Q: What happens if I don’t meet the requirements for CE hours and the annual certification maintenance fee?
A: If you do not meet the CE requirements by the end of each three-year recertification period, you will be placed into the CE Audit process. Also, if you do not maintain your credential by paying the annual certification maintenance fees, you will no longer be certified. If eligible, you will need to reinstate your credential. You will only be eligible to earn CE once you have completed the reinstatement process. No CE can be earned for education programs completed or reported during your inactive period. If you are not eligible for reinstatement, you will be required to retest to be eligible to regain the credential. To do so, you must meet a current pathway of eligibility, submit an application with fees for review and approval, receive a passing score on the exam, and activate your certification within one year of passing the exam.
The CBDM made a policy change in January 2019 requiring CDM, CFPPs to meet all CE requirements (45 total continuing education hours, including 9 Sanitation/Safety CE hours and 1 Professional Ethics CE hour) by May 31 of the last year of their three-year recertification period. Individuals not meeting this requirement, would have their CDM, CFPP credential terminated. This policy was to be implemented as of May 31, 2020.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic and the unprecedented challenges that we find our professional dealing with, the CBDM has made the decision to postpone implementation of this policy. Therefore, current recertification policies will remain in place.
What does this mean for me? For individuals whose three-year recertification period ends this year, i.e., May 31, 2020, your certification will not be terminated for not meeting the CE hour requirements. You will automatically be placed in the CE Audit process. Notification of your selection for CE Audit will be emailed to you at the email address on file in your record. To avoid missing critical communications about required actions and deadlines, make sure your contact information in your record is accurate and current. Failure to meet all recertification and CE Audit requirements will result in your certification being terminated.
Watch your emails for updates to CBDM polices or other matters regarding the CDM, CFPP Certification Program. You may also contact CBDM at info@CBDMonline.org or 800.323.1908, select option 1 (Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CST).