for an acceptable professional ethics course are as follows.

    To be an acceptable ethics course, the live course or educational activity must increase the geologist's knowledge of ethical standards for the practice of their profession. An ethics component may be incorporated into a continuing education course, but must meet the following criteria, for audit purposes:

    • be at least 60 minutes in duration
    • be indicated in the title of the course and course completion certificate
    • be identified in the course syllabus/topical outline

    What records will I expect to receive from the continuing education provider and how long am I required to keep them?

    Sponsors must provide a Certificate of Completion to licensees who completed courses or educational activities for continuing education credit. The information on each course or educational activity should be retained in your records for six years from the date of completion. A Certificate of Completion should include the following information:

    • title of the course or program, the specific acceptable subject area, and any identification number assigned to it by the sponsor
    • number of hours completed
    • the sponsor's name and any identifying number
    • verification by the sponsor of your attendance
    • the date and location of the course or activity

    Can I get credit for courses I presented?

    A presenter can get PDH credit by getting a signed letter from the sponsor indicating you taught the course or made the presentation (including name of the course, when, where, how many hours taught/presented).

    About us

    NYSCPG is the principal organization of professional geologists responsible for the advancement of the competent and ethical practice of geology in New York State.

    Become a member

    If you are a geologist working or studying in New York State, we invite you to join the NYSCPG. We also welcome and appreciate academic and corporate sponsorship. Keep current, keep connected! 

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