18VAC85-170-100: Continuing education requirements

A. In order to renew an active license biennially, a licensee shall complete the Continued Competency Activity and Assessment Form that is provided by the board indicating completion of at least 50 contact hours of continuing learning activities as follows:

1. A minimum of 30 of the 50 hours shall be in Category 1 activities approved by the ABGC, the ABMG, or the NSGC and may include in-service training, self-study courses, continuing education courses, or professional workshops.

2. No more than 20 of the 50 hours may be Category 2 activities or professional activity credits, which may include consultation with another counselor or a physician, independent reading or research, authorship, clinical supervision, volunteer leadership in the profession, preparation for a presentation, or other such experiences that promote continued learning.

B. A licensee shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements for the first biennial renewal following the date of initial licensure in Virginia.

C. The licensee shall retain records of the completed form with all supporting documentation for a period of four years following the renewal of an active license.

D. Failure to comply with these requirements may subject the licensee to disciplinary action by the board.

E. The board may grant an extension of the deadline for continuing competency requirements for up to one year for good cause shown upon a written request from the licensee prior to the renewal date.

F. The board may grant an exemption for all or part of the requirements for circumstances beyond the control of the licensee, such as temporary disability, mandatory military service, or officially declared disasters.