Knowledge Forum - FAQs About CEUs

FAQ's About CEU's

forum: - IIDA Georgia Knowledge Forum
submitted by:  Emily Johnson , Novatuer Design Solutions

additional links:  IIDA Colorado website (iidarmc.org)

Continuing Education is an important need for both registered and non-registered designers. Having a better understanding about  the value of continuing education has been the mainstay of IIDA since its inception. Educated practitioners make informed, safe, and creative decisions, which affect us all. Educational programs serve as a creative outlet to promote awareness regarding pertinent issues within the practice of interior design. Here are a few FAQ's to help you know how to maintain your CEU's.

What constitutes a CEU?

A CEU, a continuing education unit, is a measurement of contact hours and credit assigned to an approved course. CEUs are awarded based on full-hour increments only. Thus, contact hours are rounded to the lowest full-hour number. For example, if instruction time

is 6 ½ hours, the course will receive 6 contact hours, or 0.6 CEU. One contact hour of learning activity equates to 0.1 CEU. Example: One contact hour equals 0.1 CEU, 10 hours equal 1.0 CEU.

What is the Current Compliance Period?

The current compliance period for Professional and Associate Members is January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011.

How Many CEU's a year do I need to maintain my professional registration?

The state of Georgia requires 12 hours per biennium

What Continuing Education Options are Available?

CEU courses are available in many venues and formats to enable Members to fulfill their continuing education requirements. Learning options include:

    * Courses sponsored by local IIDA/ASID Chapters

    * IIDA independent study courses (available in hard copy or electronic format)

    * Courses approved through IDCEC (IDCEC Member Organizations include: ASID, IDC, IDEC, IIDA)

    * Structured Travel / Study tours led by qualified instructors (self-guided tours are not acceptable)

    * Educational tracks at industry-wide conferences and symposia

    * College courses (not toward a degree)

    * Educational courses at museums and other cultural institutions led by qualified instructors

•       Self-study courses available on the Internet, trade publications and Perspective magazine.

•       Many manufacturers/Sales Reps offer CEU Lunch N Learns or CEU opportunities at their showrooms

Can I transfer my credits to the next  year?

No, CEUs are not transferable between compliance periods. Any additional credits, above and beyond the required 1.0 CEU and/or accumulated before January 1, 2010, cannot be credited to the current compliance period.

How are CEU credits registered? CEU credits are registered through NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification), the official clearinghouse for all professional interior design organizations offering CEU courses. Attendees may register credits on site if the course is an IDCEC approved course, or register the credits through the IIDA Education Department via the Individual Approval Reporting Form (IARF) if the course is not pre-approved. Be aware that submission of the IARF does not guarantee approval and that the IARF is unique to IIDA as a member benefit to procure CEU credit for compliance. CEUs earned via the IARF may not qualify for state licensing requirements, since the course is not IDCEC approved. Therefore, IIDA recommends contacting your state licensing board regarding state submission policies and HSW qualifications.

Who do I call to request a transcript of my continuing education activity?

To request a transcript of registered courses, you may contact NCIDQ at 202.721.0220, or via e-mail at inquires@ncidq.org. The address for NCIDQ is: 1602 L St., NW, Ste. 200, Washington, DC 20036.